For the treats blog, it's been admittedly tougher to write. There won't be a list of ten like there is for tricks.
- Theo Fox

2020 just keeps on rolling ...

While I think Stan Bowman is diplomatic with his words about the core and how they fit in with the team, I don’t think Jeremy Colliton is as tactful and isn’t shy to outright say they may not be around.

Maybe Colliton is the bad cop compared to Bowman's good cop. Stan can play nice with the core during their Zoom conferences. Jeremy can play hard ass with them regarding in game decisions, playing time, and comments to the press with the objective to make them think about waiving their NMC's.
- boilermaker100

That could very well be plausible. Yet, I don't think it's a pre-conceived strategy that they mapped out together to each take a role.

I just think Bowman is naturally diplomatic in his words while Colliton does what we expect many coaches to do, i.e. just tell it like it is even if it ruffles feathers.

Not a bad thing at face value but it has repercussions whether Colliton realizes it or not.

Plus, Colliton seems to pride himself on being a strong communicator with players. Not sure how this helps his reputation.

Good write up THEO ! I share the same concerns that you have mentioned. I have an odd observation / question / suggestion
Last year, Strome proved he is better offensively as a center and not on the wing. But given all the players the Hawks have this year as potential third line center ... Wallmark-Janmark - maybe Suter .... maybe it would be possible to use Strome as top six winger ? Afterall, he was on the 1st powerplay unit at one time, with Toews. Do you recall when he played on the wing last year, who was the center ? Maybe on the right line, with proper linemates, he might be good on the wing ? His defensive liability at center would not be exposed ... and the third center would probably much better than Strome would be defensively.
- chuckdahammer

Strome played wing with Dach and Kane.

I personally would not move Strome to wing. His overall skillset is designed for him to be a playmaking center.

He's not the first or last center to skate slowly and have defensive deficiencies.

Yes, he should work hard to improve but having complementary linemates can go a long way to boost his value and contributions to the team, too.

Did we get a new blogger again? First it was another name, and then Tyler, and now Theo Fox? Confused......

Wanted to wait until UFA happened before posting again.....

1. Kudos to Danny Wirtz for opening up the communication from the organization down to the media and fan base. Seeing more and more why McEgo was axed as his "lock it down"mentality wasn't acceptable moving forward.

2. Interesting to hear Bowman take hard questions across numerous platforms in his media tour recently. I still don't think this team has hit the valley he keeps saying they are climbing out of. They don't have a franchise goalie or even a goalie you can hitch your wagon to. More so a band aid until they trade for one,draft one, or sign one via UFA. We will see how glaring that is when all those high danger shots are left to be stopped by AHL caliber talent.

3. Impressed they traded Saad, and love the return. Saad is a great player to have when your window is NOW. They can't afford to pay a guy 6 million+ a year who doesn't produce enough offensively. Love the big Russian D men they got back. Adds some snarl and size which they are lacking and makes Seabrook even more dispensable.

4.I also don't blame them for moving on from Crawford. Pretty clear if they were going to sign 1 to a LT deal last year, it was going to be Lehner given his age and injury history vs CC. I hope CC does well in NJ and as one who never was his biggest fan it was great to see him flash some elite goaltending vs Vegas.

I saw a post on here about the Hawks getting back into the title picture. I just don't think that's a reality within 3 years. I think they need to trade Keith, Toews, and Seabrook as quickly as possible. I know all 3 have leverage and hopefully being the 7th d man most nights will force his hand to waive or go to Seattle.

Keith has value and a team looking for a defensive boost will surely look at him come the deadline. Even a team like Vancouver may be interested given their surprisingly run this playoff season.

Toews....is the tricky one. I don't see anyone taking him at full pop so eating a portion of his deal will have to happen.

The idea has to be to stock pile as much young talent as possible and the more top tier prospects they have the more likely multiple hit at the NHL level.

Feel this approach is 1-2 years far too late, but again.....likely McEgo hanging on to has beens to keep @sses in the seats as he used to do on the northside of town.

Strome played wing with Dach and Kane.

I personally would not move Strome to wing. His overall skillset is designed for him to be a playmaking center.

He's not the first or last center to skate slowly and have defensive deficiencies.

