Do you mean Newhook?

Colorado will likely be pretty formidable for years given the current roster and having prospects still on the way.

It will be interesting to see a redraft of the '19 draft in a few years. So far it looks like the Hawks chose wisely and will be interesting to see if Dach is able to build on his playoff experience to where he's around a PPG performer this season...fingers crossed.
- HawkintheD

My response is to address the Colorado roster and our own in the years ahead. Specifically, the compete level and depth

The current (or last ) Colorado Avalanch hockeybuzz column included remarks about what team weaknesses is of concern given the transactions which followed the end of the regular season.

Joe Sakic, the GM, probably was whom was queeried. The reporter asked whether team toughness might be a tad short

Sakic acknowledged the loss of the main tough physical dman in Zadorov. But he points out that E Johnson, Graves, and Cole are big boys who can dish out the phyical brand. Johnson though is often injured, according to the reporter. Sakic added, Maker is capable and able to be engaged in this manner as well. Furthermore, Sakic points out that some top forwards don' t mind sticking their nose in on the rough stuff. Raatanen was cited, and MacKinnon + Kadri certainly will not shy away.

As for Chicago, it is my hope and belief that a cadre of Rockford forwards are filtered into the NHL lineup. I envision both bottom lines should be capable of a strong compete, solid defensively and i especially like the skill level as a bit better than merely average. There is good skating from most,, a yapper and i hope Soderlund (and his style) makes the NHL

Ii feel strongly that the bottom lines could energize the team and result in rolling four reliable lines. I want Chicago to draft a physical able dman with their 2021 lottery choice so that we will have a good balance with all the talent forthcoming among the kids on defense. Ideal puck possession, puck movement from the dmen combined with strong play from bottom two lines = our strength = upends or takes the league somewhat by surprise.

Lastly, this call for a high compete level from Theo and echoed in blogger response ........is fine but we will also need to play the cycle game particularly should we get into the playoffs in the years ahead.

A Russian goalie... I can think of at least one poster who would lose their mind if this happened.
- DarthKane

Wait...he's Russian? Who knew?

We'll get JJ back.
- mohel

Haven’t won a Cup since JJ left

I am so pumped to watch Dach at the world juniors. He should be a major piece for team canada. Should get him off to a great start to the season. The other guy I am excited to see is going to be Askarov in net for Russia. I know he is not ours but I have seen him do some fancy stickhandling behind his own net and then clear the zone with a perfect outlet pass, not to mention a .964 save percentage in the KHL after 13 games. Looking so forward to the return of hockey.
- joegreif17

With the playoff runs, diminished first rounders and most late in the drafts, I dont think there has ever been a World Junior that we have watched a Blackhawk guy as one of the centerpieces at the competition...it will be fun.

Oh to have a Wayne Gretzky mint condition rookie card, very nice!
- BetweenTheDots

You wanna buy my Bobby Orr Topps TV set rookie card ?

I actually prefer to sell the entire set as a set - and have stopped looking for a buyer, b.c they all want to break up this last pre-expansion card set where all the original six still have the guys they "sacrificed" to expansion...

I bought ONE set of hockey cards as a kid, this one. Out of a Hockey News ad.

Didn't join til 2012, but from reading here it sounded like Al Cimaglia preceded JJ. Also, damn you Mo for putting that out there, as you know it will happen now.


- HawkintheDI mean that would be like the greatest thing ever and all, but still...dammit Mo!

Yep - I think you're right about it being Al Cimaglia preceding JJ. But, I was confused about it being HockeyBuzz that I first joined back in 2008/2009 timeframe - it was the Hawks main board I was thinking of with the old crew of Mikita's Helmet, Bob the goalie, and a bunch of guys that split off the main board and I lost touch with.

I was thinking about your proposal regarding Pacioretty, makes sense, but i kind of agree with LA that whatever deal was made was in conjuction with a Seattle deal to move Pacioretty to the Kraken, 3 yrs at $7 mil would suffocate this team since the cap will be flat, jmho
- BetweenTheDots

Well ... yes and no.

If the proposal you're referring to was Z.Smith to Vegas for Pacioretty and Krebs - then the Hawks can easily carry the delta cap hit between Smith and Paccioretty for the 2021 season.

Some additional salary cap moves would need to be done for 2022 and 2023 - but there are a bunch of contracts ending so I doubt it would be suffocating.

Haven’t won a Cup since JJ left
- Assman22

Don't I know it! They'll never win again without his return! A conspiracy theorist who reports fake trade proposals is essential to Cuppage.

He's probably very happy where he is, and hopefully Theo sticks around. He's light years better at this.

You wanna buy my Bobby Orr Topps TV set rookie card ?

I actually prefer to sell the entire set as a set - and have stopped looking for a buyer, b.c they all want to break up this last pre-expansion card set where all the original six still have the guys they "sacrificed" to expansion...

