I would protect Gaudette over Nylander that is a no brainer . Was glad to see the Hawks SIGN Soderblom think he was sought after by a few teams would love to see the Hawks get another goalie prospect with one of their 2nd round picks Cossa looks like a good prospect

I would protect Gaudette over Nylander that is a no brainer . Was glad to see the Hawks SIGN Soderblom think he was sought after by a few teams would love to see the Hawks get another goalie prospect with one of their 2nd round picks Cossa looks like a good prospect
- oldduffman

I would ask Toews to waive...

Realistically, while physical skills such as size, skating ability, hands, shot, etc. obviously play a role, the most important thing that determines whether a player is ready or not is their Hockey sense.

There is so much talk about "having to learn" especially when it comes to defenseman that the more someone knows coming in, the shorter the curve. Unfortunately, for many of these 19-21 year old's they have grown up dominating at almost every level they have played at.

Many (way more than you would think), have never learned the "proper way" to play the game, they excelled because they were bigger, stronger, faster, etc. than anyone else, so they didn't have to, were never forced to or were never taught. If you were to watch a lot of AAA and Jr. games and break them down on what you would consider to be the "correct" way to play, you would be shocked at how many of these kids have no idea.

When they are then thrown into a pool where most players are at the same level or better and no longer can rely on their physical abilities to dominate, they need to have the mental side or they will fail.
- TheTrob

I believe this happens a lot, but i also believe many don't know how to teach it or don't understand what proper defense is. Kalynuk definitely knows how, when i watch him in his own zone to me it seems if he doesn't know what to do he goes back to his training and protects the front of the net and plays angles. I saw him couple of times chase his guy out to the blue line, once he got burnt by it, didn't see him do it again. So when i hear Trotz say the most important thing is defensive players instinct which kind of says to me sometimes the system is flawed and you need dmen who know better and can cover up the cracks in the system

Didn’t realize until now with how the “division’s “ were set up there could be a Stanley Cup final of:

Boston vsTBL
Or
Colorado vs LVK

An east vs east or west vs west final.....

Odd year to say the least....

Exhale......
- mike7076

Colorado will play Vegas in Round 2 if they both win their 1st round series.

Question to the panel would the hawks look into possibly trading for nolan patrick from Philly. Its seems its not working there and he has had health issues and really has not lived up to the 2nd overall pick in draft class. What kinda trade could between the hawks and Phily look like for Patrick or hard pass?

Question to the panel would the hawks look into possibly trading for nolan patrick from Philly. Its seems its not working there and he has had health issues and really has not lived up to the 2nd overall pick in draft class. What kinda trade could between the hawks and Phily look like for Patrick or hard pass?
- Scott1977

Personally, no more of Stan's 1st round pick reclamation projects. Strome and Perlini failures. Nylander (jury still out). I'm holding out hope for Borgstrom but who knows?

Not this off season but next it will be time to add an ESTABLISHED forward, probably via free agency.

Personally, no more of Stan's 1st round pick reclamation projects. Strome and Perlini failures. Nylander (jury still out). I'm holding out hope for Borgstrom but who knows?

Not this off season but next it will be time to add an ESTABLISHED forward, probably via free agency.
- boilermaker100

Ok good points

Personally, no more of Stan's 1st round pick reclamation projects. Strome and Perlini failures. Nylander (jury still out). I'm holding out hope for Borgstrom but who knows?

Not this off season but next it will be time to add an ESTABLISHED forward, probably via free agency.
- boilermaker100

runblad

Personally, no more of Stan's 1st round pick reclamation projects. Strome and Perlini failures. Nylander (jury still out). I'm holding out hope for Borgstrom but who knows?

Not this off season but next it will be time to add an ESTABLISHED forward, probably via free agency.
- boilermaker100

Hey boiler. Sorry I missed replying to your post in the last blog about the Daily Faceoff podcast where Bowman talks about adding players this offseason. I read your post but forgot to reply. My bad.

I have a blog lined up for next week to delve into that podcast and a few other recent sound bytes by Bowman that are related.

It’ll be a good primer of food for thought during this early part of the Hawks offseason.

