Hi Tyler. Hope all is well. Glad you still stop by and see the old gang.

I would think the loss of Dach/Toews gives Strome more leverage than he would have had otherwise. Stan seems to err more on the side of caving in negotiations than holding the line so it will be interesting to see what happens.
- EbonyRaptor

Hey EB! No complaints over here. I hope all is well in your world.

Of course, I'm always reading. I've just had a little more time to comment these days.

One would think Strome has more leverage now, however, if I'm Stan, I wouldn't cave to his demands. Strome and his new agent can demand all he wants, but the reality is, on a technical standpoint, he has no leverage.

He can accept his QO or sit out. However, I think Strome knows he's got a great opportunity now and if I were him, I would sign a 1-year deal for ... whatever ... $2-$3M per and then try to rack up as many points as possible knowing he'll be the 1C for the forseeable future and 2C at the very least for a majority of the year.

That would be the smartest thing for both sides to be honest. Then if Strome performs, he can cash in more next year.

Anyone know if Suter is more of a center or wing? Listed as C/LW on Capfriendly. Just curious
- Assman22

My understanding is that Suter has played a lot of C during his time in the Swiss league.

It may be a lot to ask of him to jumped into a top 6 centre role, but then again, he's being playing pro hockey for 5 years and has played on NA ice before.

Also, how sweet would a Kubalik-Suter-Kane line be? (Offensively, anyway).

He will be signed this week
- wiz1901

I think you will be right on that, Wiz.

As I just wrote above, Strome and his agent have to see this as an amazing opportunity for Strome to rack up points as the 1C/2C this year in Chicago.

I think you will be right on that, Wiz.

As I just wrote above, Strome and his agent have to see this as an amazing opportunity for Strome to rack up points as the 1C/2C this year in Chicago.
- Tyler Cameron

Troy Murray was on NHL Radio this morning and said Strome will be signed shortly. End of statement and no other comment.

And there will be some surprising names on the waiver wire before the season gets underway.

I am looking forward to the Blackhawks season, upcoming moves, new faces, and the reactions here.

Lot's that this one wonders:

Does the Jet's GM repay the past benefits of pats Blackhawk cast-offs and send Jack Roslovic to the hawks (and not Columbus) ?
I know one thing: GM Wiz isn't trading ANY DRAFT picks, but if give them a Lucas Carlsson, and a Krys, done....in other words, no risky deals.

There are enough pro players in the parent roster to fill the centre position, just not scorers type replacements. Pius[ b]Suter is Shaw-like in his ability to play all three forward positions and had some Shaw-like snarl, albeit from Europe with love.

Does Philip Kurashev turn out to NOT be the big wussy when the action gets intense?
(I love all you thinking good thoughts for him, but I still see the guy from junior who always backed down in the heat of battle.So let's hope there is fire there...)
Or is it "centre" MacKenzie Entwistle time for a look-see or Evan Barrett's time to audition?

I read the articles by Powers and Laz and they (in my opinion) expose them fro who THEY are...very similar and equal to many lurking here, not higher plane of understanding.)

I agree that this opens opportunities, more like reality checks for the farmhands.

And the idea that they have to improve amateur scouting...well, wasn't the Dach selection an indication that are pretty good judges?

Just use the deadline to get more draft picks (no matter what round) and get the team ready for expansion by way of the trade deadline; they should be able to make a=n understanding with the Seattler Kraken prior so that things are locked for 2021-22, except for where they select in the draft, and who they select. plenty of time to not stress badly on the present and get ready for the future.

BUT, after watching the complete World Junior Tourney schedule, there seem to be plenty of NHL teams (Ottawa, LA, Ducks, Buffalo, SJS, NewJersey, even Toronto, Carolina, Colorado, Nashville) who I my opinion have a lot more options with good upsides. That doesn't necessarily mean those kids are locks - just more chances to get the rebuilding right.

So, the emphasis should be less on surrendering draft picks and embracing the current NHL situation w/o panic and concentrating on more picks, and lots of new kids.

just sayin'

My understanding is that Suter has played a lot of C during his time in the Swiss league.

