For all you fancy stats fans:

Zadorov is a perfect example of a player who might fail the eye test, but the analytics prove otherwise. When you watch him chase a puck carrier above the faceoff dots to make a big hit while leaving the front of the net exposed, you want to rip your hair out of your head. However, the numbers show he was one of the best defensive defensemen on the team.


Out of the “regular defensemen,” only Ian Mitchell had a lower CF%. However, Zadorov’s 30.48 SA/60 were the third-best behind Murphy and Calvin De Haan. It may surprise you that his 1.95 GA/60 was by far the best among the defensemen at the end of the season. In fact, he was the only blueliner that had a GA/60 under 2. De Haan was the worst at 3.4, followed by Duncan Keith at 3.11. Among Blackhawks who played in at least 20 games, only Alex DeBrincat had a higher PDO (team’s shooting % + save % when a player is on the ice). So, when you look at the metrics, even though he was spent more time on his end of the ice, he did a good job at preventing shots and goals against; the main job of an NHL defenseman.
- LAHawk

He also blocked fewer shots than any of the vet men (despite playing equal or more games) and had more giveaways than anyone other than Keith.

Zadorov is not a "bad" defenseman. He is very good at what he does which is punish forwards around the net and be a huge impediment to the rush. He is also a disaster with the puck on his stick, making decisions, and slow to pick up coverages. I'm not against keeping him on the team as long as it's only a nominal increase over what he is getting now. The other players like having him on the team (which I begrudgingly admit is something to be taken into account), but I would really like to see him improve on his flaws next year. He talks the talk about improving, so hopefully he does (if the Hawks keep him around).

For all you fancy stats fans:

Zadorov is a perfect example of a player who might fail the eye test, but the analytics prove otherwise. When you watch him chase a puck carrier above the faceoff dots to make a big hit while leaving the front of the net exposed, you want to rip your hair out of your head. However, the numbers show he was one of the best defensive defensemen on the team.


Out of the “regular defensemen,” only Ian Mitchell had a lower CF%. However, Zadorov’s 30.48 SA/60 were the third-best behind Murphy and Calvin De Haan. It may surprise you that his 1.95 GA/60 was by far the best among the defensemen at the end of the season. In fact, he was the only blueliner that had a GA/60 under 2. De Haan was the worst at 3.4, followed by Duncan Keith at 3.11. Among Blackhawks who played in at least 20 games, only Alex DeBrincat had a higher PDO (team’s shooting % + save % when a player is on the ice). So, when you look at the metrics, even though he was spent more time on his end of the ice, he did a good job at preventing shots and goals against; the main job of an NHL defenseman.
- LAHawk

Send this to his agent and pray the Hawks can find a sucker to pay him what this guy is going to want.

All these "fancy" advanced stats don't do much for me. A combination of eye test/analytics is fine but relying heavily on one or other doesnt work. in case of Zadorov these look nice until you watch him play a few games....and for a team that prides itself in analytics Hawks scratched this guy a few times late in the year.

Hopefully he and cement shoes Dehaan are long gone come opening night.

He also blocked fewer shots than any of the vet men (despite playing equal or more games) and had more giveaways than anyone other than Keith.

Zadorov is not a "bad" defenseman. He is very good at what he does which is punish forwards around the net and be a huge impediment to the rush. He is also a disaster with the puck on his stick, making decisions, and slow to pick up coverages. I'm not against keeping him on the team as long as it's only a nominal increase over what he is getting now. The other players like having him on the team (which I begrudgingly admit is something to be taken into account), but I would really like to see him improve on his flaws next year. He talks the talk about improving, so hopefully he does (if the Hawks keep him around).
- Chunk

in a league where speed kills and quick transition games are a necessity....Zadorov couldn't complete a stretch pass to save his life.

Forty NHL games my ass! It is obvious, as it should be to you, they are busts. As Darth would say, “another Stan fail”.
- paulr

via GIPHY

in a league where speed kills and quick transition games are a necessity....Zadorov couldn't complete a stretch pass to save his life.
- SteveRain

And how many times did the Hawks get pinned in their own zone because they only looked for the stretch pass? I'd need about 10,000 more fingers to count that high. Not every player is going to have all the traits you want/need. Some guys are going to be (have to be) specialists. He brings a element that no other player consistently brings. Stillman has a shot, but he's pretty raw as well.

I've already stated I don't like his work with the puck, but he had the highest 5v5 ice time of any defenseman on the team, and his numbers are what they are. Yes, it's a very low bar on this team, but you still can't discount it. Can the Hawks do better? of course. DO they have anyone even close right now? I don't see it.

Send this to his agent and pray the Hawks can find a sucker to pay him what this guy is going to want.

