And the one with Keith spending time coaching Krutil. Hopefully we can drop the false narrative that Keith isn’t a great mentor to young players. Joki & Boqvist both had nothing but good things to say about DK.
- scottak

There would be no media without it.

Lets see how they slot when Soderberg arrives.
- LAHawk

yeah you're right. The lines will probably change as some players take step forward and hopefully no more injuries. Actually, if the centers are Strome-Soberberg-Wallmark-Kampf, that is not bad as a group. Strome the offensive center, has gotten slightly better on faceoffs, while the other three are better than him already, and do play a complete game. None of them have the face off ability and all around game of Toews, but if anything, not flashy but steady ... as a group

2 years, maybe? - Stanbo will leave Strome unprotected at the end of this season for the Seattle draft hoping Ron Francis bites.

Unfortunately for Stan, like Joe Sakic, Francis knows a hockey player when he sees one.

I don't know about that Rick he did trade then sign Darling to what i recall was a $4 mil per contract for 4 years. New GM came in and started trading players. I have to admit i did admire Barzal in the playoffs mostly due to his skating ability, but when you look at His and Dubois actual stats like FO%, turnovers they are actually pretty bad compared to Strome and he manages to score as much a they do, if he's working on his skating like Kampf did this kid is going to be a solid top 6 forward.

Btw Elbows Dubois has his stretches where he disappears to.
- BetweenTheDots

Offensively, maybe but always is putting in the effort defensively. Also, Kampf didn't have some magical gain in speed. He was NEVER slow.

Nylander, Toews, Dach....

Soderberg having trouble getting through immigration (did I miss Sweden being designated a “poop-hole country?)....

Seabrook and Barrett previously “unfit to play”....

Now Suter....

There are usually one or two who can’t quite get to camp on time for various reasons - but this is now 6 (plus Barrett) who should be players on January 13.

It’s going to be a strange season.
- StLBravesFan

I wonder if the immigration thing has something to do with being on a new team. Kapanen with Pitt has the same trouble, but they are saying that he may even miss a couple games.

Keith showing Krutil the ropes between drills. That's good mentorship right there.

https://t.co/L8ViJddfVC
- Theo Fox

It was actually after practice which makes it even more revealing. He was really working the kid. Asking him questions. That has to feel good for Krutil. Just comes off of the WJC and a future HoF'er is out there working with you.

Always said being a Hawk means something to Keith.

Here's an image of the Penguins helmets with sponsor logo on it. Very gawdy and exactly what people don't want to see.

The Devils and Capitals did a much better job with inserting sponsor logos and blending of colors.






- Theo Fox

Meh. I can live with that. I recall the uproar over adson the boards. Now, the old time games without look weird. Just as long as they don't go all Euro on the unis. So much of hockey is about the unis, IMO

I wonder if the immigration thing has something to do with being on a new team. Kapanen with Pitt has the same trouble, but they are saying that he may even miss a couple games.
- Chunk

Prolly has more to do with him letting his visa lapse and Sweden being a mess because of their decision to go herd immunity.

"unfit" has meant some sort of exposure to the virus in other sports. Could be the NHL is using the same guidelines?

Prolly has more to do with him letting his visa lapse and Sweden being a mess because of their decision to go herd immunity.

"unfit" has meant some sort of exposure to the virus in other sports. Could be the NHL is using the same guidelines?
- Elbows15

I guess I'd lean on it being more of a visa thing then. Sweden is in a better position than Czech and Switzerland and I've not heard of any players coming back from there having an issue (although, maybe Suter?).

It’s not that I don’t like Strome as a player and have my hopes he crushes it this year.....

However......

I can see a .75 ppg which would be good...

At the same time leading not only the hawks but the league in +\-....(minus).....

Which would not be good....

Exhale......

Suter has been working out with the team today but not on ice. Now he has been tagged as unfit to play.

Seabrook and Barratt began camp as unfit to play.
- Theo Fox

There is always covid???

While I don't know the details for why Soderberg is having immigration problems - it is a pet peeve of mine when adults who know when they have to be somewhere can't make it on time because of immigration problems. I'm not suggesting the immigration problem is the player's fault - but I am suggesting that an adult would start the process early enough to ensure that can be where they need to be on time. Whether that means a week ahead of time or a month ahead of time. Plus, all these players have agents - maybe the agent could head the immigration problem off at the pass to ensure his client is able to fulfill his commitments. Jeez Louise. Pathetic.

While I don't know the details for why Soderberg is having immigration problems - it is a pet peeve of mine when adults who know when they have to be somewhere can't make it on time because of immigration problems. I'm not suggesting the immigration problem is the player's fault - but I am suggesting that an adult would start the process early enough to ensure that can be where they need to be on time. Whether that means a week ahead of time or a month ahead of time. Plus, all these players have agents - maybe the agent could head the immigration problem off at the pass to ensure his client is able to fulfill his commitments. Jeez Louise. Pathetic.
- EbonyRaptor

While I generally agree wholeheartedly with this, I know of many people who have been having Visa and travel issues due to either partial staffing or shutdowns at various government agencies. I have some Czech and Swiss colleagues that are supposed to start working over here, and have been waiting for over two months trying to get their paperwork in order.