Yes, he should work hard to improve but having complementary linemates can go a long way to boost his value and contributions to the team, too.
- Theo Fox

I think if Strome was a top priority he would have been signed by now. Makes you wonder if hes quietly being shopped as I don't see a fit for him here. Not unless its a 1 year deal at a very low AAV. Otherwise, get what you can and move along.

While Colliton's quote could be read as one or more of the core being traded,

"And hey listen,
- scottak[the core] may not all be around for [being Cup contenders again],

it could also be read as Colliton saying that the core will be retired before the Hawks become SC contenders again.

Based on the current status of the organization, I think all 4 will be retired well before the Hawks make a SC final again, or even a WCF.

Yes, that could be one interpretation of that quote.

What has me thinking that Colliton isn't referring to retirement is that he also says "...that's part of the business. Everyone goes through that. There's turnover, there's change..."

To me at least, that is pointing at moving on from the team but it could still include retirement in some contexts.

I think Dach will never slump, because he gives his team terriifc value as an all around defensive players, regardless of point totals. As he get stronger and more adjust that will com.
- wiz1901

Compete level and defensive effort rarely slump for players who possess both in spades. So I can see Dach not slumping in that case.

Also, if the 2020 draft class is any indication, I feel this is where the Blackhawks are trending towards with prospects and player development.

Top-shelf talent is nice but a luxury and means little if a player doesn't compete or commit to defense. Look no further than Strome and Nylander.

Instead, the Hawks are going after players who do compete and defend up and down the ice. Collective effort by players like this can go a long way toward building a contender.

JFresh
@JFreshHockey
We talk about lot about turnovers, but whose giveaways end up in the back of the net?

In the past two seasons, one man stands alone:

https://twitter.com/JFres...20900695931998208/photo/1

I felt like more then once I remember Keith just giving up a play after a give away.
- kmw4631

Impossible. How is Erik Gustafsson not in the top 20?

I think if Strome was a top priority he would have been signed by now. Makes you wonder if hes quietly being shopped as I don't see a fit for him here. Not unless its a 1 year deal at a very low AAV. Otherwise, get what you can and move along.
- SteveRain

There are a lot of unsigned RFA's. Rumors are that there might be some offer sheets (Barzal, Cirelli, Schergechev) that could upset the world order. I think Stan is keeping his powder dry to see if he can be a vulture and pick up a useful asset(s) from a team that needs to dump salary in order to sign their RFA's.

Actually would love to see Stan offer sheet MacKenzie Blackwood at $4 mil. He would definitely be worth a second round draft choice and be the Hawks #1 goalie. My guess is that the Devils would resign him, but I don't think they want to pay him that much, with Crow getting $3.9 for the next 2 years.

The core four that is still intact know more about hockey than any and all of us...they KNOW that this club is only any outside contender and that is with additional improvements and lots of puck luck.

So they have to come to that realization and decide what they want.

Sometimes (as we currently all know) reality can suck.

off topic as usual but WOW on this one...

So Arizona gets fined the loss of draft picks because they illegally interviews many prospects early.

I guess they never got as far as the 4th round offerings...

https://www.azcentral.com...lot&cid=twitter_azcsports

There are a lot of unsigned RFA's. Rumors are that there might be some offer sheets (Barzal, Cirelli, Schergechev) that could upset the world order. I think Stan is keeping his powder dry to see if he can be a vulture and pick up a useful asset(s) from a team that needs to dump salary in order to sign their RFA's.

Actually would love to see Stan offer sheet MacKenzie Blackwood at $4 mil. He would definitely be worth a second round draft choice and be the Hawks #1 goalie. My guess is that the Devils would resign him, but I don't think they want to pay him that much, with Crow getting $3.9 for the next 2 years.
- LAHawk

possible but I don't see any rush to sign Strome.

Yes, that could be one interpretation of that quote.

What has me thinking that Colliton isn't referring to retirement is that he also says "...that's part of the business. Everyone goes through that. There's turnover, there's change..."

To me at least, that is pointing at moving on from the team but it could still include retirement in some contexts.
- Theo Fox

I'm neither pro or con JC. I think he was very much the wrong guy to bring in if you were not tearing a veteran team down which is what happened. That said, I highly doubt he will be around next time the Blackhawks are contenders as well. I'm sure he's smart enough to know that so what does he have to lose telling it straight?

