I know some day soon I am going to walk into my office and I will not have a "Theo" post to read. But I am glad today is not that day.

Kubalik - Hope you get to play on a line with a decent center and a regular LW all year.

Gaudette - Hope you are protected and resigned.

Strome - I am not sure if you are back next year or not. But if you are put on your big boy pants. You are 6' 3" 200+ lbs. Play like it. (Even his exit interview sounded wimpy / cry baby.)

Kampf - If you are resigned, stay in Chicago and hang out with Kane's posse. See if you can find any offense at all.

Nylander - This team will have many more options for the top six next year. Be ready to fight for a spot on the top two lines. (or be ready to be traded)

Boqvist, Kalynuk, Beaudin, Mitchell, and Regula - Spend time in Chicago this summer getting in peak physical condition and in the tape room with coaches critiqing your play, and learning the system. Also spend a lot of time watching film of other teams that play the same system well. God knows you cannot learn much watching film of the Hawks playing this system.

Colliton - Invite (I know you cannot require) some of the young dman to spend some time in Chicago for regular video sessions with you and the coaching staff. It also gives them a chance to build some camaraderie.

Stan - This summer should be your busy season.
1) Well done signing Borgstrum.
2) Now sign Gaudette, Hagel, Suter and probably Nylander. Maybe Kampf and Hino.
3) Zhafyarov? Okulov? Shalunov?
4) Z, Strome, deHaan is about $11 mil in cap space do not worry so much about players, prospects or picks you get in return. Just think of cap space you can gain.
5) Be lucky at the lottery.
6) The 21/22 season is another developmental year. Keep your eye on the 23/24 season after Toews and Keith contracts are up and many of these younger players are in their prime. Save some cap space flexibility for then.
7) Don't get suckered by the Kraken in the expansion draft.

World Championships - Get great experience, stay healthy (no injuries), and have fun. Also get some down time this summer and come back in peak physical and mental shape ready to fight for playing time.
- -Doh-

Hoping that as well with Gaudette. Totally agree on Strome. I didn't see the interview and I'm sure the stuff in the Athletic were excerpts but you look at what Dach said and what Strome said and it seems one guy's committed to getting better...the other not as much.

I know Strome worked out the one summer with Kane and Dinky but for as big as he is, he still gets separated from the puck too easily.

Curious as to why Capfriendly hasn’t updated Borgstrom on the Hawks page?
- Assman22

Can't find the umlaut on their keyboard.

Who gets the sticky "Don't let the door hit you on the arse on the way out'?
- glennjpawlak22

Strome, Delia, and Zadorov for starters.

What is the return for trading the rights to Zadorov? Who will continue to pay him that salary on the next contract, and give something up for the privilege of doing so? I am surprised he wasn't moved at the deadline. What was Stan asking in return?

Thanks Theo. You are correct, Kubalik did not have any talent to play with this year, but had a fairly decent year all things considered. Hopefully Toews comes back and they can form 2/3 of a line. I’m looking forward to seeing Gaudette and Borgstrom next year, maybe they can be 2/3 of a line as well, we’ll see.

Thanks Theo. You are correct, Kubalik did not have any talent to play with this year, but had a fairly decent year all things considered. Hopefully Toews comes back and they can form 2/3 of a line. I’m looking forward to seeing Gaudette and Borgstrom next year, maybe they can be 2/3 of a line as well, we’ll see.
- Angotti

Kubalik also showed more this year on playing defense, like he wanted to be a better overall player.
Maybe, like DeBirincat, he'll show enough to even get some penalty kill minutes.

Can't find the umlaut on their keyboard.
- Rota's Rooter

hold don the o

What is the return for trading the rights to Zadorov? Who will continue to pay him that salary on the next contract, and give something up for the privilege of doing so? I am surprised he wasn't moved at the deadline. What was Stan asking in return?
- 333inthe3rd

Or maybe, what was he offered. Would you have been happy to see him go for a 7th rounder?

Or maybe, what was he offered. Would you have been happy to see him go for a 7th rounder?
- Rota's Rooter

Well, he's not just letting him go (for those who thought it was an option).

Bowman says they've started the process of negotiations with Zadorov and other players needing contracts.

Or maybe, what was he offered. Would you have been happy to see him go for a 7th rounder?
- Rota's Rooter

From the 333 armchair:

For comparables: Gudbranson had a $4 mill cap hit and commanded a 7th and a throw in prospect. Gus at $3 mill got a 7th, and the Flyers had to retain half. Jordie Benn at $2 mill got a 6th. The market was established for bottom pair D.

Those are UFA's with more established ceilings. Z is an RFA, and there is still a bit of an unknown as to what he will ultimately be, at least compared to the others I mentioned. There was still the chance, however remote, that he could catch lightning in a bottle post-deadline, so that is a premium that should be baked into his trading price. If he did that, then his baseline value is a 3rd round compensation if someone wants to pay more than the Hawks based on the elevated play post deadline. So in sum, I think he was worth more than a 7th at the deadline. But he was not worth the full value of the potential 3rd round compensation, either.

