The Hawks still need to put a team out there and not all the prospects are ready. The 2 - Marks are one year, low cost, one year contracts.

Hawks fans would like to think that Saad was worth more in trade then what they got but, rumour is that Bowman had been shopping him since the TDL and this was one of the better offers.

Saad may have been a top 6 player on this Hawk team but remember Torts eventually had him playing 3rd line minutes in Columbus.
- Rota's Rooter

The odd thing about Saad is it really didn't matter who you have playing with him, he's about a 25 goal 25 assist player. I don't know what to expect when Saad starts next year, maybe a good start to prove his worth but over the long haul you'll see the same Saad, even if he's paired with MacKinnon. I highly doubt we'll see him on the #1PP.

The odd thing about Saad is it really didn't matter who you have playing with him, he's about a 25 goal 25 assist player. I don't know what to expect when Saad starts next year, maybe a good start to prove his worth but over the long haul you'll see the same Saad, even if he's paired with MacKinnon. I highly doubt we'll see him on the #1PP.
- BetweenTheDots

I doubt he will get 1PP time too. He struggled to get that kind of PP time with the Hawks and that had been his biggest downfall for production with Chicago. He didn't make enough happen on the PP, he lost PP time, and he pretty much has to rely on his even strength production. If he was more effective with the man advantage, he probably wouldn't have been traded IMO.

Well Kubalik is a smart and tough hockey player. He creates plays behind the goal line as much as he finds the open soft spots in scoring areas. That was a golden trade. Looking forward to seeing Pius Suter. Cautiously very excited now that I think about it... beyond the other issues that have been taking up a lot of attention
- just69sayin

Very intrigued in Suter as well. Trying to temper expectations of him. As others have point out, he's likely somewhere between Kahun and Kubalik.

Industrious, fearless, skilled, competitive. Best guess is his high water mark is a 20/20 player but maybe start with 15/15 (in a full 82-game slate).

Great blog, better title!

I think it's a different blog and maybe one for another date, but I'd be interested to hear your take on which prospects you feel have real NHL potential and what their ceiling could be.

I know we've seen some scouting on a number of them over time, but like I mentioned it's fairly fluid. Injuries seem to have set back guys like Nordgren and Wise.

A guy who wasn't originally a Hawk pick, and was traded for or signed without much fanfare, Hagel (wasn't he drafted by BUF), has played his way into a bottom 6 opportunity possibly this year or next. Highmore already has...he was undrafted I believe and signed without much fanfare.

To me the good news is the Hawks are finding players that have NHL potential and some possible staying power. I suppose the bad news is that other than say Reichel, Kurashev and maybe Wise, most of our fwd prospects not already with the big club project to be bottom 6'ers.

Need those players too and there was a time during the Cup years where the farm system wasn't even supplying that.
- HawkintheD

When I start the blogs featuring the top prospects at F, D, and G, I plan to add in best case scenarios for projected ceiling and ETA to the NHL.

While there aren't any top 6 forward prospects beyond Reichel, the rest who are middle and bottom 6 players have the traits to play the right way with high compete and commitment to defense.

The Hawks still need to put a team out there and not all the prospects are ready. The 2 - Marks are one year, low cost, one year contracts.

Hawks fans would like to think that Saad was worth more in trade then what they got but, rumour is that Bowman had been shopping him since the TDL and this was one of the better offers.

Saad may have been a top 6 player on this Hawk team but remember Torts eventually had him playing 3rd line minutes in Columbus.
- Rota's Rooter

Not only that but he proved not easy to deal with when it came to contract demands, im guessing GM's looked at this and it lowered his value

Very intrigued in Suter as well. Trying to temper expectations of him. As others have point out, he's likely somewhere between Kahun and Kubalik.

Industrious, fearless, skilled, competitive. Best guess is his high water mark is a 20/20 player but maybe start with 15/15 (in a full 82-game slate).
- Theo Fox

I would love to see him steal a top 9 role. I just hope he has enough 2 way in his game to be reliable. I would think that would help push Nylander to step it up to keep a spot in the top 9 or in the NHL.

