I had a neighbor that was a survivor as well, could not get him to discuss either, that was just a terrible fire. God Bless

Seems like that’s at least a little progress - “deferrals” is a major issue, but hopefully solveable.

In 2013, the 48 game schedule started on January 19 - the Blackhawkscwon the Cup on June 24.

I’d expect similar this season.
- StLBravesFan

The Hawks winning the Cup, or the shortened season structure?

The Hawks winning the Cup, or the shortened season structure?
- Chunk

I'd expect a similar 21-game unbeaten streak to begin the shortened season....

https://www.nbcsports.com...nt-sopel-previous-rebuild

I'd expect a similar 21-game unbeaten streak to begin the shortened season....
- StLBravesFan

By which team?

It looks like Ek got the same info that you did. 48 games looking very likely according to a few others as well.

Don't forget Hagel currently on loan to a Swiss team. Last I checked he had 14 points in 10 games.
- EbonyRaptor

Does that tell us the Swiss league is weaker than the AHL?

I feel rather strongly that I am correct about the statements below. I welcome any counter opinions but I feel it is difficult to come to another conclusion given that direction or mandate Bowman has given and which Rocky apparently supports

The only veterans sticking around the next two years are Keith, Seabrook, and Zadorov. The reason you trade Keith is only after two or more kids become competent NHL dmen. Keith is of course not the same dman but for this group he still slots at #1 pair and everyone else then falls into their slot. Keith probably remains a desirble top two pair level but he needs a reliable partner and a competitive team would do wonders for his attitude (*which he hides). Keith quite likely could rise to the occassionn and be outstanding in a playoff run given he is on a good team

Seabrook is stuck here. I suspect he may still be serviceable. We can afford his contract MORE THAN if it was even possible to dump him along with a top prospect or #1 pick. Please do not come up with Seabrook trade proposals. Nobody wants him or can afford him especially now while team revenue and the connection to attendance is an issue not going to be overcome for at least two seasons if ever the way things used to be

Murphy can go because he can be used to bring in someone who could be the future. Murphy is an adequate skater but he is too expensive when used in the correct slot (second or third pair) ON A REBUILD. Either Murphy or Zadorov fulfills the toughness.

Mitchell and Carlsson will develop as the two kids soonest as fair NHL dmen. Boqvist cannot be a major factor until he finds a way to handle the strength issue. Minimum one full off season of weight training and let us hope he remains concussion free.

Bowman is going to promote give opportunity as kids on defense show improvement. But actually it is going to be a revolving door for kids on defense....they keep developing or get moved out and another kid will audition. Bowman needs to draft a tough dman round one 2021 and he should be able to get one of the top five who can do this ...there might be five of them in the top twenty, four in top ten or top fifteen.

Beaudin is an interesting player but let us just see how well he can handle all aspects once he gets his opportunity. Beaudin definitely has some good things to offer and his progress, defensively, at Rockford is exactly what he needed and can build upon. Other dmen are too far away from a development point of view

I feel Kalynuk or Beaudin and ultimately one of them leaves. Unless they surprise as becoming really good and first pair for them is really not likely. Vlasic is whom to keep an eye on with his size and if his game comes together.

Really don't count on Kyrs or others. They would become a bonus if they come along. Rogula is a work in progress btw.

We would be ecstatic if Boqvist can get stronger and stay concussion free. We should draft a dman in 2021 because as top rated players available we really need some toughness style (ok maybe just one more as long as Carlsson and Zadirov is here).

This upcoming season is merely a transition time for the young kids we have on defense. I would love to see each of Boqvist, Beaudun and Kalynuk in same defense with Carlsson and Mitchell. For that to happen they each have to grade out very well. Still I take a tough nosed dman in '21 because you just cannot pass.

I like to dream Murphy and (+) to get a crack at a forward or goaltender also in '21 draft.

New blog! Presenting the Blackhawks edition of the HockeyBuzz sitewide blog series focusing on what each team’s biggest need is to be complete.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...Contest-Commit/284/108544