As fans we sure WISH that Dach and Toews come back at the same/close to the level they were playing at.

Will Dach be able to take face-offs with his wrist? How will it effect his stick handling/shot.

Will they find the therapy that will allow Toews to regain/retain his strength/stamina.

Stan knows more than anyone else. If the answer is he doesn’t even know, you need a Strome more than a Sam Bennett.
- LAHawk

Sorry, the more I think about it, the less I believe the Hawks need Strome. What is he currently bringing to the team? His main asset is putting up points, and in 19 games so far this year he has 2 points 5 on 5. I’m not suggesting that we trade him for Bennett, but Bennett at least works hard, has more speed, and plays defense as well.

I would try putting Strome back between Kane and the Cat. There is a familiarity there. Put Kureshev(?) between Suter and Kubulik. Put the best remaining center between Janmark and Hagel and take what's left and make a fourth line. Should Toews come back make him the third line center. just my opinion but I am tired of the seven defensemen experiment.
- bjphawkfan

With Murphy back it will be used less, but this year it will still be used because they are trying I develop their D-corps. Both JC and Bowman have said that it will be more common because they want to get the young guys time.

I also wouldn’t get too concerned about specific young guys sitting. They all are going to have rough stretches. There have been several mentions of the benefit of watching from above for a few games.

I’ll go out on a limb and say that Boqvist starts playing notably better over the next 5-10 games.

I don't see the Hawks getting picks for Strome right now, given this ebb in production. I hate trading a player at his low point. He had 51 points in 58 games 2 seasons ago. What is the reason for the drop in production? Is there an injury we don't know about? Is there something going on off the ice we don't know about?

Bennett's current contract expires, and he'll be an RFA this summer. What are we expecting from this deal, besides shedding one extra year of Strome? And if Bennett isn't getting top six opportunities there, why would they want a different guy they have to pay more and for an extra year, and who isn't a lock for top six time there, either?

I don't know who the change of scene partner should be, but it's pretty depressing to think that this what it's come to. Call me crazy, but what's the story on Arvidsson this year? His production has fallen off a cliff. If the reason is because he doesn't want to be there, could that be a risk worth taking? He has three more seasons after this one at a $4.25 mill cap hit. If we're going to do a change of scene trade, at least make it interesting.

Hawks just need to stay the course. If the market bears and they can move some players, looking at de Haan, to clear some cap space for next season, then launch them.
- Elbows15

I agree, they are building, let these young guys develop if a deal comes along great if not don't make things worse for the growth of this team.

I don't see the Hawks getting picks for Strome right now, given this ebb in production. I hate trading a player at his low point. He had 51 points in 58 games 2 seasons ago. What is the reason for the drop in production? Is there an injury we don't know about? Is there something going on off the ice we don't know about?

Bennett's current contract expires, and he'll be an RFA this summer. What are we expecting from this deal, besides shedding one extra year of Strome? And if Bennett isn't getting top six opportunities there, why would they want a different guy they have to pay more and for an extra year, and who isn't a lock for top six time there, either?

I don't know who the change of scene partner should be, but it's pretty depressing to think that this what it's come to. Call me crazy, but what's the story on Arvidsson this year? His production has fallen off a cliff. If the reason is because he doesn't want to be there, could that be a risk worth taking? He has three more seasons after this one at a $4.25 mill cap hit. If we're going to do a change of scene trade, at least make it interesting.
- 333inthe3rd

The Hawks are already down two starting centers. They aren’t going to trade Strome unless they get one back or the year is basically over and they aren’t making the playoffs.

KKKK broke his collarbone last night, de Haan might like Edmonton.

Injuries around the league are going to have a bearing on trade activity, there are a lot of games to be squeezed in for the remainder of the season. The Habs are playing every 2nd night for the remainder of the regular season.
- RickJ

a 4th and he is theirs. Not thrilled at running 4 rooks out there every night but de Haan is playing worse than all of them considering his experience.

