I have to imagine it must be very frustrating when you draft Kevin Hayes and he never signs, surprised they didn't close this loop hole, so i get it when the other guys say no way in drafting a Russian in the 1st round, a real concern.

I see Adam, yes he likes to have fun, as a competitor. I see him wanting to be a better all around dman and he learned a valuable lesson in the playoffs and definitely see him being motivated to become a stronger harder dman to play against.
- BetweenTheDots

Boqvist's willingness to commit to defense and get better can't be understated especially after the Gustafsson phase. Any prospect who has offensive gifts like Boqvist are most welcome but would be even better with a well-rounded game.

They don't need to be defensive rocks. Just give a darn in your zone and defend first before anything else, i.e. your head shouldn't already be up ice if the puck isn't yet.

Good overview.

Another way to look at it is if whoever makes up the core or top-level of talent on the team need to have a supporting cast who compete hard every night and make it tough for the opponent to up and down the ice.

If the Hawks can get back to that impeccable work ethic and compete level at every position on the roster (and as cohesive units), then they should be back in the thick of playoff-caliber hockey.
- Theo Fox

Theo,
Yes Stan picked his words carefully. One thing I read between the lines is he potentially sees an ever evolving core but he won't be held hostage at signing time again just as Tampa was not with Stamkos. He'll play "take it or leave it," but he won't use up more cap signing players than he thinks is prudent long term???

Theo,
Yes Stan picked his words carefully. One thing I read between the lines is he potentially sees an ever evolving core but he won't be held hostage at signing time again just as Tampa was not with Stamkos. He'll play "take it or leave it," but he won't use up more cap signing players than he thinks is prudent long term???
- rpeters01

I really hope that's the case moving forward with the Hawks, too. If contract terms are reasonable, by all means, re-sign players who can continue to contribute at high level without handcuffing the rest of the cap.

Otherwise, cut bait early to maximize return. Don't ride them until their value is much lower on the market then you have to settle on returns. That should have been a lesson learned hard.

I thought about that recently that it shouldn't be out of the question for Boqvist to spend some time in Rockford. Even under Q, Gustafsson played half a sesaon with the Hawks, spent a full season with the Hogs the following year, then made his way back to Chicago the year after that.

Boqvist is of course >> Gustafsson but the point remains that I could see him mariinating more in Rockford especially if any of Mitchell, Carlsson, Beaudin, Krys, Kalynuk, and/or Regula prove that they're ready out of the gate.

If I had to select only two youngsters to start in Chicago for the upcoming season, it would be Mitchell and Carlsson.

Yet, I do like Boqvist's chances of improving his game at the NHL level with Zadorov as his partner to offer protection so he can open up his offensive game more (while not neglecting his defensive growth).
- Theo Fox

I know you have brought this up before and others as well, Boqvist should have been marinating in Rockford all of last year. There’s a reason why certain teams don’t improve even though they keep drafting top ten, they just don’t develop these high draft picks, they just don’t give them an opportunity to grow and learn at the AHL level. When they are rushed to the show, not only are they overwhelmed, the game is just too fast for them, they are thinking too much versus reacting.

I know you have brought this up before and others as well, Boqvist should have been marinating in Rockford all of last year. There’s a reason why certain teams don’t improve even though they keep drafting top ten, they just don’t develop these high draft picks, they just don’t give them an opportunity to grow and learn at the AHL level. When they are rushed to the show, not only are they overwhelmed, the game is just too fast for them, they are thinking too much versus reacting.
- Angotti

Something i learned a long time ago, there isn't one path to success. Many fail because they just aren't good enough. Certain teams draft top 10 all the time because frankly they just aren't any good at drafting unless its in the top 1 or 2 like Buffalo and Edmonton

Hughes had a much better season point wise but i saw him get completely man handled like Boqvist did vs the Knights so i don't think the Hawks ruined him, i have a feeling he's going to be a pretty good defenseman

I thought about that recently that it shouldn't be out of the question for Boqvist to spend some time in Rockford. Even under Q, Gustafsson played half a sesaon with the Hawks, spent a full season with the Hogs the following year, then made his way back to Chicago the year after that.