It may be a lot to ask of him to jumped into a top 6 centre role, but then again, he's being playing pro hockey for 5 years and has played on NA ice before.

Also, how sweet would a Kubalik-Suter-Kane line be? (Offensively, anyway).
- Tyler Cameron

I know that Saad and Toews/Kampf did a lot of the heavy lifting, but Kubalik has been part of lines that were notably above water on possession and were quite adept at shutting other lines down. Suter has played in all situations as well. I think that line would be a pleasant surprise defensively, while also driving offense.

I think you will be right on that, Wiz.

As I just wrote above, Strome and his agent have to see this as an amazing opportunity for Strome to rack up points as the 1C/2C this year in Chicago.
- Tyler Cameron

Exactly, the hawks might be more inclined to go longer term and it might be in their benefit...maybe a cap hit that is also movable, or a reasonable contract to keep if he puts up points and improves.
He is still a kid, too.

Troy Murray was on NHL Radio this morning and said Strome will be signed shortly. End of statement and no other comment.

And there will be some surprising names on the waiver wire before the season gets underway.
- RickJ

From the Hawks, or around the league?

I know that Saad and Toews/Kampf did a lot of the heavy lifting, but Kubalik has been part of lines that were notably above water on possession and were quite adept at shutting other lines down. Suter has played in all situations as well. I think that line would be a pleasant surprise defensively, while also driving offense.
- Chunk

Problem is, rather Kubalik play the right side to better maximize his shot.

Roslovic and Matthieu Perreault ($4 mil. one year left on contract and to make the money work for Winnipeg) for DaHaan. Get her done Stan.

Problem is, rather Kubalik play the right side to better maximize his shot.
- LAHawk

Yeah, Kubalik is a right wing not gonna bar a left wing.
He's basically a shot and does little to enhance a checking presence on that wall either.

Roslovic and Matthieu Perreault ($4 mil. one year left on contract and to make the money work for Winnipeg) for DaHaan. Get her done Stan.
- LAHawk

Raslovic getting a lot of mentions here. I don't recall much about his style of play. How is his skating and is he good defensively?

Prior to Toews and Dach news, I was hoping to see our young team play well, show signs of progress and win some hockey games. Now, I'm in tank mode. I hope our players develop, but I want the best chance at landing 1 pick possible and I'm sure that I am not alone.

Raslovic getting a lot of mentions here. I don't recall much about his style of play. How is his skating and is he good defensively?
- EbonyRaptor

Another pain in the ass to play against. High compete. Plus skater. More a playmaker than a scorer.

Prior to Toews and Dach news, I was hoping to see our young team play well, show signs of progress and win some hockey games. Now, I'm in tank mode. I hope our players develop, but I want the best chance at landing 1 pick possible and I'm sure that I am not alone.
- Hawkeynation

It’s the obvious course of action at this point, I completely agree.

Use the season to audition the kids and land another lottery pick.

If we could add yet another lottery pick and/or another top prospect(while also clearing cap space) by exploring trade options then I’m all for that as well.

This is the PERFECT opportunity to go full-rebuild mode.

Hey EB! No complaints over here. I hope all is well in your world.

Of course, I'm always reading. I've just had a little more time to comment these days.

One would think Strome has more leverage now, however, if I'm Stan, I wouldn't cave to his demands. Strome and his new agent can demand all he wants, but the reality is, on a technical standpoint, he has no leverage.

He can accept his QO or sit out. However, I think Strome knows he's got a great opportunity now and if I were him, I would sign a 1-year deal for ... whatever ... $2-$3M per and then try to rack up as many points as possible knowing he'll be the 1C for the forseeable future and 2C at the very least for a majority of the year.

That would be the smartest thing for both sides to be honest. Then if Strome performs, he can cash in more next year.
- Tyler Cameron

Is he a UFA after this year?