I would try putting Strome back between Kane and the Cat. There is a familiarity there. Put Kureshev(?) between Suter and Kubulik. Put the best remaining center between Janmark and Hagel and take what's left and make a fourth line. Should Toews come back make him the third line center. just my opinion but I am tired of the seven defensemen experiment.
- bjphawkfan

Put your worse center between your best wings? That line has struggled in the past getting out of their own zone.

@ByScottPowers

Blackhawks forward prospect Cam Morrison had surgery last week to reconstruct his right knee MCL and is expected to recover in 5-6 months, the IceHogs announce.
- Theo Fox

Damn. I was really interested to see how he fit in with the Hogs. Hopefully he recovers well.

Hawks just need to stay the course. If the market bears and they can move some players, looking at de Haan, to clear some cap space for next season, then launch them.
- Elbows15

Yep, no reason to change the program.

The Hawks are already down two starting centers. They aren’t going to trade Strome unless they get one back or the year is basically over and they aren’t making the playoffs.
- Chunk

I am guessing the offers for him this summer were underwhelming enough already. They sure took their time with the new contract. At this point, though, he is about to get passed up by the other middle 6 centers on the depth chart. But it's hard to talk about trading him without more info on his situation.

Bennett's is less by 450K. Bennett wants top 6 minutes. That is one of the conflicts in Calgary. I don't know if he is good enough for those minutes. He is getting 14~ minutes a night and nothing suggests his production is Top 6 levels.
- Elbows15

He's slow and physical but can't score. He wants to play center but has been used as a winger because he's weak at center. He's not very good either.

I don't see the Hawks getting picks for Strome right now, given this ebb in production. I hate trading a player at his low point. He had 51 points in 58 games 2 seasons ago. What is the reason for the drop in production? Is there an injury we don't know about? Is there something going on off the ice we don't know about?

Bennett's current contract expires, and he'll be an RFA this summer. What are we expecting from this deal, besides shedding one extra year of Strome? And if Bennett isn't getting top six opportunities there, why would they want a different guy they have to pay more and for an extra year, and who isn't a lock for top six time there, either?

I don't know who the change of scene partner should be, but it's pretty depressing to think that this what it's come to. Call me crazy, but what's the story on Arvidsson this year? His production has fallen off a cliff. If the reason is because he doesn't want to be there, could that be a risk worth taking? He has three more seasons after this one at a $4.25 mill cap hit. If we're going to do a change of scene trade, at least make it interesting.
- 333inthe3rd

I mentioned a couple blogs ago that Strome will be a 1st time father next month.

It could be that he's realizing his entire life. which up to this point has probably consisted of hockey and not hockey, is about to be changed forever.

This Is a great time for a team like the Hawks to let the kids play this Is a bigger asterisk season than last season, Let the kids make mistakes and have fun and management should focus on clearing cap space.

I mentioned a couple blogs ago that Strome will be a 1st time father next month.

It could be that he's realizing his entire life. which up to this point has probably consisted of hockey and not hockey, is about to be changed forever.
- Rota's Rooter

Delia went through the same kind thing last year (although his girlfriend apparently had some complications that took a long time to get under control). His play suffered, and then got better.

I don't begrudge him anxiety about the whole situation. The unfortunate thing is that the team has to make decisions that are in their best interest, not his. If he doesn't show that he can be a valuable part of the team, they will move on.

I will end with this. If he can be kept at around $3M per year, I would definitely consider it. He has shown the ability to put up points and that is not a trivial thing in this league.

This Is a great time for a team like the Hawks to let the kids play this Is a bigger asterisk season than last season, Let the kids make mistakes and have fun and management should focus on clearing cap space.
- Shady1962

By and large they are. 6-8 rooks in the lineup every night and they are rotating different guys in. I've said the bolded several times before the year started. I think they are using this opportunity as well as can be expected. My only concern is if they end up overachieving too much and the FO get over their skis thinking they are further along than they are.

Regarding the practice lines:

Colliton: "I would not read too much into the combos, whether up front or on the back end, in practice versus how we'll start [Tuesday vs CBJ]."

Said every line has been flexible the past few games other than the 1st line and he "would not be surprised if that continued."