Personally, no more of Stan's 1st round pick reclamation projects. Strome and Perlini failures. Nylander (jury still out). I'm holding out hope for Borgstrom but who knows?

Not this off season but next it will be time to add an ESTABLISHED forward, probably via free agency.
- boilermaker100

I think Borgstrom falls in the category of, i was never going to sign a contract with Florida anyways, kind of like Kubs and LA

I would protect Gaudette over Nylander that is a no brainer . Was glad to see the Hawks SIGN Soderblom think he was sought after by a few teams would love to see the Hawks get another goalie prospect with one of their 2nd round picks Cossa looks like a good prospect
- oldduffman

Sure seems Blackhawks are a desired destination by European free agents or draft picks in other organizations

Question to the panel would the hawks look into possibly trading for nolan patrick from Philly. Its seems its not working there and he has had health issues and really has not lived up to the 2nd overall pick in draft class. What kinda trade could between the hawks and Phily look like for Patrick or hard pass?
- Scott1977

I thought the same at one point. But I watched him and something is still not right with him and he is really slow. I thought about a Patrick for Strom trade all that would do is free up cash for the Hawks.

I would protect Gaudette over Nylander that is a no brainer . Was glad to see the Hawks SIGN Soderblom think he was sought after by a few teams would love to see the Hawks get another goalie prospect with one of their 2nd round picks Cossa looks like a good prospect
- oldduffman

Some comments favor Gaudette instead of Nylander sound right although if you look at their history, you pause and then agree again.

The reason you pause and re-consider is that Nylander was a first round choice and whereas
Gaudette was 149th in 2015. Which causes you to wonder whom has the bigger upside

With these two is a case of, what have you done (or shown potential) for me lately.

And really whom is going to be enthusiastic to select Nylander as he has disappointed and is coming back from major injury. Oh sure Nylander should be fine, good as new - right! Seattle may agree but still Nylander is a gamble to see him produce while Gaudette had shown much better. Of course Gaudette is the more physical player

Gaudette likely choosen, Nylander maybe. So then whom else would be strongly considered

Because this factors into how strong the interest in someone else. Like Gaudette/Nylander or Connelly? No, Connelly with checkered injury resume is comparable to Nylander

If one of Connelly/Nylander is not selected (means to protect Gaudette)....if I am wearing the shoes of R Francis, their GM, I hope Zadorov is available. There is also Hinostroza whom is a fine player but has never produced gaudy point total.

I thought the same at one point. But I watched him and something is still not right with him and he is really slow. I thought about a Patrick for Strom trade all that would do is free up cash for the Hawks.
- GPHawksfan

Agree watch a lot Philly games don't think he over is migraine issues plus i don't. think he is fit in Philly. He might also benefit playing wing instead of center the talent is there but is he another Strome?

Some comments favor Gaudette instead of Nylander sound right although if you look at their history, you pause and then agree again.

The reason you pause and re-consider is that Nylander was a first round choice and whereas
Gaudette was 149th in 2015. Which causes you to wonder whom has the bigger upside

With these two is a case of, what have you done (or shown potential) for me lately.

And really whom is going to be enthusiastic to select Nylander as he has disappointed and is coming back from major injury. Oh sure Nylander should be fine, good as new - right! Seattle may agree but still Nylander is a gamble to see him produce while Gaudette had shown much better. Of course Gaudette is the more physical player

Gaudette likely choosen, Nylander maybe. So then whom else would be strongly considered

Because this factors into how strong the interest in someone else. Like Gaudette/Nylander or Connelly? No, Connelly with checkered injury resume is comparable to Nylander

If one of Connelly/Nylander is not selected (means to protect Gaudette)....if I am wearing the shoes of R Francis, their GM, I hope Zadorov is available. There is also Hinostroza whom is a fine player but has never produced gaudy point total.
- jhawk59

Why not protect them both and signed them to one year prove it contracts?

Realistically, while physical skills such as size, skating ability, hands, shot, etc. obviously play a role, the most important thing that determines whether a player is ready or not is their Hockey sense.

There is so much talk about "having to learn" especially when it comes to defenseman that the more someone knows coming in, the shorter the curve. Unfortunately, for many of these 19-21 year old's they have grown up dominating at almost every level they have played at.

