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Forums :: Blog World :: Theo Fox: Open Sesame
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Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Oct 13 @ 4:06 AM ET
Theo Fox: Open Sesame A final look at the Blackhawks as they kick off their 2021-22 season tonight versus the Avalanche minus Nathan MacKinnon.

* News on Dylan Strome, Matej Chalupa, transactions, and captains.
* Starting lineup projections with the help of Blackhawks writer Tyler Cameron.
* Results for the readers' poll on season predictions.
35Tony0
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Springfield, IL
Joined: 05.10.2015

Oct 13 @ 5:23 AM ET
Let's Go Blackhawks!
Huge test right out of the gate versus Colorado, even without McKinnon. But I think the 'Hawks are more suited to compete against them now than they would have been last year.
We are about to see first hand about developing potential. It would be awesome to see a couple of the young guys exceed expectations. If that happens, it puts the team in the playoffs conversation and I would love that.
BGKarras
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Itasca, IL
Joined: 06.19.2012

Oct 13 @ 5:50 AM ET
It's Hockey Time Baby!!!
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Oct 13 @ 7:08 AM ET
Thanks for having me on the show, Theo.

Pumped to watch some hockey tonight. Finally!!

Let’s go Hawks!
HawkintheD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Sick Bay, MI
Joined: 02.22.2012

Oct 13 @ 7:37 AM ET
Let's Go Blackhawks!
Huge test right out of the gate versus Colorado, even without McKinnon. But I think the 'Hawks are more suited to compete against them now than they would have been last year.
We are about to see first hand about developing potential. It would be awesome to see a couple of the young guys exceed expectations. If that happens, it puts the team in the playoffs conversation and I would love that.

- 35Tony0



Vs last year I think there's only one rookie on the team in Entwistle, but still lots of youth.

Would be great to see Kurashev and Dach take another step this year. I'm not sure how much Hagel can improve but if he can start burying some of his chances, that might be about all you could ask for. Love his motor and even in preseason just seemed to pick up where he left off.

If Borgstrom proves he's finally NHL ready that would be a nice surprise and would be one the few 1st rd reclamation projects that's worked out for the Hawks.

35Tony0
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Springfield, IL
Joined: 05.10.2015

Oct 13 @ 8:06 AM ET
Vs last year I think there's only one rookie on the team in Entwistle, but still lots of youth.

Would be great to see Kurashev and Dach take another step this year. I'm not sure how much Hagel can improve but if he can start burying some of his chances, that might be about all you could ask for. Love his motor and even in preseason just seemed to pick up where he left off.

If Borgstrom proves he's finally NHL ready that would be a nice surprise and would be one the few 1st rd reclamation projects that's worked out for the Hawks.

- HawkintheD

Agreed. Even though he is out for some time, Caleb Jones was certainly passing my eye test on the defense side of things.
The hard cap did its job, along with the 2009-2015 teams' players aging out of their NHL peaks. I still hold hope that Kane and Toews can be elder skatesmen on the next Cup Contending Blackhawks team.
powerenforcer
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wheeling, IL
Joined: 09.24.2009

Oct 13 @ 8:35 AM ET
Thanks Theo -great job as always.

I am not impressed with Colorado's goaltending, so if the Blackhawks can keep pressure in the O zone I think they can score some goals. Keeping Colorado off the scoreboard will be key. I think as the season progresses, having MAF will help the defense big time, just knowing he will make big saves when needed, and will not get flustered when bad plays happen in front of him. I want to believe he is a team guy and will help the D out any way he can. In turn, the D will help him out.
Angotti
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2019

Oct 13 @ 9:24 AM ET
Thanks Theo and Tyler. No offense Tyler,but I’d rather have Mitchell out there than Gus. Gus needs to be in press box or in Rockford. I know some are down on Mitchell, but I like his game. Did he really look that bad on Saturday? I watched about 20 minutes of the game, and other than one bad pass he looked okay to me. Would I rather have Mitchell in Rockford to start the year? Yes, but not if Gus is the sixth defenseman.
LAHawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.02.2017

Oct 13 @ 9:33 AM ET
Thanks Theo and Tyler. No offense Tyler,but I’d rather have Mitchell out there than Gus. Gus needs to be in press box or in Rockford. I know some are down on Mitchell, but I like his game. Did he really look that bad on Saturday? I watched about 20 minutes of the game, and other than one bad pass he looked okay to me. Would I rather have Mitchell in Rockford to start the year? Yes, but not if Gus is the sixth defenseman.