Sorry, the more I think about it, the less I believe the Hawks need Strome. What is he currently bringing to the team? His main asset is putting up points, and in 19 games so far this year he has 2 points 5 on 5. I’m not suggesting that we trade him for Bennett, but Bennett at least works hard, has more speed, and plays defense as well.
- Angotti

And will be playing with the Kracken next year because he would have to be exposed to the draft, either by the Flames or the Hawks. He wants to be traded because he isn’t t playing top 6, he won’t be playing top 6 with the Hawks either.

a 4th and he is theirs. Not thrilled at running 4 rooks out there every night but de Haan is playing worse than all of them considering his experience.
- Elbows15

You can always call up Cody Franson for experience

Anaheim Zegras recalled from AHL. He had 4-5 9ptsin 8gp

Flyers are going with Darth’s 8 defenseman idea. 2 are playing 4th line.

Flyers are going with Darth’s 8 defenseman idea. 2 are playing 4th line.
- LAHawk

So is the logical end to this to have 11 D and 7 F (or 12 D and 6 F), and have 3 D on the ice all the time?

Seems like this would be weird but interesting. And probably not successful.

You can always call up Cody Franson for experience
- LAHawk

I will cut you.



He is on an AHL contract.

So is the logical end to this to have 11 D and 7 F (or 12 D and 6 F), and have 3 D on the ice all the time?

Seems like this would be weird but interesting. And probably not successful.
- totem

Don't think it was a coaching strategy. Just what they available due to COVID.

I don't see the Hawks getting picks for Strome right now, given this ebb in production. I hate trading a player at his low point. He had 51 points in 58 games 2 seasons ago. What is the reason for the drop in production? Is there an injury we don't know about? Is there something going on off the ice we don't know about?

Bennett's current contract expires, and he'll be an RFA this summer. What are we expecting from this deal, besides shedding one extra year of Strome? And if Bennett isn't getting top six opportunities there, why would they want a different guy they have to pay more and for an extra year, and who isn't a lock for top six time there, either?

I don't know who the change of scene partner should be, but it's pretty depressing to think that this what it's come to. Call me crazy, but what's the story on Arvidsson this year? His production has fallen off a cliff. If the reason is because he doesn't want to be there, could that be a risk worth taking? He has three more seasons after this one at a $4.25 mill cap hit. If we're going to do a change of scene trade, at least make it interesting.
- 333inthe3rd

Another thought experiment, since it seems there is a need for another top 6 forward:

In the coming off season some money could come off the books:

Saad trade retained : 1 M
Z. Smith: 3.25 M

Expansion Draft: Protect D Seabrook, Keith, Carlsson
One of Zadorov, Murphy, or deHaan goes in expansion draft, say Zadorov
Zadorov 3.25 M

Trade deHaan and retain half: 2.275 M
Trade Shaw and retain half: 1.95 M

Hawks are about 2 M under right now

All above combined, that's 13.725 off the books, but there are some higher salaries, Cat, Strome, Suter, Hagel, Beaudin, Boqvist, maybe some others get raises - but that should leave 9-10 M under. Is it time to get a priority free agent - Nugent-Hopkins comes to mind - of course that limits the cap space for future raises, etc.

But with the returnees and one more top six player - is that a risk worth taking?

By and large they are. 6-8 rooks in the lineup every night and they are rotating different guys in. I've said the bolded several times before the year started. I think they are using this opportunity as well as can be expected. My only concern is if they end up overachieving too much and the FO get over their skis thinking they are further along than they are.
- Chunk

Are they overachieving.? Lankanin has been a surprise, but sure doesn’t look like a fluke.

Kane is Kane and ADB has regained his scoring touch while adding a more complete game.

Kubalik is adding to his game along with his shot.

Mitchell is as advertised, Keith at 37 even though not a Norris Trophy candidate is still the Hawks best defenseman

Suter is showing why not only the Hawks were after him.

Kurachhev is ahead of schedule, Hagel is the new Sikura

Beaudin, Bovquist, Carlsson right now show they need to be and are sheltered

4th line is the gang that couldn’t t shoot straight

Zadorov, Strome, Nylander, Da Haan Roszival Pirri suck

Doesn’t look to me to be a team that is all that over performing except everyone’s expectations.