I bought ONE set of hockey cards as a kid, this one. Out of a Hockey News ad.
- wiz1901

I was never one to collect cards or comic books or anything like that. The closest thing i collected was albums, which i still listen to today. Over time my wife was like when are you going to just join the rest of the world and I'd just say nope i really enjoy listening to vinyl and will continue to do so. Funny what is new becomes old then becomes new again.

Well ... yes and no.

If the proposal you're referring to was Z.Smith to Vegas for Pacioretty and Krebs - then the Hawks can easily carry the delta cap hit between Smith and Paccioretty for the 2021 season.

Some additional salary cap moves would need to be done for 2022 and 2023 - but there are a bunch of contracts ending so I doubt it would be suffocating.
- EbonyRaptor

Well i think that would leave less than $2 mil for Strome? Is this Krebs guy that good? Is that Teply on the same line as Krebs? Imho that would still make things way to tight then they need to be.

Haven’t won a Cup since JJ left
- Assman22

Oh that's harsh!

Well i think that would leave less than $2 mil for Strome? Is this Krebs guy that good? Is that Teply on the same line as Krebs? Imho that would still make things way to tight then they need to be.
- BetweenTheDots

That is correct that Krebs and Teply played on a line last season in juniors (Winnipeg Ice).

Krebs is competitive and strong on defense while also offensively gifted. His ceiling is as a 1C but even if he doesn't reach top 6 level, he can still be a really good 3C who can produce around 0.50 PPG.

Looking at these World Junior rosters....not many Hawks products. Others, better teams seem to be better represented. Fair assessment, or no?

Looking at these World Junior rosters....not many Hawks products. Others, better teams seem to be better represented. Fair assessment, or no?
- mohel

Remember three Blackhawk prospects sent home as quarantine protocol due to someone in their program has it.

Looking at these World Junior rosters....not many Hawks products. Others, better teams seem to be better represented. Fair assessment, or no?
- mohel

Dach (Canada), Slaggert (USA) + Teply & Krutil (Czech Republic) earn spots.

Reichel (Germany) + Vlasic & Commesso (USA) ineligible due to COVID restrictions.

Saarela (Finland) injured before camp opened but was invited.

I'll have a more detailed look after the weekend.

Dach (Canada), Slaggert (USA) + Teply & Krutil (Czech Republic) earn spots.

Reichel (Germany) + Vlasic & Commesso (USA) ineligible due to COVID restrictions.

Saarela (Finland) injured before camp opened but was invited.

I'll have a more detailed look after the weekend.
- Theo Fox

Thanks, it looks better than I thought. Look forward to the blog.

Well i think that would leave less than $2 mil for Strome? Is this Krebs guy that good? Is that Teply on the same line as Krebs? Imho that would still make things way to tight then they need to be.
- BetweenTheDots

Good point. There would need to be other move(s). Details shmetails.

Quit Pumping Theo's tires. He is gonna get arrogant.

Been lurking and reading

Hope everyone is well. Except Mo.

Haven’t won a Cup since JJ left
- Assman22

Haven't been a ban either except for Sage. But he deserved it. lol

Dach (Canada), Slaggert (USA) + Teply & Krutil (Czech Republic) earn spots.

Reichel (Germany) + Vlasic & Commesso (USA) ineligible due to COVID restrictions.

Saarela (Finland) injured before camp opened but was invited.

I'll have a more detailed look after the weekend.
- Theo Fox

Assuming that most of these players would have made the team, where would the Hawks rank compared to other teams?
I know it's hard to tell because every team has to deal with the same COVID restrictions, but I would like to know if we have a proportional representation compared to others.

Quit Pumping Theo's tires. He is gonna get arrogant.

Been lurking and reading

Hope everyone is well. Except Mo.
- Elbows15

Good to see you peek in again, Elbows. Hope all is well in your household, too.

Assuming that most of these players would have made the team, where would the Hawks rank compared to other teams?
I know it's hard to tell because every team has to deal with the same COVID restrictions, but I would like to know if we have a proportional representation compared to others.
- tvetter

Let me see if there's any charts or articles that compare the number of teams' prospects who will be at the WJC. I'll add it to the upcoming blog if I find anything or if I have time to do a manual count.

Good to see you peek in again, Elbows. Hope all is well in your household, too.
- Theo Fox

I will be around once hockey starts again in a couple of weeks at WJC. Sucks about Reichel. Was looking forward to watching him.

Quit Pumping Theo's tires. He is gonna get arrogant.

Been lurking and reading

Hope everyone is well. Except Mo.
- Elbows15

Hello, ice hole! Good to see your snarling mug! Try to happy for the holidays, or at least eat and drink a lot.

Great blog Theo. You’re crushing it!

Looking forward to your WJHC blog and watching some baby Blackhawks play soon.

Also, sounds like Dach has a shot at being the “C” for Canada. Could be a huge tournament for him.