Angotti

I am not "down" on Mitchell. But in the last 2 preseason games, he made several bad reads (especially trying to challenge in the neutral zone) that I think he is trying too hard to impress. If he plays, he definitely needs to be sheltered. Question is, do you want him playing 8 sheltered minutes a game, or 20 minutes at Rockford?
paulr
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: YYZ
Joined: 06.26.2011

Oct 13 @ 9:44 AM ET
Thanks Theo and Tyler. No offense Tyler,but I’d rather have Mitchell out there than Gus. Gus needs to be in press box or in Rockford. I know some are down on Mitchell, but I like his game. Did he really look that bad on Saturday? I watched about 20 minutes of the game, and other than one bad pass he looked okay to me. Would I rather have Mitchell in Rockford to start the year? Yes, but not if Gus is the sixth defenseman.
- Angotti

On one hand I’d rather have a rookie making rookie mistakes than a veteran making rookie mistakes. But on the other I’d much rather have a rookie in Rockford with a plan to work on the weaker points of his game and sacrifice this season if need be. That said, I try to remain positive but I can’t understand why Bowman thought bringing back Gus was a good thing to do? While Gus does do well on the power play, provided the Hawks have puck control, his defense is so pathetic he’s a defensive liability even on the power play.
biskit67
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 07.27.2015

Oct 13 @ 9:48 AM ET
I know the Avs won't be 100% tonight, but I also know they are a better team regardless. The cup favorites possibly. So, if the Hawks can take advantage and get 2 unexpected points, I don't care if it's against a team down their best player. That would be 2 points in the bank towards the 94-96 they need to get in the playoffs. I remember last year they started against Tampa and looked like crap the first 2 games. The first one against Florida after that too. So, any start where they play decent is better.

My answers in the poll almost matched the winner in every question. The interesting thing to me is that 83% of the people that took the poll think the Hawks will make the playoffs. I know the local optimism is usually higher than the national media, but the national media looks like around 50% predicting the Hawks will get in. I don't think the national reporters are really taking a healthy Toews as enough of a factor. He is still arguably the Hawks best all around player. The Fleury trade is more important, but healthy Toews is right up there in impact.
mohel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 02.08.2013

Oct 13 @ 9:48 AM ET
Something for Dots to consider as the new season is upon us and the blood pressure is likely to launch....

The Man now says that the low dose aspirin regimen many are on is no longer recommended for those sixty and older. I know, I know, the same Man has told us for quite awhile to pop the little fockers like candy, but no more.

I'm glad this news came out before game one; it may save some Blackhawks fans!
LAHawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.02.2017

Oct 13 @ 9:49 AM ET
On one hand I’d rather have a rookie making rookie mistakes than a veteran making rookie mistakes. But on the other I’d much rather have a rookie in Rockford with a plan to work on the weaker points of his game and sacrifice this season if need be. That said, I try to remain positive but I can’t understand why Bowman thought bringing back Gus was a good thing to do? While Gus does do well on the power play, provided the Hawks have puck control, his defense is so pathetic he’s a defensive liability even on the power play.
- paulr


I think it was more about getting a body at $800K that can be buried or waived, and helped them get under the cap than they expect Gus to make any real contribution. I don't think Stan was looking at Gus as defensive depth for the entire year, but when Kalnyuk and Jones went down, they needed to do a transaction for cap purposes. Actually, if you look at the waiver wire for those D men that make the salary minimum, you can argue Gus is the best of that bunch.
paulr
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: YYZ
Joined: 06.26.2011

Oct 13 @ 10:02 AM ET
Something for Dots to consider as the new season is upon us and the blood pressure is likely to launch....

The Man now says that the low dose aspirin regimen many are on is no longer recommended for those sixty and older. I know, I know, the same Man has told us for quite awhile to pop the little fockers like candy, but no more.

I'm glad this news came out before game one; it may save some Blackhawks fans!

- mohel

A win would certainly help Dots in that regard. However if there’s a less than perfect shift or ten during the game the BP could get so out of control that a win won’t compensate.
paulr
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: YYZ
Joined: 06.26.2011

Oct 13 @ 10:03 AM ET
I think it was more about getting a body at $800K that can be buried or waived, and helped them get under the cap than they expect Gus to make any real contribution. I don't think Stan was looking at Gus as defensive depth for the entire year, but when Kalnyuk and Jones went down, they needed to do a transaction for cap purposes. Actually, if you look at the waiver wire for those D men that make the salary minimum, you can argue Gus is the best of that bunch.
- LAHawk

I hope you’re right.
mohel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 02.08.2013

Oct 13 @ 10:14 AM ET
A win would certainly help Dots in that regard. However if there’s a less than perfect shift or ten during the game the BP could get so out of control that a win won’t compensate.
- paulr


Well, I have read that you're not a real fan unless you're at serious risk of a grabber or a stroke. You, my Canadian friend, are at the top of the non-fan list. No way to be a fan and provide measured analysis at the same time.
powerenforcer
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wheeling, IL
Joined: 09.24.2009

Oct 13 @ 10:14 AM ET
Something for Dots to consider as the new season is upon us and the blood pressure is likely to launch....

The Man now says that the low dose aspirin regimen many are on is no longer recommended for those sixty and older. I know, I know, the same Man has told us for quite awhile to pop the little fockers like candy, but no more.

I'm glad this news came out before game one; it may save some Blackhawks fans!

