True, but all we have is the evidence to date which shows Keith, Seabrook, Murphy and deHaan still on the roster. In the best case scenario the main pieces of the rebuilt team will be in place for the 2023 season but probably more realistically by the 2024 season. None of those guys will be on the team in 2024 or if they are they won't be key pieces. Playing them in 2021 serves only one purpose - keeping the ship afloat while the kids get experience. Having all 4 of those guys in the lineup on a regular basis in 2021 does not serve the mission.
- EbonyRaptor

Not so easy to get rid of 3 out of 4 of those guys. If you have to pay for them may as well keep them. And we're definitely not sending prospects or draft choices with them to make them go away. Besides his no trade I don't think Keith is worth 10% of what some think he's worth. Who's going to send something cheap and good for an almost 38 year old with a $5+ cap hit in this environment? If a cup team probably get a late #2 pick - see Lehner.

The players chose to owe the owners that money. Otherwise the cap would be at $50 million (or whatever) this year and no free agents would be able to be signed. That's what happens when players agree to a 50-50 revenue split and then keep raising the salary cap even though the revenue doesn't justify it. They've been given bad advice by their union and agents.
- tazer_and_diet

I would have never agreed to 50/50 either and neither would the UAW.

The players chose to owe the owners that money. Otherwise the cap would be at $50 million (or whatever) this year and no free agents would be able to be signed. That's what happens when players agree to a 50-50 revenue split and then keep raising the salary cap even though the revenue doesn't justify it. They've been given bad advice by their union and agents.
- tazer_and_diet

More like $68 mil, the players chose to share in the profit, i think i could manage on 85% of a NHL salary. I actually think this is a fair deal for both sides. NHL does well players do well. NHL struggles they don't have to absorb the entire loss. It's not like they have to go to the players and ask for money back, the money is set aside like a tax into a 3rd party account.

Loved Desjardins and was actually supposed to be at his Stanley Cup party (one of his best friends is a buddy of mine) until the whole town of Linely, Ontario found out and I got bumped off the list.
- Tyler Cameron

Justin Lowe was invited

The players chose to owe the owners that money. Otherwise the cap would be at $50 million (or whatever) this year and no free agents would be able to be signed. That's what happens when players agree to a 50-50 revenue split and then keep raising the salary cap even though the revenue doesn't justify it. They've been given bad advice by their union and agents.
- tazer_and_diet

That rarely, if ever, happens.

Justin Lowe was invited
- I Am The Breadman

Haha.

I would have never agreed to 50/50 either and neither would the UAW.
- rpeters01

Sooner than later both sides are going to realize there isn't 32 markets that crank out profits or break even. And when that happens the number of 'good paying union jobs' is going to shrink by anywhere from 46 to who knows how many. RIP Florida, Arizona and maybe a few other revenue sharing pikers.

I would have never agreed to 50/50 either and neither would the UAW.
- rpeters01

I also think the players should get 55% or more since the owners gain with appreciation in their team values and get expansion fees, but the players did agree and now they are stuck with that agreement.

More like $68 mil, the players chose to share in the profit, i think i could manage on 85% of a NHL salary. I actually think this is a fair deal for both sides. NHL does well players do well. NHL struggles they don't have to absorb the entire loss. It's not like they have to go to the players and ask for money back, the money is set aside like a tax into a 3rd party account.
- BetweenTheDots

Thanks for the real number. It would have still be painful and likely the free agents would have had a really difficult time.

But if they would have full reconciled the books this year, the players would have had to pay the owners back. Essentially now the owners are giving the players an interest free loan.

Sooner than later both sides are going to realize there isn't 32 markets that crank out profits or break even. And when that happens the number of 'good paying union jobs' is going to shrink by anywhere from 46 to who knows how many. RIP Florida, Arizona and maybe a few other revenue sharing pikers.
- RickJ

Don't disagree. A highly "Socialist" system protecting the owners, think about that.

I also think the players should get 55% or more since the owners gain with appreciation in their team values and get expansion fees, but the players did agree and now they are stuck with that agreement.
- tazer_and_diet

I don't believe in salary caps. The only thing they do is protect owners from each other. Supply and demand. An employee gets whatever they can get.

Not so easy to get rid of 3 out of 4 of those guys. If you have to pay for them may as well keep them. And we're definitely not sending prospects or draft choices with them to make them go away. Besides his no trade I don't think Keith is worth 10% of what some think he's worth. Who's going to send something cheap and good for an almost 38 year old with a $5+ cap hit in this environment? If a cup team probably get a late #2 pick - see Lehner.
- rpeters01

I'm not advocating the Hawks get rid of more than one of those guys before the 2021 season (preferably deHaan). What I am advocating is that 2 or 3 young d-men are in the starting lineup every game (Boqvist, Mitchell, Carlsson to start with). Figuring Keith and Zadorov will be regular starters - that leaves 1 or 2 slots for Seabrook, Murphy and deHaan. The objective is for Boqvist, Mitchell and Carlsson get as many games under their belt as possible. If one of those guys isn't ready - send them to Rockford and bring up Beaudin or Kalynuk or Regula.

