Theo Fox: Hanging Chad
A look at challenging the Blackhawks youngsters to play in situations that they’re going to have to succeed in sooner or later in order to prove their worth in the NHL. Is that the best strategy during a youth movement?

Interesting points Theo...seems like more of a long-term strategy. Might be OK for this year which for the Hawks is a throw-away year, but would think the vets do not like it.

Then maybe the vets, high salaried and winners of three cups already, should get involved and help mentor the kids. If they want to play for a cup again anytime soon then they should waive sooner than later. Getting picks and prospects is better for both player and team rather than having a cranky veteran player hanging around. That's assuming management actually does get picks and prospects as opposed to just dumping salary.

My takeaway...Nylander is a waste.

+1 on the Nylander assessment. All this tells me is that Colliton should be in Rockford preparing the young kids for the NHL. Not in the NHL preparing the young kids for the NHL.

Though this strategy interestingly gives Stanbo tons of air cover for bad trades, bad player assessments, etc.

Thanks Theo - Youngsters and vets need to be open to change. Since you mentioned Gus, I saw a post on facebook from the NHL about the Flyers and signing Gus to bolster their back end. Which Eric Gustafsson have they been watching?

Nylander seems to be like I am at golf. I am a great range player, but on the actual course, I can't seem to pull it off. Nylander showed great in the pre-season, then in the mini-training camp, he was supposedly flying around the ice. During the games he occasionally shows why he was the eighth overall choice, and at other times you wouldn't care if he was given a ticket to RFD. Might as well have a "prove it to me line" next season of Strome, Nylander, and Janmark. My guess is when Strome does sign it will be for one year. This whole line will be UFA/RFA after next season. If the 3 don't work out, easy decision as to what to do with them

Enough about DeBrincat's scoring woes. He had his normal amount of SOG per game, they just didn't go in, as his shooting % cratered. Some bad puck luck, a few great saves, etc. Unless he stops shooting, his goals will return to the mean this season.

I seem to remember Hossa had a down goal scoring season a few back, and everyone wrote him off. He rebounded to his norm the next season.

As they say in MLB, they are what the back of their baseball card says they are.

Thanks Theo - Youngsters and vets need to be open to change. Since you mentioned Gus, I saw a post on facebook from the NHL about the Flyers and signing Gus to bolster their back end. Which Eric Gustafsson have they been watching?
- powerenforcer

They'll love a soft Euro in Philly.

They'll love a soft Euro in Philly.
- scottak

Hey now. Gus isn't afraid to drop em'.

Of course, like Keith Brown, he may be better off having his gloves sewn to his sweater.

https://youtu.be/_8CVeiWxdkw

Enough about DeBrincat's scoring woes. He had his normal amount of SOG per game, they just didn't go in, as his shooting % cratered. Some bad puck luck, a few great saves, etc. Unless he stops shooting, his goals will return to the mean this season.

I seem to remember Hossa had a down goal scoring season a few back, and everyone wrote him off. He rebounded to his norm the next season.

As they say in MLB, they are what the back of their baseball card says they are.
- scottak

Same thing with Toews a couple years back. Two straight years of around 10% shooting then rebounded back to around 15%. Oddly, last year he was back down around 10% but his assists jumped way up.

Is Krys really that good of a prospect? He always seemed to be a guy with a great reputation that hasn't really proven enough to get a solid shot. Almost every comment I've heard about him is "he's coming along". Could it be that he just has the same skill set as many other guys in the system, but is not seen as comparable or a better option?

I haven't really seen him in any game action, so I don't have a lot of experience to go one here.

Anthony Mantha 4 years $5.7mil. AAV

So funny Theo, I was just thinking to myself, "Theo is much higher on Krys than I am, maybe I should follow him closer."

... then BOOM you have a Chad Krys article.

I like what you laid out in this blog.

I also listened to the Adrian Aucoin interview on the NBC Chicago podcast this morning. He mentioned something that I think would make for a great article.

When Dale Tallon was constructing the team when Aucoin was there (2005-07), Aucoin mentioned that Dale was determined to change (and amplify) the culture in the Hawks dressing room by bringing in "character guys."

I used to write about this quite a bit so some of you will recall how big I am on character.

It would be interesting to dissect how the character is shaping up in Chicago and how the comradery of the younger group - Dach, Boqvist, DeBrincat, Strome can help shape how this team carries themselves on and off ice in the near future as they support the existing leadership.

Is Krys really that good of a prospect? He always seemed to be a guy with a great reputation that hasn't really proven enough to get a solid shot. Almost every comment I've heard about him is "he's coming along". Could it be that he just has the same skill set as many other guys in the system, but is not seen as comparable or a better option?

I haven't really seen him in any game action, so I don't have a lot of experience to go one here.
- Chunk

Krys may not have as high a ceiling as Boqvist, Beaudin, and Mitchell but he has a similar skillset to contribute as a minue-munching 3rd pair defender.

One thing that would benefit Krys is if he kept plays simple. When he focuses on taking care of the D zone first, he is rather effective.

He starts running into problems when he tries to play fancy. If he applies smart fundamentals consistently, he'll be fine.