The core four that is still intact know more about hockey than any and all of us...they KNOW that this club is only any outside contender and that is with additional improvements and lots of puck luck.

So they have to come to that realization and decide what they want.

Sometimes (as we currently all know) reality can suck.
- wiz1901

100% agreed and I would venture to guess it takes 1 to break that damn in asking to be dealt.

Keith to me seems like the odds on favorite to be open to being dealt, having a cap hit that is moveable, and a guy who can fetch a decent return. Outside of kane, keith to me is a no brainer.

Seabrook likely goes to Seattle.

Toews....I think his deal will become the Seabrook once Seabrook is gone.

Like many others I just want a clear path...if you are committed to a rebuild then you tear it all down and acquire as many picks and prospects as possible to reload quickly.

I don't still dont' see that happening here......I like the return on Saad deal. Maata going makes sense. So does walking from Crawford after him wanting multiple years that likely blocks them from acquiring a younger, potential #1 goalie.

THere shouldn't be any untouchables on this roster as constructed. This team is likely 3+ years away from contending baring a string of perfect moves from Bowman.....and NO gm is that lucky.

off topic as usual but WOW on this one...

So Arizona gets fined the loss of draft picks because they illegally interviews many prospects early.

I guess they never got as far as the 4th round offerings...

https://www.azcentral.com...lot&cid=twitter_azcsports
- wiz1901

Three Stooges stuff you can't script that.

I'm neither pro or con JC. I think he was very much the wrong guy to bring in if you were not tearing a veteran team down which is what happened. That said, I highly doubt he will be around next time the Blackhawks are contenders as well. I'm sure he's smart enough to know that so what does he have to lose telling it straight?
- rpeters01

I saw Bowman allude to JC "Likely" being extended.

I think this is the savard coach move. You get a younger guy, unproven, lots of energy until you see you are close and then bring in the proven coach to get them into a contender status.

Did we get a new blogger again? First it was another name, and then Tyler, and now Theo Fox? Confused......

Wanted to wait until UFA happened before posting again.....

1. Kudos to Danny Wirtz for opening up the communication from the organization down to the media and fan base. Seeing more and more why McEgo was axed as his "lock it down"mentality wasn't acceptable moving forward.

2. Interesting to hear Bowman take hard questions across numerous platforms in his media tour recently. I still don't think this team has hit the valley he keeps saying they are climbing out of. They don't have a franchise goalie or even a goalie you can hitch your wagon to. More so a band aid until they trade for one,draft one, or sign one via UFA. We will see how glaring that is when all those high danger shots are left to be stopped by AHL caliber talent.

3. Impressed they traded Saad, and love the return. Saad is a great player to have when your window is NOW. They can't afford to pay a guy 6 million+ a year who doesn't produce enough offensively. Love the big Russian D men they got back. Adds some snarl and size which they are lacking and makes Seabrook even more dispensable.

4.I also don't blame them for moving on from Crawford. Pretty clear if they were going to sign 1 to a LT deal last year, it was going to be Lehner given his age and injury history vs CC. I hope CC does well in NJ and as one who never was his biggest fan it was great to see him flash some elite goaltending vs Vegas.

I saw a post on here about the Hawks getting back into the title picture. I just don't think that's a reality within 3 years. I think they need to trade Keith, Toews, and Seabrook as quickly as possible. I know all 3 have leverage and hopefully being the 7th d man most nights will force his hand to waive or go to Seattle.

Keith has value and a team looking for a defensive boost will surely look at him come the deadline. Even a team like Vancouver may be interested given their surprisingly run this playoff season.

Toews....is the tricky one. I don't see anyone taking him at full pop so eating a portion of his deal will have to happen.

The idea has to be to stock pile as much young talent as possible and the more top tier prospects they have the more likely multiple hit at the NHL level.

Feel this approach is 1-2 years far too late, but again.....likely McEgo hanging on to has beens to keep @sses in the seats as he used to do on the northside of town.
- SteveRain

Hey, Steve, welcome back! Yes, I started as the Blackhawks blogger here in early September.

Your ponts are pretty much spot on. Particularly with the Saad trade, I didn't like it at first but slowly warmed up to it.

I've always liked Zadorov, just didn't think Saad would be the piece to snag him.

100% agreed and I would venture to guess it takes 1 to break that damn in asking to be dealt.