Adding to the World Championships list: Kurashev will play for Switzerland and Kämpf declined the invitation due to some lingering health issues.
- stonefire

Thanks for the additional updates on Blackhawks going/not going to the World Championships. Always appreciate your input from the your perch in the other hemisphere.

Thank you Theo for your continued excellent work. It helps me appreciate Blackhawk hockey all the more!!

Here's hoping Patrick Kane's injury is one he can completely heal from. And his baby grows happy, healthy and strong.

As a team, they made a lot of progress in a very difficult year, suffering many vital injuries. May they all recover and have fantastic off season training regimens.

And here's hoping Seabrook and Shaw both have long and healthy retirements from playing. And bring their hockey knowledge to coaching.
- 35Tony0

You bet, Tony.

Not that training isn't part of all offseasons but this coming offseason in particular seems crucial for the injured to get back to 100% and the youngsters to add more strength and endurance.

Endurance is key given that next season will be a full 82-game schedule, albeit games will be spread out more than the compact 56-game slate they just played.

Figured you'd maybe take a day off after the last blog but you're right back at it with another great one.

Like the sticky notes concept and if they can bottle some of Hagel's super soldier serum, I'll take a vial.

Dots posted a link to a story from Fansided yesterday that described FL's system for prospect development as "broken". Was interesting but not super specific on what the exact issue is. It was more a testament on how many, or few in this case, NHL'ers are being developed within their system.

Either way with the signing of Borgstrom, I'm hoping he can come to camp next year and address a need for center depth.

Lot of if's next season at center. If Toews can come back and if Dach can come back stronger (though I'm not as concerned about him)...

Hawks have a lot of players that played center this year but not too many who really excelled at it.

If a couple of the above "ifs" are answered positively along with some better overall defensive play, I think they'll be at least challenging for a playoff spot again.
- HawkintheD

Thanks, D.

Agree, center depth will arguably be the most interesting storyline as far as the roster this offseason and heading into training camp. Lots of options with question marks.

I know some day soon I am going to walk into my office and I will not have a "Theo" post to read. But I am glad today is not that day.

Kubalik - Hope you get to play on a line with a decent center and a regular LW all year.

Gaudette - Hope you are protected and resigned.

Strome - I am not sure if you are back next year or not. But if you are put on your big boy pants. You are 6' 3" 200+ lbs. Play like it. (Even his exit interview sounded wimpy / cry baby.)

Kampf - If you are resigned, stay in Chicago and hang out with Kane's posse. See if you can find any offense at all.

Nylander - This team will have many more options for the top six next year. Be ready to fight for a spot on the top two lines. (or be ready to be traded)

Boqvist, Kalynuk, Beaudin, Mitchell, and Regula - Spend time in Chicago this summer getting in peak physical condition and in the tape room with coaches critiqing your play, and learning the system. Also spend a lot of time watching film of other teams that play the same system well. God knows you cannot learn much watching film of the Hawks playing this system.

Colliton - Invite (I know you cannot require) some of the young dman to spend some time in Chicago for regular video sessions with you and the coaching staff. It also gives them a chance to build some camaraderie.

Stan - This summer should be your busy season.
1) Well done signing Borgstrum.
2) Now sign Gaudette, Hagel, Suter and probably Nylander. Maybe Kampf and Hino.
3) Zhafyarov? Okulov? Shalunov?
4) Z, Strome, deHaan is about $11 mil in cap space do not worry so much about players, prospects or picks you get in return. Just think of cap space you can gain.
5) Be lucky at the lottery.
6) The 21/22 season is another developmental year. Keep your eye on the 23/24 season after Toews and Keith contracts are up and many of these younger players are in their prime. Save some cap space flexibility for then.
7) Don't get suckered by the Kraken in the expansion draft.

World Championships - Get great experience, stay healthy (no injuries), and have fun. Also get some down time this summer and come back in peak physical and mental shape ready to fight for playing time.
- -Doh-

Given how busy the Blackhawks news day is today, likely going to take tomorrow off then come back with a Friday blog to start the weekend.

I like your thinking about the young D staying in Chicago to train together and grow as a cohort. IMO, that was a foundation for how the Canes built their blueline and think the Hawks can follow suit to some degree.

Thanks again Theo - I just wish you would have told us (at least us in Chicago area) that you were in town, it would have been nice to meet up with you.

Could you see Stan signing a career backup goaltender, like maybe a Louis Domingue, or maybe if Craig Anderson wants to get back to the area? Or do you think Subban played well enough to have earned another year?
- powerenforcer

You're welcome, PE.

I know Tyler has suggested what you are saying about the Hawks possibly going with Lankinen and a veteran next season so definitely in the realm of possibility.

My take is this is one option with the other being rolling with Lankinen and Subban. My gut is they won't go with a trio again and really could see (and prefer) that Delia gets traded.

Since they have Subban and Delia signed for another year, I think they will stick with one of them. A better backup would not effect the results too much in a developmental year. However if Subban or Delia expressed dissatisfaction with their playing time, or being a backup, I could see Stan accommodating them by waiving or trading them and then signing an experienced backup.