Instead, just lock it down defensively then start smooth transitions out with a crisp pass out or carry the puck himself with his excellent skating.

So funny Theo, I was just thinking to myself, "Theo is much higher on Krys than I am, maybe I should follow him closer."

... then BOOM you have a Chad Krys article.

I like what you laid out in this blog.

I also listened to the Adrian Aucoin interview on the NBC Chicago podcast this morning. He mentioned something that I think would make for a great article.

When Dale Tallon was constructing the team when Aucoin was there (2005-07), Aucoin mentioned that Dale was determined to change (and amplify) the culture in the Hawks dressing room by bringing in "character guys."

I used to write about this quite a bit so some of you will recall how big I am on character.

It would be interesting to dissect how the character is shaping up in Chicago and how the comradery of the younger group - Dach, Boqvist, DeBrincat, Strome can help shape how this team carries themselves on and off ice in the near future as they support the existing leadership.
- Tyler Cameron

Thanks for the tip on the Aucoin interview. I'll check it out!

When Tallon assembled that 2005-06 team, you're right how character was the buzzword he said repeatedly and why we saw not only Aucoin but also Lapointe, Barnaby, Brown, and Cullimore on top of his crown jewel Khabibulin.

The recent interviews by Bowman and Colliton have alluded to changing the character of the team. I'll take a closer gander at this.

Is Krys really that good of a prospect? He always seemed to be a guy with a great reputation that hasn't really proven enough to get a solid shot. Almost every comment I've heard about him is "he's coming along". Could it be that he just has the same skill set as many other guys in the system, but is not seen as comparable or a better option?

I haven't really seen him in any game action, so I don't have a lot of experience to go one here.
- Chunk

I will admit, though, that I don't think Krys gets his shot at the NHL with the Hawks. Management seems higher on other D prospects so he may be on the outside looking in and become trade bait.

However, management seems to be placing Kalynuk on a pedastel without seeing him in action at the pro level. Who knows, Kalynuk could flop and Krys could continue to improve.

I will admit, though, that I don't think Krys gets his shot at the NHL with the Hawks. Management seems higher on other D prospects so he may be on the outside looking in and become trade bait.

However, management seems to be placing Kalynuk on a pedastel without seeing him in action at the pro level. Who knows, Kalynuk could flop and Krys could continue to improve.
- Theo Fox

Yeah, I don't know how/why Kalynuk ascended so quickly. It will be interesting to see how all the young D-men show in camp and separate themselves. My only hope is that if a guy clearly outplays a "name" prospect the he actually gets the shot. If Mitchell, Kalynuk, and Carlsson all clearly outplay Boqvist, then let 27 play every day in all situations in the AHL.

Yeah, I don't know how/why Kalynuk ascended so quickly. It will be interesting to see how all the young D-men show in camp and separate themselves. My only hope is that if a guy clearly outplays a "name" prospect the he actually gets the shot. If Mitchell, Kalynuk, and Carlsson all clearly outplay Boqvist, then let 27 play every day in all situations in the AHL.
- Chunk

This! The playoffs were enough for me to think he needs some time in Rockford.

This! The playoffs were enough for me to think he needs some time in Rockford.
- tvetter

Vegas makes a lot of D-men look tentative. I'm just saying that if he isn't at a minimum even with the other guys, he should be marinating. If the other guys aren't better, I have no issue with him getting NHL experience.

Or showed Boquist what it takes to play big boy hockey, and he knows what to expect this year. Plus if he is paired with Zadorov, he doesn't have to defer to Keith and can do what he does best, and he has the body guard in Zadorov.

Or showed Boquist what it takes to play big boy hockey, and he knows what to expect this year. Plus if he is paired with Zadorov, he doesn't have to defer to Keith and can do what he does best, and he has the body guard in Zadorov.
- LAHawk

Pairing Boqvist with Zadorov will be a beneficial decision if all goes according to plan. Boqvist still needs to commit to defense but having a protector in Zadorov may be just what he needs to boost confidence to show off his wheeling and dealing.

Seguin and Bishop both out 5 months for surgeries and scheduled to return in April.

Pairing Boqvist with Zadorov will be a beneficial decision if all goes according to plan. Boqvist still needs to commit to defense but having a protector in Zadorov may be just what he needs to boost confidence to show off his wheeling and dealing.
- Theo Fox

I'm not saying he is great by any means, but Zadorov is not just a lunk. He can actually play some hockey as well. I'm liking him more after seeing some more of his play. That pairing, if they ultimately are together, can be a unique combo.

I'm not saying he is great by any means, but Zadorov is not just a lunk. He can actually play some hockey as well. I'm liking him more after seeing some more of his play. That pairing, if they ultimately are together, can be a unique combo.
- Chunk

I would agree. Zadorov was attractive to Hawks management for a while and it's not just because he hits and has a nasty streak. They must see potential in him to play a more complete game.

If that wasn't the case, then they could've just continued to groom Gilbert as the enforcer to play alongside Boqvist. Interesting that Gilbert was included in that Zadorov-Saad trade.