Keith to me seems like the odds on favorite to be open to being dealt, having a cap hit that is moveable, and a guy who can fetch a decent return. Outside of kane, keith to me is a no brainer.

Seabrook likely goes to Seattle.

Toews....I think his deal will become the Seabrook once Seabrook is gone.

Like many others I just want a clear path...if you are committed to a rebuild then you tear it all down and acquire as many picks and prospects as possible to reload quickly.

I don't still dont' see that happening here......I like the return on Saad deal. Maata going makes sense. So does walking from Crawford after him wanting multiple years that likely blocks them from acquiring a younger, potential #1 goalie.

THere shouldn't be any untouchables on this roster as constructed. This team is likely 3+ years away from contending baring a string of perfect moves from Bowman.....and NO gm is that lucky.
- SteveRain

Only by trade I don't think Seattle will be dumb enough to eat his whole deal there are better ways to get to the cap floor. Vegas's problem quickly became the ceiling not the floor.

I'm neither pro or con JC. I think he was very much the wrong guy to bring in if you were not tearing a veteran team down which is what happened. That said, I highly doubt he will be around next time the Blackhawks are contenders as well. I'm sure he's smart enough to know that so what does he have to lose telling it straight?
- rpeters01

That's a good point. If Colliton has a reputation of being a development coach, then it's in his best interest to enhance his job security by coaching a team of players he can develop and strategize with development in mind, not tending to the here and now which is what the veterans tend to focus on.

I feel he has more freedom now to get what he wants and needs and isn't shy to express that. Again, whether he realizes it or not, what he says and does have repercussions.

Yes, he may not care about ticking off the core but the youngsters also look up to them and may not take too kindly of their coach treating the veterans as expendables or as malcontents.

Hey, Steve, welcome back! Yes, I started as the Blackhawks blogger here in early September.

Your ponts are pretty much spot on. Particularly with the Saad trade, I didn't like it at first but slowly warmed up to it.

I've always liked Zadorov, just didn't think Saad would be the piece to snag him.
- Theo Fox

WElcome....look forward to your posts and blogs.

God speeds with this group.......

I saw Bowman allude to JC "Likely" being extended.

I think this is the savard coach move. You get a younger guy, unproven, lots of energy until you see you are close and then bring in the proven coach to get them into a contender status.
- SteveRain

See Rick Renteria, err, twice...

100% agreed and I would venture to guess it takes 1 to break that damn in asking to be dealt.

Keith to me seems like the odds on favorite to be open to being dealt, having a cap hit that is moveable, and a guy who can fetch a decent return. Outside of kane, keith to me is a no brainer.

Seabrook likely goes to Seattle.

Toews....I think his deal will become the Seabrook once Seabrook is gone.

Like many others I just want a clear path...if you are committed to a rebuild then you tear it all down and acquire as many picks and prospects as possible to reload quickly.

I don't still dont' see that happening here......I like the return on Saad deal. Maata going makes sense. So does walking from Crawford after him wanting multiple years that likely blocks them from acquiring a younger, potential #1 goalie.

THere shouldn't be any untouchables on this roster as constructed. This team is likely 3+ years away from contending baring a string of perfect moves from Bowman.....and NO gm is that lucky.
- SteveRain

I think Dach is untouchable, but after that, I agree with you.

New ownership, change of general manager or not, the Arizona Coyotes are a mess

https://www.tsn.ca/arizon...th-disabilities-1.1544092
- LAHawk

25 hours of community service? WTF?

JFresh
@JFreshHockey
We talk about lot about turnovers, but whose giveaways end up in the back of the net?

In the past two seasons, one man stands alone:

https://twitter.com/JFres...20900695931998208/photo/1

I felt like more then once I remember Keith just giving up a play after a give away.
- kmw4631

Well, he also logs much more ice time than those below him, so if you correlated the TOs with TOI, DK wouldn't be near the top. It's the same reason a goalie ranks 7th.

Well, he also logs much more ice time than those below him, so if you correlated the TOs with TOI, DK wouldn't be near the top. It's the same reason a goalie ranks 7th.
- scottak

It happened 4 years ago well before the pc police changed everything also he was 16 at the time still a minor in a lot of places probably more the victim speaking out vs someone being able to just find the info. Odds are against him every making it to the nhl almost surprising that AZ didn’t just cut or renounce there rights on him