Kampf spent time in RFD too I believe. I made that same point in my last post and I think the difference, to me anyway, has been that we've gotten more glimpses of some of the farm hands and while the jury is still out they appear to have NHL potential (Carlsson, Beaudin, Hagel).

During the Cup years, I think really only Danault (2016) and later Hartman (after the window shut and no one told us) emerged from the system under Dent.

Edit - Quit editing and adding to your damn post Sage...you're screwing up mine!
- HawkintheD

The difference between Colliton/King and Dent is the latter couldn't get prospects to be ready to play in the NHL. The prospects just couldn't make themselves productive and relevant upon recall.

Now, when prospects get to the NHL for a cup of coffee or for a long stay, they are more ready to play in all zones. When offense is lagging due to adjustment to NHL speed, at least provide a solid forecheck and backcheck.

I looked up Hagel and answered my own question about him being drafted by BUF. In doing so, I found this interesting snippet in the Athletic (Powers) from Nov. 2018...

It’s that motor the Blackhawks noticed. Although it’s easy to recognize Hagel’s increased production this season — he was third in the WHL with 28 points through 15 games as of Friday — it’s the other aspects of his game that make him an attractive NHL prospect. He might put up some points in the NHL one day, but he’s seen more as someone who can impact a game without having to score.

Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman recently made a trip to see Hagel play in person against the Saskatoon Blades. Bowman didn’t mind Hagel scoring two goals in the overtime win, but he was especially impressed by the defensive effort Hagel put in against Kirby Dach, one of the top 2019 draft prospects, and how relentless he was throughout all zones.

“I think it’s really his style of play,” Bowman said. “He’s got a lot of points this year, but what I like about him, what we like about him, is he’s not just like a pure sniper or goal scorer. Most of the goals he’s scored is because he’s involved in the play. He’s a very active player. He’s like a busy player. He’s always in motion. He forechecks, backchecks. He’s got a quick stick. And he’s able to hold onto the puck, cycle the puck.

“But you’ve seen a lot of players over the years, some guys are just snipers where they don’t touch the puck that much, but they have that gift of getting open and scoring. He’s not really that kind of player. He’s a more involved player, which I think is important because they can play a lot of different roles on your team. He doesn’t have to be scoring every game to be effective. He was killing penalties. The game I went and watched he matched up one of the top kids in this year’s draft and really sort of shut him down that night. I think that’s the thing about him that I like.”
- HawkintheD

I remember reading that article when it came out but it's so interesting to read again because the example of Hagel shutting down some kid named Dach who I heard is supposed to be pretty good.

That analysis by Bowman is spot on. Hagel is just relentless and underrated defensively. The puck always finds him, too, which speaks to Bowman's point about Hagel just being involved in every play.

Hagel makes himself very useful when he doesn't have the puck. Contrast that with one-trick ponies like Skille, Morin, and Pirri.

I know he's gone now but Sikura was learning to be like Hagel and showed strides last season but got little chance to prove it. King taught Sikura that he needs to understand that he can still be an impact player if he's not putting up points.

The Hawks still need to put a team out there and not all the prospects are ready. The 2 - Marks are one year, low cost, one year contracts.

Hawks fans would like to think that Saad was worth more in trade then what they got but, rumour is that Bowman had been shopping him since the TDL and this was one of the better offers.

Saad may have been a top 6 player on this Hawk team but remember Torts eventually had him playing 3rd line minutes in Columbus.
- Rota's Rooter

Exactly! I'd rather they leave a young guy in the A until he's ready. There will be plenty of NHL vets that can be signed over the next couple of years for reasonable, 1 year contracts, as a result of the flat Cap.

There may be raised eyebrows how many prospects as rookies dot the Blackhawks roster in the waning games of a non playoff 2020 - '21 season.