All these "fancy" advanced stats don't do much for me. A combination of eye test/analytics is fine but relying heavily on one or other doesnt work. in case of Zadorov these look nice until you watch him play a few games....and for a team that prides itself in analytics Hawks scratched this guy a few times late in the year.

Hopefully he and cement shoes Dehaan are long gone come opening night.
- SteveRain

I think these statistics show how bad our veterans (Keith, deHaan) played this year. Keith needs to play a lot less minutes next year, and a defensive minded (like a Joel Edmundson) veteran is needed to replace deHaan.

Never use facts here it taboo Big Z is garbage it has been decided Boqvist is the golden boy we will see how far that gets us in the playoffs .lol
- oldduffman

Hey Duff. I don't recall anyone anointing Boqvist the golden boy. People pointed out (and rightfully so) that for portions of the year, he was one of, if not the, best defesneman on the ice. His defense was markedly improved, and he was engaging more (and more effectively) in the O-zone.

... just a little patience....

I think these statistics show how bad our veterans (Keith, deHaan) played this year. Keith needs to play a lot less minutes next year, and a defensive minded (like a Joel Edmundson) veteran is needed to replace deHaan.
- LAHawk

100% yes.

I think these statistics show how bad our veterans (Keith, deHaan) played this year. Keith needs to play a lot less minutes next year, and a defensive minded (like a Joel Edmundson) veteran is needed to replace deHaan.
- LAHawk

100% agreed on Keith. Part of me is hoping he requests a trade (his right) or Bowman can find a recently eliminated playoff team in the next month leading up to the draft who would view key as a nice 2nd pairing D man. Less minutes, less responsiblities, etc. Get back more picks and or prospects.

I know everyone always wants this guy or that guy to finish their career here and that's all well and fine but if Keith is open for it I would hope the Hawks would pursue it.

He was very bad last year...

And how many times did the Hawks get pinned in their own zone because they only looked for the stretch pass? I'd need about 10,000 more fingers to count that high. Not every player is going to have all the traits you want/need. Some guys are going to be (have to be) specialists. He brings a element that no other player consistently brings. Stillman has a shot, but he's pretty raw as well.

I've already stated I don't like his work with the puck, but he had the highest 5v5 ice time of any defenseman on the team, and his numbers are what they are. Yes, it's a very low bar on this team, but you still can't discount it. Can the Hawks do better? of course. DO they have anyone even close right now? I don't see it.
- Chunk

He may fit a hole but are you willing to invest 4-5 million AAV for a few years on this guy? I am not. Especially in a flat cap world.

Sharp 2.0?
- Ogilthorpe2

That´s a good comparison. There is something similar in them but Sharp is/was better shooter and Reichel is maybe more of playmaker than shooter/scorer.

Sharp 2.0?
- Ogilthorpe2

At least as far as Blackhawks comparables, maybe not Sharp 2.0 but more like Frolik 2.0 but the top 6 version of Frolik that the Panthers thought they were going to get when they drafted him.

What analytics show that Zadarov is any good?

He's at the top of the bottom half for shares of, corsi, shots for and expected goals for. There isn't a number that says he's anymore competent then the eye test he fails. He was above evens on a very good Colorado team last year but other than that - there isn't a whole lot to indicate that he pushes play in the right direction or contributes to limiting shots on goal.

Based on paper, Boqvist was the most consistently good player in the categories that typically show who isn't terrible at D.

At least as Blackhawks comparables, maybe not Sharp 2.0 but more like Frolik 2.0 but the top 6 version of Frolik that the Panthers thought they were going to get when they drafted him.
- Theo Fox

lets hope for saad but with more skill.....

I think these statistics show how bad our veterans (Keith, deHaan) played this year. Keith needs to play a lot less minutes next year, and a defensive minded (like a Joel Edmundson) veteran is needed to replace deHaan.
- LAHawk

All of the defenders were bad on paper. Boqvist and de Haan being the best of the worst.

Keith was pretty bad on paper but there were some games where when it looked like he cared he can still compete. Probably needs his minutes limited and a competent partner since he isn't as economical of a skater as Lidstrom was.

lets hope for saad but with more skill.....
- SteveRain

Saad with more hockey smarts would be even better.

And how many times did the Hawks get pinned in their own zone because they only looked for the stretch pass? I'd need about 10,000 more fingers to count that high. Not every player is going to have all the traits you want/need. Some guys are going to be (have to be) specialists. He brings a element that no other player consistently brings. Stillman has a shot, but he's pretty raw as well.

I've already stated I don't like his work with the puck, but he had the highest 5v5 ice time of any defenseman on the team, and his numbers are what they are. Yes, it's a very low bar on this team, but you still can't discount it. Can the Hawks do better? of course. DO they have anyone even close right now? I don't see it.
- Chunk

It was because no one was available anywhere since they had 5 guys below the dots and 3 of them chasing in the same corner.