Many (way more than you would think), have never learned the "proper way" to play the game, they excelled because they were bigger, stronger, faster, etc. than anyone else, so they didn't have to, were never forced to or were never taught. If you were to watch a lot of AAA and Jr. games and break them down on what you would consider to be the "correct" way to play, you would be shocked at how many of these kids have no idea.

When they are then thrown into a pool where most players are at the same level or better and no longer can rely on their physical abilities to dominate, they need to have the mental side or they will fail.
- TheTrob

Absolutely spot on.

I believe this happens a lot, but i also believe many don't know how to teach it or don't understand what proper defense is. Kalynuk definitely knows how, when i watch him in his own zone to me it seems if he doesn't know what to do he goes back to his training and protects the front of the net and plays angles. I saw him couple of times chase his guy out to the blue line, once he got burnt by it, didn't see him do it again. So when i hear Trotz say the most important thing is defensive players instinct which kind of says to me sometimes the system is flawed and you need dmen who know better and can cover up the cracks in the system
- BetweenTheDots

I think it was Mike Tyson who once said "everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face". So IMO it's how to react when things don't go according to the system, how to cover for each other. Instinct is essential, but a team game complicates things and it takes time to gel and come together. And all it takes is one guy who doesn't get it to screw things up. It's a process for sure and patience helps. Not easy though.

Hey boiler. Sorry I missed replying to your post in the last blog about the Daily Faceoff podcast where Bowman talks about adding players this offseason. I read your post but forgot to reply. My bad.

I have a blog lined up for next week to delve into that podcast and a few other recent sound bytes by Bowman that are related.

It’ll be a good primer of food for thought during this early part of the Hawks offseason.
- Theo Fox

Thanks Theo, looking forward to it.

Didn’t realize until now with how the “division’s “ were set up there could be a Stanley Cup final of:

Boston vsTBL
Or
Colorado vs LVK

An east vs east or west vs west final.....

Odd year to say the least....

Exhale......
- mike7076

The way the playoffs are structured this year is the first two rounds (best of 7) are conducted within each realigned division. One team will come out of each the North, East, Central and West. (My prediction BTW is Toronto, Boston, TB and Vegas. )

I think those 4 teams then are seeded based on their regular season point totals. 1st seed plays the 4th seed, 2nd plays the 3rd, with, of course #1 and #2 getting the home ice advantage in the best of 7. Then the winners of that round proceed to the SCF.

Anybody here how the league is to conduct the series against the North (Canadian) team considering Canada' quarantine is still in effect? At one time I read that the Canadian team may have to relocate to a US city as a temporary home.

From Spector's Hockey -

Ottawa Sun: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators want to add another center and perhaps a top-four defenseman. GM Pierre Dorion could attempt to address those needs from within but could shop around first.

I guess Dorion wouldn't be interested in Strome and deHaan/Zadorov?

From Spector's Hockey -

Ottawa Sun: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators want to add another center and perhaps a top-four defenseman. GM Pierre Dorion could attempt to address those needs from within but could shop around first.

I guess Dorion wouldn't be interested in Strome and deHaan/Zadorov?
- boilermaker100

Toews/Keith?

Sure seems Blackhawks are a desired destination by European free agents or draft picks in other organizations
- BetweenTheDots

Despite playing hardball with Strome? Amazing.

Why not protect them both and signed them to one year prove it contracts?
- Scott1977

I don't know much about Gaudette but with Nylander Stan has the leverage to force him into a cheap two year deal. That way if he sucks, not much is lost and you won't get anything trading him one year or two year deal. If he finds lightening in a bottle you get him a second year cheap before you have to pay him.

Toews/Keith?
- powerenforcer

Neither of them are going anywhere especially to Ottawa given that they both have a say where and if they wanted go somewhere else. They both want to be here and have not been shy about it.

Neither of them are going anywhere especially to Ottawa given that they both have a say where and if they wanted go somewhere else. They both want to be here and have not been shy about it.
- BGKarras

I was expecting to hear something on Toews after the season ended. His situation is concerning, imo.