An acquaintance of mine went full scorched earth and wants to renounce his citizenship. He left the US, but has not been able to even get a meeting in a US embassy for over 4 months due to COVID shutdowns. I'm guessing hockey players in general don't really carry that much weight in these situations.

While I don't know the details for why Soderberg is having immigration problems - it is a pet peeve of mine when adults who know when they have to be somewhere can't make it on time because of immigration problems. I'm not suggesting the immigration problem is the player's fault - but I am suggesting that an adult would start the process early enough to ensure that can be where they need to be on time. Whether that means a week ahead of time or a month ahead of time. Plus, all these players have agents - maybe the agent could head the immigration problem off at the pass to ensure his client is able to fulfill his commitments. Jeez Louise. Pathetic.
- EbonyRaptor

As a seasoned international business traveler, I can tell you that when you are dealing with governments and governmental regulations it can be very difficult. Immigration laws are only once step less complicated than the tax code and just as free to multiple interpretations. What you did last time may not work this time even if the laws have not changed. Some knot head at customs may interpret something different than the knot head in the desk next to him. You can do the same thing your colleague did and he gets in easily and you are held up. With the current administration and Covid it is just that much more complicated. Luckily professional athletes and high profile individuals usually get extra attention and get through after a short period of time. So I would expect to see Soderburg this week (though he may be put in quarantine).

The AHL has confirmed which teams are in and which opted out for the season. Rockford is in but the Milwaukee Admirals (Predators) have opted out.

The Charlotte Checkers (Panthers) and Springfield Thunderbirds (Blues) have also opted out.

The Hogs division will include the Chicago Wolves (Canes), Grand Rapids Griffins (Wings), Cleveland Lake Monsters (Jackets), Texas Stars, and Iowa Wild.

The divisions are irregular in a few ways:

* 5 instead of 4 divisions
* One division has only 3 teams
* Another division has 8 teams
* Each division will play a different total of games ranging from 24 to 40

The AHL has confirmed which teams are in and which opted out for the season. Rockford is in but the Milwaukee Admirals (Predators) have opted out.

The Charlotte Checkers (Panthers) and Springfield Thunderbirds (Blues) have also opted out.

The Hogs division will include the Chicago Wolves (Hurricanes), Cleveland Lake Monsters (Jackets), Texas Stars, and Iowa Wild.

The divisions are irregular in a few ways:

* 5 instead of 4 divisions
* One division has only 3 teams
* Another division has 8 teams
* Each division will play a different total of games ranging from 24 to 40
- Theo Fox

I wonder if teams with a playing AHL affiliate will have an advantage over teams without one.

While I don't know the details for why Soderberg is having immigration problems - it is a pet peeve of mine when adults who know when they have to be somewhere can't make it on time because of immigration problems. I'm not suggesting the immigration problem is the player's fault - but I am suggesting that an adult would start the process early enough to ensure that can be where they need to be on time. Whether that means a week ahead of time or a month ahead of time. Plus, all these players have agents - maybe the agent could head the immigration problem off at the pass to ensure his client is able to fulfill his commitments. Jeez Louise. Pathetic.
- EbonyRaptor

He was likely unable to apply until he knew his employers address which just happened.

Askarov is about to get yanked in another semi-final game. He has been not good.

Oldduffmans man crush is choking when it matters most again.

The AHL has confirmed which teams are in and which opted out for the season. Rockford is in but the Milwaukee Admirals (Predators) have opted out.

The Charlotte Checkers (Panthers) and Springfield Thunderbirds (Blues) have also opted out.

The Hogs division will include the Chicago Wolves (Hurricanes), Cleveland Lake Monsters (Jackets), Texas Stars, and Iowa Wild.

The divisions are irregular in a few ways:

* 5 instead of 4 divisions
* One division has only 3 teams
* Another division has 8 teams
* Each division will play a different total of games ranging from 24 to 40
- Theo Fox

What a mess....

How do players on the three opt-out teams continue to develop? Can they play overseas, or with another AHL team?

From March of 2020 until Fall of 2021 - about 18 months - AHL players will play between zero and 40 games. Tough to develop.

Askarov is about to get yanked in another semi-final game. He has been not good.
- Elbows15

Russians defense looks like the Blackhawks

Askarov is about to get yanked in another semi-final game. He has been not good.
- Elbows15

Canada has looked unbeatable this last game and a half!

Askarov is about to get yanked in another semi-final game. He has been not good.
- Elbows15

According to Eklund he's ready for the NHL. Is he ever right about anything?

I wonder if teams with a playing AHL affiliate will have an advantage over teams without one.
- tvetter

The NHL teams with AHL affiliates opting out will have the opportunity to have their players temporarily re-assigned to other teams.

The only one I know of confirmed so far are the Blues prospects (Springfield) being re-assigned to the Utica Comets (Canucks).

We'll see about the other 2 teams (Panthers and Predators). Hoping that the Hogs don't have to share with the Predators.

What a mess....

How do players on the three opt-out teams continue to develop? Can they play overseas, or with another AHL team?

From March of 2020 until Fall of 2021 - about 18 months - AHL players will play between zero and 40 games. Tough to develop.
- mohel

They can be re-assigned to other AHL teams. See my response to tvetter above for some details.

Thanks for the insight re: Soderberg's immigration problem. At the very least I probably should have cut him some slack to the abnormal Covid world we now live in.