Boqvist is of course >> Gustafsson but the point remains that I could see him mariinating more in Rockford especially if any of Mitchell, Carlsson, Beaudin, Krys, Kalynuk, and/or Regula prove that they're ready out of the gate.

If I had to select only two youngsters to start in Chicago for the upcoming season, it would be Mitchell and Carlsson.

Yet, I do like Boqvist's chances of improving his game at the NHL level with Zadorov as his partner to offer protection so he can open up his offensive game more (while not neglecting his defensive growth).
- Theo Fox

Completely agree Theo.

Boqvist himself said he feels "3 years" away. He was with the Hawks a year later. He only got 15 games in Rockford and he didn't exactly dominate. Let him go down and have ample opportunity to continue to develop. There's no hurry necessary for him especially when we've got competing young depth that could fill that void.

Carlsson should be leading candidate to replace Bo. Carlsson's got nothing left to prove in Rockford and I wouldn't want him carried as a 7th/8th d-man.

I know you have brought this up before and others as well, Boqvist should have been marinating in Rockford all of last year. There’s a reason why certain teams don’t improve even though they keep drafting top ten, they just don’t develop these high draft picks, they just don’t give them an opportunity to grow and learn at the AHL level. When they are rushed to the show, not only are they overwhelmed, the game is just too fast for them, they are thinking too much versus reacting.
- Angotti

Nylander is in the same boat and so was Jokiharju. While it was cool to see him make the team out of camp in his rookie year, Jokiharju really should have spent a full season in the AHL first.

When he was demoted mid-season, he really wasn't happy to be in Rockford and it showed in his play. It took several games for him to get his head screwed on tight. Once he did, he was lights out with a side of swagger.

Completely agree Theo.

Boqvist himself said he feels "3 years" away. He was with the Hawks a year later. He only got 15 games in Rockford and he didn't exactly dominate. Let him go down and have ample opportunity to continue to develop. There's no hurry necessary for him especially when we've got competing young depth that could fill that void.

Carlsson should be leading candidate to replace Bo. Carlsson's got nothing left to prove in Rockford and I wouldn't want him carried as a 7th/8th d-man.
- TommyHawk

Yes, I rememember Boqvist giving himself a timeline as you pointed out. Good memory.

Reichel did as well stating 2 years. Let's hope he is held to at least that. Likely plays out this season in Germany than in the AHL next season.

Something i learned a long time ago, there isn't one path to success. Many fail because they just aren't good enough. Certain teams draft top 10 all the time because frankly they just aren't any good at drafting unless its in the top 1 or 2 like Buffalo and Edmonton

Hughes had a much better season point wise but i saw him get completely man handled like Boqvist did vs the Knights so i don't think the Hawks ruined him, i have a feeling he's going to be a pretty good defenseman
- BetweenTheDots

I never said that the Hawks ruined him, but yes now that you bring that up, that is exactly what happens many times when players are rushed. All players are different, some are more physically and/or mentally advanced than others. Do you really think that Boqvist should have been up last year? I’m a Hawks fan, so I’ll be rooting for him.

I never said that the Hawks ruined him, but yes now that you bring that up, that is exactly what happens many times when players are rushed. All players are different, some are more physically and/or mentally advanced than others. Do you really think that Boqvist should have been up last year? I’m a Hawks fan, so I’ll be rooting for him.
- Angotti

The concussion thing sucks, but who's to say that wouldn't of happened in the AHL. Did he look green out there, sure, even as green as he was playing better than Gusto already in his own end. I sure hope he hasn't been ruined myself. My apologies i figured that's where you were going with Boqvist.

It sure seems the Blackhawks believe the NHL is a place to develop players, every 1st pick they've had lately has been brought up quickly wonder if that'll be the case with Reichel.

24 days 9 hours and 6 minutes to the start of the NHL season

Courtesy cap friendly countdown

24 days 9 hours and 6 minutes to the start of the NHL season

Courtesy cap friendly countdown
- BetweenTheDots

Won't be good quality hockey since players won't be in shape.But with so many games crammed together in this ridiculous schedule, it won't be too long before they are in shape. And expect some injured due to pressing too hard while not in shape. Then there is covid still around as another reason to add to the missing in action crowd.