I'm not advocating the Hawks get rid of more than one of those guys before the 2021 season (preferably deHaan). What I am advocating is that 2 or 3 young d-men are in the starting lineup every game (Boqvist, Mitchell, Carlsson to start with). Figuring Keith and Zadorov will be regular starters - that leaves 1 or 2 slots for Seabrook, Murphy and deHaan. The objective is for Boqvist, Mitchell and Carlsson get as many games under their belt as possible. If one of those guys isn't ready - send them to Rockford and bring up Beaudin or Kalynuk or Regula.
- EbonyRaptor

In general, I agree with your sentiment, but if the youngsters don’t show that they are ready for it, you don’t put them in that position.

The more I look at the games last year, Boqvist should not have been called up. I get why they did it, but he was not ready. Putting guys in situations they aren’t ready for doesn’t help them progress.

On the “2020 never ceases to shock me” list, Patrick Kane III was born a week ago

https://twitter.com/88pka.../1329607176076357640?s=21

2038 draft, here we come!

In general, I agree with your sentiment, but if the youngsters don’t show that they are ready for it, you don’t put them in that position.

The more I look at the games last year, Boqvist should not have been called up. I get why they did it, but he was not ready. Putting guys in situations they aren’t ready for doesn’t help them progress.
- Chunk

He was not ready; he struggled as expected and most part is due to strength. With strength he is a more confidant, engaging in all situations. He would then be ready to advance to the next step. Experience defensively still coming but he is coming along fine as soon as he gets strong "enough." When (if) he gets to the stage where he is scoring clutch goals and displaying his great offensive ability, then we just hope for no concussions.

I foresee depth in the offensive role as #2 & $3 pair mail carrier and primary offensive producer on those pairs. Behind Boqvist for the two spots are zBeaudin, Kaylnuk and Kyrs. Probably in that order. Rogula needs to get stronger and a year experience. A akfvseasin probably not enough. He needs the following season too in AHL.

In two years let us see whom has been deleted from the blueline and whom development has been good.

The key is Mitchell solid first pair and Boqvist solid second pair. Carlsson is ideal on one of the pairs as well. How steady will Zadorov become. The hope is he will be solid. The expectation maybe not quite Rock solid but pretty good. Tendency to be out of position with checking perhaps.

Going into 2021draft I would still target first priority a two way dman (you cannot pass on this style dman especially if rated a top ten choice). Probably should go for goaltender, then center/forward after that

What we actually draft is dependent upon whom is available. We may draft for what I see as secondary or third more pressing need, position payed, ifvwr go after best player available our choice. Ideally a top five lottery and able to secure a second top fifteen first round. Then you get the goaltender or forward. Presently wiz has the top rated forward, as many as four dmen in top ten, a goaltender and a bunch if centers in top 15 -20.

He was not ready; he struggled as expected and most part is due to strength. With strength he is a more confidant, engaging in all situations. He would then be ready to advance to the next step. Experience defensively still coming but he is coming along fine as soon as he gets strong "enough." When (if) he gets to the stage where he is scoring clutch goals and displaying his great offensive ability, then we just hope for no concussions.

I foresee depth in the offensive role as #2 & $3 pair mail carrier and primary offensive producer on those pairs. Behind Boqvist for the two spots are zBeaudin, Kaylnuk and Kyrs. Probably in that order. Rogula needs to get stronger and a year experience. A akfvseasin probably not enough. He needs the following season too in AHL.

In two years let us see whom has been deleted from the blueline and whom development has been good.

The key is Mitchell solid first pair and Boqvist solid second pair. Carlsson is ideal on one of the pairs as well. How steady will Zadorov become. The hope is he will be solid. The expectation maybe not quite Rock solid but pretty good. Tendency to be out of position with checking perhaps.

Going into 2021draft I would still target first priority a two way dman (you cannot pass on this style dman especially if rated a top ten choice). Probably should go for goaltender, then center/forward after that

What we actually draft is dependent upon whom is available. We may draft for what I see as secondary or third more pressing need, position payed, ifvwr go after best player available our choice. Ideally a top five lottery and able to secure a second top fifteen first round. Then you get the goaltender or forward. Presently wiz has the top rated forward, as many as four dmen in top ten, a goaltender and a bunch if centers in top 15 -20.
- jhawk59

I don't expect there to be much of an AHL in '21. We're having a hard enough time getting the "televised" league going.

New blog! A look at how the recent eye-popping plays by Kirby Dach and Yaroslav Askarov that went viral can remind the Blackhawks what really to focus on in order to be a stronger team.

https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=108400