I would wager there will be a pony express back and forth to Rockford especially happening after the trade deadline. The sooner we are clearly far behind in the point race, the sooner most everyone will get even a brief look. If at all possible. Players such as Kyrz, Entwhistle and Kurashev are touted and have one season pro experience already. They have made progress and even in a shortened AHL season, they could progress farther in development.

As for some of the recently signed prospects without pro experience, they would have to show quite much good compete and understanding of the pro game. Then they need to show progress on things they were working on. Think of Beaudin as an example from last season.

Bowman should want kids to be hungry and even a one game recall keeps all players hungry and on their toes. Prospects can be told, can receive and apply instructions but a real eye opener is to experience the NHL pace

There is expectation Carlsson makes the roster. Beaudin is first recall but i think Kalynuk might force a trade if he is good and a fast riser.

Could Mitchell, Beaudoin, Kalynuk all play at the same time as Boqvist and Carlsson. Normally three relatively rookie age dmen in the lineup is too much inexperience. But in the final games maybe it happens
- jhawk59

I like what I read and see about Mitchell and Kalynuk but will have to wait and see if they can translate their NCAA success to the NHL. Confidence is high that they can but also wouldn't be opposed to them spending time in the AHL first.

Yes, He does tend to have that glive a little lower than you'd like to see, I agree. Part of the technique I was talking about!

The other part being his push off his left foot, moving to his right. He doesnt drive as well that way for some reason. And he can at times stand up tonread plays and lift his stick a bit much. But as I said earlier, despite thilese things, he rarely gives away a soft goal.
- Feury

Great stuff, Feury.

What I like about Commesso is that he has the intangibles like composure, compete, and confidence.

The flaws like adjusting his glove hand and learning to be strong on both sides of his body can be taught so not worried about that.

Crawford also had a questionable glove hand yet backstopped the Hawks to two Cups within a multi-year championship run.

Thought the 4th line was best with Highmore and Hagel.

I know I'm not supposed to care about the 4th line, but a few of those nights, that was the most enjoyable time watching the team play.

Not a Kampf fan, so would like to see Entwhistle move into that role in the next year or so.
- vabeachbear

Entwistle centering Highmore and Hagel would be a killer 4th line. More offensive upside than the current ones with Kampf and Carpenter and without sacrificing defense and smothering style.

Hard to believe that Saad scored 31 goals playing 3rd line minutes with Columbus.

I would love to see him steal a top 9 role. I just hope he has enough 2 way in his game to be reliable. I would think that would help push Nylander to step it up to keep a spot in the top 9 or in the NHL.
- breadbag

While I'm not a fan of Colliton's style of outright stating that he would play youngsters over veterans even if the youngsters are struggling, I do like the competition that is being created with the influx of new players.

Put the pressure on the ones who are playing below expectations to step it up or sit in the press box. That I can get behind. Let your play or lack thereof prove your worth.

Exactly! I'd rather they leave a young guy in the A until he's ready. There will be plenty of NHL vets that can be signed over the next couple of years for reasonable, 1 year contracts, as a result of the flat Cap.
- scottak

This is why I like the one-year deals on the new players coming in. Yes, there is a youth movement but you graduate the prospects when they're ready.

Some just need one more season in the minors then will be much stronger to push for a spot next fall.

Bowman said he wanted flexibility and the one-year deals provide that. Locking in Saad and Crawford for multi-year deals does not.

I like what I read and see about Mitchell and Kalynuk but will have to wait and see if they can translate their NCAA success to the NHL. Confidence is high that they can but also wouldn't be opposed to them spending time in the AHL first.
- Theo Fox

Gotta be careful. Like a lot of people like to say, development is not necessarily linear. Bringing up defenseman early can be a tricky situation. Guys like Keith and Seabrook were allowed to learn on the job. If the Hawks are truly in a rebuild, then you can afford for guys like Mitchell and Boqvist to play on the big club and learn from their mistakes you just need to manage them correctly. Take a few recent examples, Seth Jones was a high pick and was inserted directly into the lineup. While he was OK offensively, he struggled defensively his first few years in the league, but given time he has developed into a top pairing d-man. Shayne Gostisbehere is another story, he exploded in the NCAA finals his last year and came into the NHL with only a handful of AHL games. He produced offensively but struggled to play D, and has not improved in his own end to the point where he was sent down or was healthy scratched. Was it too early? Is he salvageable? These are the questions to worry about.

