In regards to the "forge a path" comments...Is it possible that the Blackhawks knew the pandemic seasons would be a wash and, considering that the lower leagues were shutting down, decided to bring prospects to the big club to season and get shifts and then reset once it all blew over? In other words, now that the NHL world is returning to some semblance of normalcy, they can restock the big boy club with big boys and send all the prospects back to marinate? Not to give that FO brass to much credit, but I'm sure many in the NHL saw this coming when they started closing down lower leagues and emptying out arenas. Could this have been the plan all along?

Of course, Finn.

Good question about who the puck movers are. I'd say the Jones brothers are but they're not in the same mold as Boqvist, Kalynuk, Mitchell, Beaudin, or even Krys. Besides Seth and Caleb, that's it. Kalynuk definitely adds that element.

PP will likely be 4 Fs + 1 D with those D quarterbacks being S Jones and hopefully Kalynuk otherwise replace him with C Jones. Not ideal.

This is where adding another veteran D free agent who is more of a puck mover (and affordable) could be on the wish list.

Either that or have Kalynuk plus Mitchell or Beaudin in the starting 6.
- Theo Fox

Hey Theo. What are your thoughts on Stillman being a dark horse on PP2 maybe? He seems to be pretty responsible (not pinching too egregiously), and has been able to get shots through (and will fire at will with an opening).

Thanks for the answer. Just wondering, how many coaches actually change their schemes, does it happen more/less in hockey than other sports?
- powerenforcer

Rarely in hockey because the GM has the vision for how the team plays, and generally picks a coach that has the same vision. Why teams have identity (good or bad). Of course visions change if you end up with a bunch of top draft picks that play a different style as you.

Also, the NHL is a copy cat league. When the Hawks won cups, everyone wanted skilled players, when the Kings won cups, everyone wanted big players who were defensive first.

I do not believe that Stan would tolerate defensee and forwards performances as a repeat of last season. Not after upgrading the blueline. Colliton will be expected to have dmen and forwards in syn. Bowman will tell Colliton.about any bumbling confused and irresponsible plays must top or someone else will get an opportunity to enter the line up. And eventually the coach will go if he cannot straighten things out

THANK YOU THEO - GREAT WRITE UP !!
I have been thinking about the scheme changing for awhile. Yes the defensive zone coverage needs to be better, but the neutral zone needs addressing ! If Hawks can just gummy up the neutral zone more, that would eliminate some zone entries. I saw TBL employ a neutral zone scheme versus Dallas two years ago, where Eddie O and side kick were impressed that Dallas had trouble even crossing the red line. The Hawks have enough offense to counter attack from the neutral zone and be dangerous. I wish they would create heavy fourth line of Khaira-Entwhistle- Hardman, but letting the youngsters marinate in the minors is probably the best thing. Once they do come up, they won't be going back, as Hagel and Kurashev have shown

I'd love to see the top 6 start as -
Debrincat - Johnson - Kane

The Team USA line! Johnson is better offensively as he took a lesser role the last few years to win Cups (with Pointe taking a bigger role). But he played a big defensive role under Cooper so Kane gets a 2 way C, that can keep up on the ice and with offensive creativity.

Dach/Kurashev - Toews - Kubilak

Dach and Kurashev are going to both love an learn a ton playing with Toews. I'd like to see either of them play wing this year and put up numbers. Work on getting thier offensive confidence going. Preferably start Dach here. I love Kurashev's game but wouldnt mind him and Reichel in Rockford to start.

But the bottom 6....is everyone else in a pool and battle royale away. Guys like Hagel, Khaira, Connolly who have motors and/or high compete levels are going to push the Strome and Nylander's to show up or out. Gaudette, Carpenter are going to compete like hell. They're at an age and salary where they're next contract is on the line.

I dont know, I think this is a solid situation they are now in - once Jones becoming available and they got him.
- PatShart

Decent post. I'd love to see it all work out like that.

Thanks for the answer. Just wondering, how many coaches actually change their schemes, does it happen more/less in hockey than other sports?
- powerenforcer

LAHawk has a good response to your post. Also, to Colliton's credit, he has admitted to changing up things based on feedback from players and also when things just aren't going right. He may need to do more adjusting.

I do not believe that Stan would tolerate defensee and forwards performances teoeatvof last season. Nit after upgrading the blueline. Colliton will be expected to have dmen and forwards in syn. Bowman will tell Colliton.about any bumbling confused and irresponsible plays must top or someone else will get an opportunity to enter the line up
- jhawk59

Smokin’ that sweet chiba already jhawk?! Damn man

In regards to the "forge a path" comments...Is it possible that the Blackhawks knew the pandemic seasons would be a wash and, considering that the lower leagues were shutting down, decided to bring prospects to the big club to season and get shifts and then reset once it all blew over? In other words, now that the NHL world is returning to some semblance of normalcy, they can restock the big boy club with big boys and send all the prospects back to marinate? Not to give that FO brass to much credit, but I'm sure many in the NHL saw this coming when they started closing down lower leagues and emptying out arenas. Could this have been the plan all along?
- Champstache

Good thoughts on this topic. There could have been a little foresight on management's part given the pandemic's impact on leagues worldwide at all levels. Yet, I think there was also a bit of not picking lanes either. Several factors to where they are heading now.

Hey Theo. What are your thoughts on Stillman being a dark horse on PP2 maybe? He seems to be pretty responsible (not pinching too egregiously), and has been able to get shots through (and will fire at will with an opening).
- Chunk

Stillman crossed my mind as an option. The Hawks may have no choice but I also don't think he'd be horrible either. Just not ideal.

