Am I the only one who thinks it not right that players who are so broken and battered and in rehab from surgeries are able to suddenly;y be well and get to play isn the Stanley cup finals?

Hey, they hawks were guilty too when Kanerhurt his wrist? and that was the way they get Cap space to add pieces at the deadline that along with Kane, secured the Cup win.

It just seems like this year more than any year that we are seeing returnees healthy co-incidental with season's end.

Whatya think ? Should there be a clear rule?
- wiz1901

I think if a player "heals" in time for the playoffs (and then making the team go over the cap limit), then the team should have to make some other player inactive, so they are under the cap limit.

Well Sharp was a nobody when the Hawks traded for him. Nylander trade doesn't look good now but its a calculated risk. Maybe Borgstrom becomes that top 6 forward.

Hawks really need at least one 2 way forwards in the top 6 with plus speed. A difference maker on both ends of the ice. Not sure Kubalik is really of top 6 forward on a playoff team.... so maybe two 2 way forwards for the top 6.
- bhawks2241

Let's say the rebuild rakes a couple of years before the Hawks are a playoff contender. Note I said playoffs. Let's assume Toews returns healthy and he and Kane extend for a couple of years after their current contracts expire. I see 19 as a Bolland type 3C, and 88 remaining a top 6 winger. Where's the other top 5 forwards?

1. Cat yes
2. Dach a maybe, jury still out
3. Reichel possibly
4. Borgstrom who knows
5. Kubalik will be gone by then
6. Nylander probably not
7. Strome nope

So one definite, two possible and a question mark. Hawks could use 2 or 3 sure fire top 6 forwards in 2 to 3 years, not hopefuls.

Watching these playoffs and they are entertaining shows the Hawks Need impact players to say the least .Hawks need to continue on the draft and sign young players ( oversees ) until the big three come off the books then hope a couple stud FA are available to fill the holes not already filled
Would the Hawks take a run at Matthews when he a FA playing with Kane could be something . Seen a interview with Matthews talking about how much he likes playing in Chicago and New York

Let's say the rebuild rakes a couple of years before the Hawks are a playoff contender. Note I said playoffs. Let's assume Toews returns healthy and he and Kane extend for a couple of years after their current contracts expire. I see 19 as a Bolland type 3C, and 88 remaining a top 6 winger. Where's the other top 5 forwards?

1. Cat yes
2. Dach a maybe, jury still out
3. Reichel possibly
4. Borgstrom who knows
5. Kubalik will be gone by then
6. Nylander probably not
7. Strome nope

So one definite, two possible and a question mark. Hawks could use 2 or 3 sure fire top 6 forwards in 2 to 3 years, not hopefuls.
- boilermaker100

Why would Kubs be gone?

Wouldn't Kubs be better if he was playing with a top 6 center? I really think so

Why would Kubs be gone?

Wouldn't Kubs be better if he was playing with a top 6 center? I really think so
- BetweenTheDots

Just a gut feeling about Kubalik. Maybe he'll be traded as a part of a package to obtain these impact players we've been talking about all day. Say CBJ can't/won't extend Jones and dangles him at next year's TDL. Hawks get permission to talk to Jones agent and they agree on a future contract. Kubalik plus something to CBJ for a ypung #1D?

On the other hand maybe Borgstrom/Reichel would work out as a top C and Kubs would flourish with him. Like I said earlier, I think next season will determine whom or whom not will be part of the Hawks future

Why would Kubs be gone?

Wouldn't Kubs be better if he was playing with a top 6 center? I really think so
- BetweenTheDots

Kubalik is a keeper, he’s strong on his skates, is now playing a 200’ game, and has a major league shot. Like you mentioned, give him a good center and he will consistently score 30.

Is anyone at all impressed with the Capitals defense? They look like the Blackhawks they're awful

Kubalik is a keeper, he’s strong on his skates, is now playing a 200’ game, and has a major league shot. Like you mentioned, give him a good center and he will consistently score 30.
- Angotti

That's how i feel, if Toews comes back and is close to what he was and you put Hagel with them, that line will be a productive pain in the ass to play against line

Is anyone at all impressed with the Capitals defense? They look like the Blackhawks they're awful
- BetweenTheDots

I’m watching the Carolina / Nashville game. That Aho is good at hockey.

I’m watching the Carolina / Nashville game. That Aho is good at hockey.
- DarthKane

Nice defense by Johansen, hahaha

Is anyone at all impressed with the Capitals defense? They look like the Blackhawks they're awful
- BetweenTheDots

The system can be good and bad which makes players look better or worse. Going up against some good players with intensive playoff action on tap!