Hard to believe that Saad scored 31 goals playing 3rd line minutes with Columbus.
- Angotti

I might be misremembering, but didn't have like 20 of those in the first 30 games or so that year?

And was very average from that point on?

Do you ever think the Saad decision really came down to him or Kubalik, when they look at contracts a year or two out in the future.

When I start the blogs featuring the top prospects at F, D, and G, I plan to add in best case scenarios for projected ceiling and ETA to the NHL.

While there aren't any top 6 forward prospects beyond Reichel, the rest who are middle and bottom 6 players have the traits to play the right way with high compete and commitment to defense.
- Theo Fox

Hi Theo, thanks for coming out with new blogs so often and encouraging participation with your topics. Stan is going to have to earn his pay and exchange some of these D prospects for top 6 ceiling young forwards, because as you stated, there’s not much there. Luckily we have Dach, Kubalik, Dcat, and maybe Strome already in NHL.

This is why I like the one-year deals on the new players coming in. Yes, there is a youth movement but you graduate the prospects when they're ready.

Some just need one more season in the minors then will be much stronger to push for a spot next fall.

Bowman said he wanted flexibility and the one-year deals provide that. Locking in Saad and Crawford for multi-year deals does not.
- Theo Fox

Remember at the height of the talent depth, after the first cup, they knew they'd have to dump players.

The idea was you would trade guys you couldn't afford for unproven youngsters, and 1st round draft picks the would over develop in Rockford, fill in in a couple years when the next set up players have to be dealt because of cap.

Rinse, repeat.

Somewhere, along the line, that over develop in Rockford plan went out the window, and its why you are where you are.

It could also why you won 3 cups, as you used those chips for guys that helped you win a cup, but I don't really think so.

Guys who played in Rockford for a bit and made it that I can think of off the top of my head; Danault, Nordstrom, Hinostroza, Schmaltz all have one thing in common...............................

I might be misremembering, but didn't have like 20 of those in the first 30 games or so that year?

And was very average from that point on?

Do you ever think the Saad decision really came down to him or Kubalik, when they look at contracts a year or two out in the future.
- vabeachbear

Nah, he was pretty consistent. Only 1 goal in Feb, but more or less 5 goals in each of the other 6 months.

I seem to remember Torts yanking him around between lines, but that may have been in a different year.

I might be misremembering, but didn't have like 20 of those in the first 30 games or so that year?

And was very average from that point on?

Do you ever think the Saad decision really came down to him or Kubalik, when they look at contracts a year or two out in the future.
- vabeachbear

I can’t remember what I had for dinner last night. There’s no doubt that the decision to trade Saad came down to money.

would you offer a 4 year deal at 4.35 for anthony cirelli via offer sheet?

that would be a 2nd round pick.

Hard to believe that Saad scored 31 goals playing 3rd line minutes with Columbus.
- Angotti

His 1st season there yes. By year 2 he and Torts weren't always on the same page.

would you offer a 4 year deal at 4.35 for anthony cirelli via offer sheet?

that would be a 2nd round pick.
- kmw4631

Hell yes. I'd either do Cirelli or Sergachev, take your pick. I actually think someone of his caliber and one more legit D could make the Hawks considerably tougher up the middle. A great foundation to rebuilding the team.

His 1st season there yes. By year 2 he and Torts weren't always on the same page.
- Rota's Rooter

Yup, in year 2 Saad saw 4th line minutes at times. Torts was not a fan for sure.