Thank you, Theo for this great read.
For the record, please put me in the column of liking 2021 much, much less than 2020.
Losing 40+ minutes of centerman ice time per game is impossible for me to comprehend.
- 35Tony0

Thanks, Tony.

I got your vote down for 2020 over 2021:

Great title and echo 35's sentiments...great read!

Agree with your points too. Don't use Cap Space to acquire anyone to replace any of these guys. Play the kids and weaponize Cap Space if possible.

Lost their best 2 centers so it's not like they're tanking on purpose. Might as well use this season to see what you have.
- HawkintheD

Thanks, D.

Forgot to add this to the blog since the term slog isn't a commonly used one. For those who need the definition, slog means either "a spell of difficult, tiring work" or "a forceful, uncontrolled hit."

Another good blog Theo, thanks. The Hawks will probably struggle to win games this year, however I’m looking forward to seeing some of the young guys step up, and some will, and I’ll be watching every single game so I can witness this growth from guys like Boqvist, Mitchell, Suter, and any surprise that comes along.
- Angotti

Thanks, Angotti.

That's what I'm looking forward to most as I watch the 2021 season. Watching the youth develop also makes watching the Rockford games that much more interesting, too.

Great blog Theo. Hopefully the next one is not:

Why did Dylan Strome not sign with the Blackhawks?

Term?

Money?

Hawks don't value him as a player?

All of the above?

None of the above?

2 of the above?
- LAHawk

Thanks, LA.

I'm glad I woke up this morning and didn't find my blog quickly outdated due to breaking news in the land of the Hawks.

Yep - exactly. HawkintheD has said it better than I could. Especially like the bolded.
- EbonyRaptor

I like how D used that phrase, too. Maybe this should be the new slogan after finally retiring One Goal: "Play the Kids, Weaponize the Cap."

Great breakdown, Theo.

I would have to assume Stan, Jeremy, and the front office have been trying to determine variables for these questions as well.

Knowing the Blackhawks, they’ll be looking for some good PR to be spin out soon, so let’s hope a Dylan Strome announcement comes out in the next couple of days.
- Tyler Cameron

Thanks, Tyler.

Agree, it would seem that there has to be at least one positive PR message or virtual press conference before training camp opens after this past week's barrage of bad news.

Thanks, Tyler.

Agree, it would seem that there has to be at least one positive PR message or virtual press conference before training camp opens after this past week's barrage of bad news.
- Theo Fox

Next press conference will be on retiring Chelsea Dagger.

Raslovic getting a lot of mentions here. I don't recall much about his style of play. How is his skating and is he good defensively?
- EbonyRaptor

http://sportsforecaster.com/nhl/player/11234

Scouting report on Roslovic. He's at right age,23, but I do not know what kind of $$$$$$$$$$$$$ he is wanting. we need to sign Strome first. Seems like good fit

Given al the injuries I think we (the fans) need to recalibrate our expectations for this season. Realistically, reaching the playoffs wasn't going to happen but I expected progress and the team would be closer than last season with the continued development of the young forwards and d-men.

However, given that the team has lost 3 top 9 forwards (arguably top 6) for an extended period of time it's not realistic to expect much improvement, if any. There are still some things to be positive about, like the development of the remaining young talent like Boqvist, Mitchell, Suter, DeBrincat and Kubalik. Also, how will the new additions impact the team - Janmark, Wallmark and Soderberg. Let's not forget the sideshow that is the Blackhawks goalie situation, it's possible (albeit unlikely) that one of the 3 youngsters takes the reigns.

I think Stan's done a decent job improving the overall team defense with Janmark, Wallmark and Soderberg. Those guys will be even more important now.

I'm expecting another draft lottery year with a realistic shot at the top pick. I'm not getting my hopes up about getting the 1st overall pick, but a top 5 pick is certainly quite possible and would have a massive impact on the team's long-term development.
- DarthKane

Soderberg, Wallmark, and Janmark may end up being the unsung heroes for the Hawks this season with their defense and compete level.

They may not move the needle much offensively but their style of play was the reason for their acquisitions and may prove to be astute moves.