Doh

I agree, actually looking at "career back-up goaltenders", I don't think there are any that played better than Subban did this year.

I would like to see Delia launched for the bolded above. I do not think he is a good teammate. All the players say what a great teammate Subban is, he works hard, stays after practice if needed to take extra shots etc., and cheers on Lankinen and his teammates

When Delia said he kept "knocking on Colliton's door" to remind him he is still there" He also said he thought it was unfair that he only got 2 games in the beginning before Lankinen got the job. Well Subban had only the first game, not 2. And for the majority of the year, the goaltending was a strength, and the team was overperforming because of the goaltending. My guess is Delia's actions did not sit well with the other 2 goalies, although they would never say it. He looked better at the end of the year, with no pressure, but he didn't prove he is better than Lankinen and Subban.
- LAHawk

jhawk, I saw your post about why I soured on Delia. LAHawk summed it up perfectly. Plain and simple: I just don't like Delia's attitude and arrogance.

Delia isn't shy about talking himself up or even having a "I told you so" mentality. If I were a fellow goalie, that would rub me the wrong way especially knowing how solid and selfless a team player Subban is.

While it was a great move by Hall, Nick Leddy still struggles to play defense. No thought at all of doing anything but wave his stick at the puck. You learn how to play one on one at Pee Wee, disregard the puck, look at the opponent’s crest and put yourself in front of it.

https://youtu.be/zJw9aOaHQjA

Thanks, D.

Agree, center depth will arguably be the most interesting storyline as far as the roster this offseason and heading into training camp. Lots of options with question marks.
- Theo Fox

Early (hopeful) projection:

Toews
Dach
Borgstrom
Entwistle

At this point, all of these spots are filled with potential (which doesn't mean a thing until it's realized). This is more what I hope shakes out of the training camp competition.

jhawk, I saw your post about why I soured on Delia. LAHawk summed it up perfectly. Plain and simple: I just don't like Delia's attitude and arrogance.

Delia isn't shy about talking himself up or even having a "I told you so" mentality. If I were a fellow goalie, that would rub me the wrong way especially knowing how solid and selfless a team player Subban is.
- Theo Fox

Not just a fellow goalie, but teammates and coaching staff too. Besides who told him life was fair? Keep his mouth shut and the next opportunity prove everyone wrong. That’s what endeared Andrew Shaw to his coaches, teammates and especially the fans.

I do not have faith in him or like watching him play but I’d like to see Nylander re-signed on a one year prove it deal.
- Assman22

More likely two year deal which is to Hawks advantage. Guarantees him a little money. Something like 2@$1.2. That way, if the light goes on you aren't faced with paying him $4@x years or more right away. Small risk if he sucks.

So what Is the big mystery with Toews? Is he going to demand a trade? Retire? Does he have a serious medical Issue? Does he want to finish his career in Canada?

Kubalik also showed more this year on playing defense, like he wanted to be a better overall player.
Maybe, like DeBirincat, he'll show enough to even get some penalty kill minutes.
- 35Tony0

He’s very strong on his skates, that’s not a bad idea, because until the last few weeks of the season our penalty kill was not very good.

You're welcome, PE.

I know Tyler has suggested what you are saying about the Hawks possibly going with Lankinen and a veteran next season so definitely in the realm of possibility.

My take is this is one option with the other being rolling with Lankinen and Subban. My gut is they won't go with a trio again and really could see (and prefer) that Delia gets traded.
- Theo Fox

One could say Suban is a veteran and a cheap one.

Some observations and a challenge

First although it is small.potatos Theo I thought you liked Delia heading into the brief training camp.back in January. Apparently you soured on him. I don't want him back. I thought he wasn't ready or in shape and that had a lot to do with his failure down in Florida start of season. Yet when he was up here in previous stints, each time we heard that he has things to work on. Neither Delia or Subban is whom you want as a back up. Both have issues. You mentioned Subban's issue already. If Bowman needs to save $ because he has to re-sign anyone, I would be willing to have Subban as a backup. But not happy about it. However, no on Delia.

The. Challenge is actually a topic for a later blog. I would like to see the review laid out of 5-6 players the Blackhawks might draft with their first round.'21.

I would not expect t a trade up in the draft, but if so, maybe only a couple spots. Because they like a couple players at a certain position much more than whom they predict would be available when their selection comes up. Now that could transpirre.

Well the sage advice is to go with the best player best talent available. Nonetheless after the first few choices if it is a close call on ability, do you want a dman, a forward, or even a goaltender. You could even have the board vote whom they would choose
- jhawk59

I'll have pre-draft blogs later this summer and share thoughts during that time. Just immersing myself in scouting reports and videos to learn more about the draftees.

Theo, Ill echo the rest of the group that you have been by far the best blogger I have read since i have been on this site ('13). Major cudos to you!!!!
- glennjpawlak22

Thanks a bunch, glenn. Appreciate it very much. I learned from the best in Tyler and am grateful for the opportunity to write for you all.