No shape, no consistent or available player to release the puck to.

To go back when the Hawks were good, you had Sharp cheating up the left side (and then Saad) who were both very fast and could get up the ice quickly to stretch a team out. Toews and Hossa were shorter outlets and either of them could carry the puck in from blue line to blue line if needed. The 4th line could complete two passes and dump the puck deep and get a change because players were in a position to transition quickly and they didn't have to think.

Point being those players were in predictable places and they had multiple options as release points with out having to think too hard about where someone would be.

Since the players this past season aren't in predictable places because they have no shape it is difficult to expect a defender to fire off a quick pass to someone. They need to find them first.

Also, Sharp, Hossa and Saad were better players than what is on the ice this past season with the exception of Patrick Kane. Debrincat is fine but he doesn't have the wheels like Sharp or Saad to release up that left side and be a threat.

And then add into it that players with less skill and ability and of course they are going to piss the puck away a lot of the time.

Saad with more hockey smarts would be even better.
- LAHawk

Reichel does have more skill and smarts than Saad. Whether Reichel can parlay that into NHL productivity is yet to be seen.

It was because no one was available anywhere since they had 5 guys below the dots and 3 of them chasing in the same corner.

No shape, no consistent or available player to release the puck to.

To go back when the Hawks were good, you had Sharp cheating up the left side (and then Saad) who were both very fast and could get up the ice quickly to stretch a team out. Toews and Hossa were shorter outlets and either of them could carry the puck in from blue line to blue line if needed. The 4th line could complete two passes and dump the puck deep and get a change because players were in a position to transition quickly and they didn't have to think.

Point being those players were in predictable places and they had multiple options as release points with out having to think too hard about where someone would be.

Since the players this past season aren't in predictable places because they have no shape it is difficult to expect a defender to fire off a quick pass to someone. They need to find them first.

Also, Sharp, Hossa and Saad were better players than what is on the ice this past season with the exception of Patrick Kane. Debrincat is fine but he doesn't have the wheels like Sharp or Saad to release up that left side and be a threat.

And then add into it that players with less skill and ability and of course they are going to piss the puck away a lot of the time.
- fattybeef

Right. The argument (among a few) put forth was that Zadorov couldn't complete a stretch pass to save his life, hence the notion that he should not be retained. If the rest of the team is not aware enough to be in position to break out, why is that a stain on Z?

lets hope for saad but with better hands.....
- SteveRain

Fixed

Reichel does have more skill and smarts than Saad. Whether Reichel can parlay that into NHL productivity is yet to be seen.
- Theo Fox

How about Reichel becoming the second coming of Tevou Teraveinen ???
TEUVO TWO ......... TT joined the Hawks at 19. At time when Hawks were in need of center and put him to work right away at center, before winding up on the wing

If the Hawks were to fire JC and hire Gallant, the same posters screeching for JC’s dismissal would be screaming for Gallant to be fired after two losses.
- paulr

#bringbackpully

Right. The argument (among a few) put forth was that Zadorov couldn't complete a stretch pass to save his life, hence the notion that he should not be retained. If the rest of the team is not aware enough to be in position to break out, why is that a stain on Z?
- Chunk

stretch pass was part of his lack of a hockey IQ that justifies a pay raise and further commitment long term. Just because he's big and occasionally hits somebody doesn't mean the team should pay north of 4 aav and lock him in a few years.

Obviously the organization is also debating this as they were talking to Winnipeg about dealing him at the deadline AND scratched him a few times.

stretch pass was part of his lack of a hockey IQ that justifies a pay raise and further commitment long term. Just because he's big and occasionally hits somebody doesn't mean the team should pay north of 4 aav and lock him in a few years.

Obviously the organization is also debating this as they were talking to Winnipeg about dealing him at the deadline AND scratched him a few times.
- SteveRain

I think Ben Chariot is a good Z comparison. Chariot is older (30), makes $3.5 mil. So I think $3.5 mil. ( a slight raise for Z) would be a good comparison, WITHOUT Chariot's NTC.

stretch pass was part of his lack of a hockey IQ that justifies a pay raise and further commitment long term. Just because he's big and occasionally hits somebody doesn't mean the team should pay north of 4 aav and lock him in a few years.

Obviously the organization is also debating this as they were talking to Winnipeg about dealing him at the deadline AND scratched him a few times.
- SteveRain

Guarantee you Blowman is going to double-down on the trade to justify the original bad decision leaving the Hawks with nothing to show for it.

Expect Z to be re-upped for near $4M for at least 3 years.