The system can be good and bad which makes players look better or worse. Going up against some good players with intensive playoff action on tap!
- jhawk59

Yep Caps look a lot like the Blackhawks, their defense is terrible

Yep Caps look a lot like the Blackhawks, their defense is terrible
- BetweenTheDots

The Cap's blueline crew for probably five or more years never was very deep talent wise. They get by with guys like Dillon, Schultz, now the reduced by age but still useful Chara. Orlov has been a weak link defensively. After Carlson not much to really like. The Hurricanes, though, have some talent on their back end. Their system is "aided" by good athletes , talented players but the system has strength and weaknesses and both prevail on any given shift

Next season stories

AP - Chicago

The expansion Seattle Kraken are heading to overtime against the Blackhawks after late third period goals by D Sikura and D Strome off rebound scramble -.both tallies in the last minute - showed that the Chicago young defense and goaltending remains a work in progress

Perhaps Delia would have been a better second fiddle in goal for Chicago. Nope, Delia is headlights - let him try to earn a job elsewhere.

Sikura and Strome, both former Blackhawks, have an.opportunity to prove they can accumulate points on a consistent basis.in the NHL

Sikura had two goals in 6 gp for Vegas last season. That is two more than some hockeybuzz readers swore he ever would get.

Strome helped fill the void from Toews absence but down the playoff stretch was often a healthy scratch.

Next season stories

AP - Chicago

The expansion Seattle Kraken are heading to overtime against the Blackhawks after late third period goals by D Sikura and D Strome off rebound scramble -.both tallies in the last minute - showed that the Chicago young defense and goaltending remains a work in progress

Perhaps Delia would have been a better second fiddle in goal for Chicago. Nope, Delia is headlights - let him try to earn a job elsewhere.

Sikura and Strome, both former Blackhawks, have an.opportunity to prove they can accumulate points on a consistent basis.in the NHL

Sikura had two goals in 6 gp for Vegas last season. That is two more than some hockeybuzz readers swore he ever would get.

Strome helped fill the void from Toews absence but down the playoff stretch was often a healthy scratch.
- jhawk59

The 6 gp is a much more telling stat than the goals he scored. He's not an NHLer. He is officially the same guy as Tomas Jurco.

Let's say the rebuild rakes a couple of years before the Hawks are a playoff contender. Note I said playoffs. Let's assume Toews returns healthy and he and Kane extend for a couple of years after their current contracts expire. I see 19 as a Bolland type 3C, and 88 remaining a top 6 winger. Where's the other top 5 forwards?

1. Cat yes
2. Dach a maybe, jury still out
3. Reichel possibly
4. Borgstrom who knows
5. Kubalik will be gone by then
6. Nylander probably not
7. Strome nope

So one definite, two possible and a question mark. Hawks could use 2 or 3 sure fire top 6 forwards in 2 to 3 years, not hopefuls.
- boilermaker100

Totally agree! My scouting report is simple: "Chicago has too many players who only do one thing well."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkw6uMg2D5A

Borgstrom highlights. gets alot of power on his wrist shot. Is a plus skater for 6-3.
most of his goals came from 12-15 feet
- kmw4631

Well to be fair, he was playing some of those games against ASS, so there's that

I’m watching the Carolina / Nashville game. That Aho is good at hockey.
- DarthKane

Second round pick, another Stan fail...............

Hmmm, that kind of feels good, I'm understanding you more

Agree, I feel like the Florida trade for Borgstrom will be big, adding size & skill who supposedly is over 50% at the dot.

All eyes are on Eichel after the expansion draft. Also, looks like Laine will be on the move again.... as he’s not loving his time in Columbus so far. Another under the radar guy I like his game... Monahan from Calgary. Size and plays more of a 200’ game.

I would even entertain a way to swap Big Z & Strome to Philly for Patrick & Morin, take a flier on the cheaper/younger players.

Here’s a question I thought I would ask to the group.... would you rather win #1 overall this year and get a potentially stud top pair Dman in Owen Power; or would you rather win #1 overall next year and draft the phenom C Shane Wright?
- DrewDawg

Ahh, why pick, get both

If Edmonton can get 1st after 1st after 1st, why can't we. Bettman loves him some Hawks.

Yesterday BlackhawkUp wrote their top six Blackhawk rookies of this past season. I believe you and I rank them differently than Nimrit Singh, the writer.

His list: Laakinen, P Suter, Hagel, kurashev, KalynuK, Mitchell

My list: Laakinen, Hagel, Suter, Kalynuk, Kurashev, Mitchell

I likely switch Suter and Kalynuk if the latter had played more games.