Maybe there will be an exciting tough playoffs like last season.

The concussion thing sucks, but who's to say that wouldn't of happened in the AHL. Did he look green out there, sure, even as green as he was playing better than Gusto already in his own end. I sure hope he hasn't been ruined myself. My apologies i figured that's where you were going with Boqvist.

It sure seems the Blackhawks believe the NHL is a place to develop players, every 1st pick they've had lately has been brought up quickly wonder if that'll be the case with Reichel.
- BetweenTheDots

No apology necessary, all good. Hawks are bringing up 1st round picks too soon, especially defensemen, both Boqvist and Jokiharju should have spent a couple of years in the AHL. To be honest, it’s pretty hard to be less effective than Gus on the defensive side. The only 1st round pick from the last few years to be somewhat effective in his first year has been Dach, and it took him 70 games to slow the game down and be somewhat comfortable in the NHL. Nylander wasn’t ready either, Keith was right to a certain extent, the NHL is not a development league, however a top pick does need to matriculate to the NHL after a couple of years, and then further develop his game.

I really hope that's the case moving forward with the Hawks, too. If contract terms are reasonable, by all means, re-sign players who can continue to contribute at high level without handcuffing the rest of the cap.

Otherwise, cut bait early to maximize return. Don't ride them until their value is much lower on the market then you have to settle on returns. That should have been a lesson learned hard.
- Theo Fox

You won't see players kept because marketing plans are built around them.

Hi Taylor. It sounds like you are just impatient for the Hawks to get back to relevance (which is understandable). Outside of Seabrook, the other large contracts on the team are all the best players, so they are not a detriment and the team is not necessarily "saddled" with them.

Rockford is stocked with any and all prospects that are eligible to be there. The FO has drafted and signed a number of players that are all expected to be plus, or at least valuable, players (Kalynuk, Entwistle, Mitchell, Suter, Barrett, Kurashev, etc). They would have a few more if some of their draftees weren't ready early.

I don't like a number of Stan's moves either. What I am optimistic about (probably more intrigued than anything else) is that Stan noted more than once that he will get to implement "his" vision for the team. That is probably a bit of a swipe at McD, but again, I'm more bullish on this team that I was before last year.
- Chunk

Happy holidays chunk. I'll agree that im a bit more impatient. What im upset at is a few things imo chicago did wrong . Loyalty is great however seabrook contract was the time when chicago needed a grownup in the room , also every trade we made who is here from that trade ?

Sure none of us know what was truly going on behind the scenes, we have wasted in my view the last 4 years trying to somehow recapture lightening in a bottle relying on a aged core with a bandaid lineup and a inexperienced coach using a system that doesn't match this teams level or lack of talent

Now that its been said I still think chicago is years away from knowing if these prospects will be the real deal.

When I referencetrading keith or Kane its merely the 2 players who can bring any reasonable return back.
[img][/img]

Key dates for the upcoming season:

January 13 - season start
January 16 - Blackhawks eliminated from playoff contention
April 12 - trade deadline
May 8 - season end
July 23/24 - entry draft
July 28 - free agency starts

Key dates for the upcoming season:

January 13 - season start
January 16 - Blackhawks eliminated from playoff contention
April 12 - trade deadline
May 8 - season end
July 23/24 - entry draft
July 28 - free agency starts
- DarthKane

Thanks for keeping us posted on key dates, but January 16th? You’re giving them too much credit.

@FriedgeHNIC

Training camp: 36 skaters and unlimited number of goalies

@reporterchris

NHL teams are required to carry at least three goalies at all times this season, between the active roster and taxi squad.

That settles it pretty much that Subban, Delia, and Lankinen will be with the Hawks leaving Tomkins and Morris in Rockford.

Unless they swap in Tomkins so Lankinen can start for the Hogs to get as many reps as possible in. The 3rd string for the Hawks won't get much playing time otherwise.