Justin Bourne's take on the Hawks FA signings:

Seth Jones, D, Chicago
Contract: Eight years, $9.5 million

It’s just so many dollars and so many years for a guy the underlying numbers are a little skeptical of. But he’s young and big, skates like a dream and is a legit top-pair guy, a type that doesn't grow on trees.

Jujhar Khaira, C, Chicago
Contract: Two years, $975,000 AAV

Good deal for the Blackhawks. A bonafide NHLer in a depth role who’s not a big financial risk.

LAHawk has a good response to your post. Also, to Colliton's credit, he has admitted to changing up things based on feedback from players and also when things just aren't going right. He may need to do more adjusting.
- Theo Fox

I think a lot of their play will be based on the strengths and weaknesses of the guys on the backend. Can they diagnose where the danger and safety areas are on the ice and in their zone, and can they actually connect on their intended passes.

Decent post. I'd love to see it all work out like that.
- 6628

Cat 5’7, TJ 5’8, Kane 5’10 (not accurate, he’s 5’8-5’9 max) Teams would run these guys thru the glass.

THANK YOU THEO - GREAT WRITE UP !!
I have been thinking about the scheme changing for awhile. Yes the defensive zone coverage needs to be better, but the neutral zone needs addressing ! If Hawks can just gummy up the neutral zone more, that would eliminate some zone entries. I saw TBL employ a neutral zone scheme versus Dallas two years ago, where Eddie O and side kick were impressed that Dallas had trouble even crossing the red line. The Hawks have enough offense to counter attack from the neutral zone and be dangerous. I wish they would create heavy fourth line of Khaira-Entwhistle- Hardman, but letting the youngsters marinate in the minors is probably the best thing. Once they do come up, they won't be going back, as Hagel and Kurashev have shown
- chuckdahammer

Of course, hammer.

Shrinking the ice as early as possible by attacking the other team's offensive rushes early and often will help to suffocate them more. Defend in waves so they have less time and space to operate.

You're welcome, PE.

Yes, either Colliton and crew adapt and change up systems, schemes, and strategies when things aren't going well or it may be time to look for a new coach.
- Theo Fox

Still think Crawford would have been a better option as HC. JC could have been an AC to gain some experience at the NHL level. Crawford has repented publicly about bad decision making and behavior in the past. At some point, I'd consider placing him at the top, if JC continues with his structured mayhem, especially the defensive schemes. Thanks for the honesty, Theo.

Getting Jones was a lot like then the Haeks drafted Kane, IMO

At that time the Hawks while building, didnt have anyone of Kane's caliber/skill and he made and still continues to make others around him better. There were TONS of questions about him (size, character, etc) but the right situation and teammates made him who he is today. He needed Q, Toews, Keith, Hossa, etc

Lots of questions around Jones. Fancy stat experts will tell you he is declining. Not as good as advertised. "Overpaid".

But...look at his history. Age. Pedigree. Look more what other respected teammates and coaches say about him.

It's up to him to earn the contract and the respect. As I said before and was mocked, I think it's more exciting this season and forward than waiting for Boqvist to slowly skate off the ice after being hit. Is it his head? Shoulder this time? Better shut him down, again.

Smokin’ that sweet chiba already jhawk?! Damn man
- Assman22

Puff Puff Give.... Smokey...

Any new details regarding MAF's trade request?.

Cat 5’7, TJ 5’8, Kane 5’10 (not accurate, he’s 5’8-5’9 max) Teams would run these guys thru the glass.
- Assman22

Probably

Because it was noticable when Debrincat Suter and Kane were on the ice....I remember the game all three went hesd first right through it.

Johnson is nowhere near Suter size or ability, so you're probably right.

Smokin’ that sweet chiba already jhawk?! Damn man
- Assman22

Just have to check before sending. And use a lap top or tablet instead of cell phone. I did correct the errors already

What concern do you have about how well the defense plays in light of last season's fiasco regarding breakouts and the opponent looking for stretch passes

Probably

Because it was noticable when Debrincat Suter and Kane were on the ice....I remember the game all three went hesd first right through it.

Johnson is nowhere near Suter size or ability, so you're probably right.
- PatShart

Suter wasn't very big either

Probably

Because it was noticable when Debrincat Suter and Kane were on the ice....I remember the game all three went hesd first right through it.

Johnson is nowhere near Suter size or ability, so you're probably right.
- PatShart

Johnson is a better skater (still), more creative offensive player, way better defensively. Are you basing this on Johnson playing 4th line center in Tampa, as opposed to Suter getting mostly top line center with the Hawks?

Still think Crawford would have been a better option as HC. JC could have been an AC to gain some experience at the NHL level. Crawford has repented publicly about bad decision making and behavior in the past. At some point, I'd consider placing him at the top, if JC continues with his structured mayhem, especially the defensive schemes. Thanks for the honesty, Theo.
- gabriel

I'm not sure that with the Aldrich stuff out there that the Hawks would want the scrutiny that would come with promoting Crawford to head coach right now given his issues in the past.

What concern do you have about how well the defense plays in light of last season's fiasco regarding breakouts and the opponent looking for stretch passes
- jhawk59

Massive concern. Guys look lost and give up too many quality SOG. Not new for Colliton here or when he was in Rockford. Bring in defensive minded assistant or bring in a new coach midseason otherwise these adjustments on the fly Stan just did will hurt the franchise long term. Pick a lane and stay in it

Suter wasn't very big either
- GPHawksfan

Especially when laying down