Suter was always late covering his man and a goal was scored against us. He did score more, looked like he might score more than he did based on early season play. Kurashev disappeared for a couple large stretches of games. Suter is not cut out to be a top six unless he scores more. [/img]

Yesterday BlackhawkUp wrote their top six Blackhawk rookies of this past season. I believe you and I rank them differently than Nimrit Singh, the writer.

His list: Laakinen, P Suter, Hagel, kurashev, KalynuK, Mitchell

My list: Laakinen, Hagel, Suter, Kalynuk, Kurashev, Mitchell

I likely switch Suter and Kalynuk if the latter had played more games.

Suter was always late covering his man and a goal was scored against us. He did score more, looked like he might score more than he did based on early season play. Kurashev disappeared for a couple large stretches of games. Suter is not cut out to be a top six unless he scores more.
- jhawk59[/img]

I like Kurashev and Mitchell but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them start the season in Rockford next year. Suter and Hagel and good middle 6 forwards and should return. Kalynuk’ s same size was small but he showed enough to get neither shot at the show.

Powers (in The Athletic) has ranked the Blackhawks’ top players under 25 years old.

deBrincat (23) is obviously top-ranked - and, from what I can see, is the only proven impact skater on the list.

Others may potentially/possibly become impact players, but none have yet shown that they probably will be: Dach, Boqvist, Reichel (who hasn’t yet played in North America), Borgstrom (who didn’t impress in Florida)….

But none (except, again, for AdB) have shown that they will be (or even can become) an on-ice presence like we’ve seen in this year’s early tournament games. Some nice pieces, perhaps, some pretty good depth, but I haven’t seen indications that any of them (including the four I mentioned above) would grow into a player who would play major productive minutes for, say, Carolina, Tampa, Vegas, Colorado, the top teams in the East….

Many of the under-25s could have nice NHL careers: Suter, Hagel, Kurashev, Mitchell, Beaudin, Kalynuk, Stillman, Gaudette, just to mention those that spent time in The Show this season. Will any of them strike fear in the minds of opposing Cup contenders they would be playing in the future? I’ve asked before: we like the young Hawks - but where do the young Hawks rank against other teams?

Probably unfair to Dach, with his injury and he did play well in the bubble, and Boqvist could develop the necessary strength and stamina, and we haven’t seen Reichel and Borgstrom.

But watching the first few games of the playoffs - I’m thinking that Bowman has a lot of work to do to keep this team from becoming at best, continual first round playoff casualties.

BTW - I’m not commenting on Powers’ ranking - he does have Strome at 5 on his list.

Does Zach Parise's contract take over from Seabrook's as the worst in the NHL? Healthy scratch in game 1 of the playoffs at $7.35 mil. for the next 4 years, and the way the contract is structured a buyout helps them next year in cap space, but not the 3 years after?
- LAHawk

Giving that kind of money to anyone north of 30 is pretty not smart unless you get to the finals a time or two before they get too far over the hill.

Lots of injuries but he's been pretty consistent in terms or production. Falling off a cliff at 36 with the back issues he's had isn't unexpected.

Parise was at least signed in his prime whilst Seabrook was already hitting the down slope on his.

Powers (in The Athletic) has ranked the Blackhawks’ top players under 25 years old.

deBrincat (23) is obviously top-ranked - and, from what I can see, is the only proven impact skater on the list.

Others may potentially/possibly become impact players, but none have yet shown that they probably will be: Dach, Boqvist, Reichel (who hasn’t yet played in North America), Borgstrom (who didn’t impress in Florida)….

But none (except, again, for AdB) have shown that they will be (or even can become) an on-ice presence like we’ve seen in this year’s early tournament games. Some nice pieces, perhaps, some pretty good depth, but I haven’t seen indications that any of them (including the four I mentioned above) would grow into a player who would play major productive minutes for, say, Carolina, Tampa, Vegas, Colorado, the top teams in the East….

Many of the under-25s could have nice NHL careers: Suter, Hagel, Kurashev, Mitchell, Beaudin, Kalynuk, Stillman, Gaudette, just to mention those that spent time in The Show this season. Will any of them strike fear in the minds of opposing Cup contenders they would be playing in the future? I’ve asked before: we like the young Hawks - but where do the young Hawks rank against other teams?

Probably unfair to Dach, with his injury and he did play well in the bubble, and Boqvist could develop the necessary strength and stamina, and we haven’t seen Reichel and Borgstrom.

But watching the first few games of the playoffs - I’m thinking that Bowman has a lot of work to do to keep this team from becoming at best, continual first round playoff casualties.

BTW - I’m not commenting on Powers’ ranking - he does have Strome at 5 on his list.
- StLBravesFan

Yep, the depth of a contender is there. All they need to do is get the high-end talent. Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?