@FriedgeHNIC

Entry-level slide for rookies drops from 10 games to 7

Taxi squad details per CapFriendly (click on it to make text larger):

Taxi squad details per CapFriendly (click on it to make text larger):


- Theo Fox

Would putting Carpenter on waivers be worthwhile. He is not the future of the team. He is good enough to be claimed, especially with a taxi squad in place.
There is plenty of young forwards on the cusp of NHL ready or NHL look see. Two reasons to put Carpenter on waivers do not speak to his value; it speaks to opportunity cost and the cost of diminishing return:

Bring in a dman from free agency so as to have greater depth. This allows a prospect to play in Rockford longer period - of - time this season. This also means a decision on Seeler. Is he worth keeping around. Sealer and Carpenter gone plus perhaps no dman brought in means two other scenarios could unfold:

Trade for a bad contract

Allows Seabrook as veteran to choose as lineup addition throughout season. Not Seeler. Not Special K returneth. When injury illness or benching the replacement is either Seabrook (veteran) or a prospect

Muddied waters: Seabrook earns a job.

That is final: even should Seabrook play well and often, no team THIS SEASON can afford to take on his contract. Not until the attendance has returned back to normal maybe earliest guess is the trade deadline season after this. Even then if we have to surrender a highly rated prospect and or coveted draft choice, then Seabrook retires a Blackhawk. If Keith goes eventually then I prefer to keep Seabrook around as a good influence/mentor for the young dmen. Yes after one or two years Seabrook contract is less burdensome but by then he may not be as serviceable on ice.

Blackhawks managed to get into playoffs last season and best Edmonton before bowing out

Bears are 7Up 7Down and might make playoffs. But I wouldn't expect as easy a playoff foe as Blackhawks had in opening round. I also think you flip a coin and pray which Trubinsky shows up in a playoff tilt. Although Foles is a good bet to come off bench. He did "manage" a Super Bowl win but if Foles gets into a playoff game, it is in relief of Trubinsky.

Correct assessment? I am not as heavy following football as hockey

Won't be good quality hockey since players won't be in shape.But with so many games crammed together in this ridiculous schedule, it won't be too long before they are in shape. And expect some injured due to pressing too hard while not in shape. Then there is covid still around as another reason to add to the missing in action crowd.

Maybe there will be an exciting tough playoffs like last season.
- jhawk59

They train all year.
If some team is not in good shape, the hawks steal a game or two...

Would putting Carpenter on waivers be worthwhile. He is not the future of the team. He is good enough to be claimed, especially with a taxi squad in place.
There is plenty of young forwards on the cusp of NHL ready or NHL look see. Two reasons to put Carpenter on waivers do not speak to his value; it speaks to opportunity cost and the cost of diminishing return:

Bring in a dman from free agency so as to have greater depth. This allows a prospect to play in Rockford longer period - of - time this season. This also means a decision on Seeler. Is he worth keeping around. Sealer and Carpenter gone plus perhaps no dman brought in means two other scenarios could unfold:

Trade for a bad contract

Allows Seabrook as veteran to choose as lineup addition throughout season. Not Seeler. Not Special K returneth. When injury illness or benching the replacement is either Seabrook (veteran) or a prospect

Muddied waters: Seabrook earns a job.

That is final: even should Seabrook play well and often, no team THIS SEASON can afford to take on his contract. Not until the attendance has returned back to normal maybe earliest guess is the trade deadline season after this. Even then if we have to surrender a highly rated prospect and or coveted draft choice, then Seabrook retires a Blackhawk. If Keith goes eventually then I prefer to keep Seabrook around as a good influence/mentor for the young dmen. Yes after one or two years Seabrook contract is less burdensome but by then he may not be as serviceable on ice.
- jhawk59

There will be some additional player movement for the Hawks as training camp approaches on January 3. Strome is at the top of the list to secure and/or trade.

Others to consider are Carpenter as you pointed out as well as Smith and maybe veteran defenders like de Haan and Seeler.

Powers from the Athletic had a recent article about Koekkoek waiting for a new contract. His preference is to return to Chicago or be reunited with Maatta in L.A.

I could see Koekkoek being an option for the taxi squad which he admitted to being open to in the Athletic interview.

I'd much rather have Koekkoek than Seeler. If I were Koekkoek, i'd be thinking why is Seeler still on the team but not me. Koekkoek at least played in games where he and Maatta comprised the best D pair on many nights.