- mohel


Funny - this came out the same time a report said that low-dose aspirin helps contain Covid symptoms. I wonder what "science" says about all this.
TheTrob
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Oak Park, IL
Joined: 04.14.2010

Oct 13 @ 10:16 AM ET
I think it was more about getting a body at $800K that can be buried or waived, and helped them get under the cap than they expect Gus to make any real contribution. I don't think Stan was looking at Gus as defensive depth for the entire year, but when Kalnyuk and Jones went down, they needed to do a transaction for cap purposes. Actually, if you look at the waiver wire for those D men that make the salary minimum, you can argue Gus is the best of that bunch.
- LAHawk


I'm hoping you're right and the Hawks don't waste any time on actually having Gus play a significant amount of games, maybe only an occasional one once in a while.
Gus has 1 season where he stood out offensively, otherwise his numbers have been...meh, and he continues to be a huge defensive liability. I would rather see Mitchell, Beaudin, Galvas, Krys, or any of the youngsters play and learn than seeing Gus. As someone else said, I would rather see rookies making rookie mistakes than seeing a veteran Gus continue to make them (and not have the offensive upside to balance it anymore). He was a 1 year flash in the pan offensively........move aside.
wiz1901
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: DraftSite com, IL
Joined: 05.14.2008

Oct 13 @ 10:29 AM ET
You or I should worry about that low dose aspirin I take before going to sleep?

I would think most posters here have to worry about abstaining from Diet soda and non-diet sodas, all fast food purchases, alcohol, and lack of solid vegetable filled diets and exercise over aspirin.
And the "man"...is that some political slang just like when I had to get educated after "cancel culture" was posted?

Kent state "man" was the establishments reaction to anti-war protestors, "...the man come and take you away"...

...on to hockey where we should have started:

What ever happened to the idea of competition? Why not keep Strome and feel the necessary feeling he has got to compete to play wherever he can in the line-up, before a unnecessary hasty discard?
Angotti
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2019

Oct 13 @ 10:34 AM ET
Thanks Theo and Tyler. No offense Tyler,but I’d rather have Mitchell out there than Gus. Gus needs to be in press box or in Rockford. I know some are down on Mitchell, but I like his game. Did he really look that bad on Saturday? I watched about 20 minutes of the game, and other than one bad pass he looked okay to me. Would I rather have Mitchell in Rockford to start the year? Yes, but not if Gus is the sixth defenseman.

Angotti

I am not "down" on Mitchell. But in the last 2 preseason games, he made several bad reads (especially trying to challenge in the neutral zone) that I think he is trying too hard to impress. If he plays, he definitely needs to be sheltered. Question is, do you want him playing 8 sheltered minutes a game, or 20 minutes at Rockford?

- LAHawk

I’d rather have him in Rockford playing 20 minutes, but I would also rather have him on the ice instead of Gus. Let’s face it, Gus is a train wreck defensively, I don’t want to see him in a game with the Hawks.
mohel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 02.08.2013

Oct 13 @ 10:46 AM ET
You or I should worry about that low dose aspirin I take before going to sleep?

I would think most posters here have to worry about abstaining from Diet soda and non-diet sodas, all fast food purchases, alcohol, and lack of solid vegetable filled diets and exercise over aspirin.
And the "man"...is that some political slang just like when I had to get educated after "cancel culture" was posted?

Kent state "man" was the establishments reaction to anti-war protestors, "...the man come and take you away"...

...on to hockey where we should have started:

What ever happened to the idea of competition? Why not keep Strome and feel the necessary feeling he has got to compete to play wherever he can in the line-up, before a unnecessary hasty discard?

- wiz1901


The 1st bolded......yes, there is a proposed change to the guidance, now recommending against the low dose aspirin.

2nd bolded.....hasty? Really? He's been here quite awhile.
Ogilthorpe2
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 37,000 FT
Joined: 07.09.2009

Oct 13 @ 10:50 AM ET
You or I should worry about that low dose aspirin I take before going to sleep?

I would think most posters here have to worry about abstaining from Diet soda and non-diet sodas, all fast food purchases, alcohol, and lack of solid vegetable filled diets and exercise over aspirin.
And the "man"...is that some political slang just like when I had to get educated after "cancel culture" was posted?

Kent state "man" was the establishments reaction to anti-war protestors, "...the man come and take you away"...

...on to hockey where we should have started:

What ever happened to the idea of competition? Why not keep Strome and feel the necessary feeling he has got to compete to play wherever he can in the line-up, before a unnecessary hasty discard?

- wiz1901

I’ll give you 3 million reasons why…
67hawks
Joined: 08.30.2012

Oct 13 @ 10:59 AM ET
You or I should worry about that low dose aspirin I take before going to sleep?

I would think most posters here have to worry about abstaining from Diet soda and non-diet sodas, all fast food purchases, alcohol, and lack of solid vegetable filled diets and exercise over aspirin.
And the "man"...is that some political slang just like when I had to get educated after "cancel culture" was posted?

Kent state "man" was the establishments reaction to anti-war protestors, "...the man come and take you away"...

...on to hockey where we should have started:

What ever happened to the idea of competition? Why not keep Strome and feel the necessary feeling he has got to compete to play wherever he can in the line-up, before a unnecessary hasty discard?

- wiz1901


I have the same thoughts about Strome. We finally have some depth and injury insurance up front that we will just throw away because we will not get a good return for him.
Ironically most posters were gleeful when we traded for Strome. I wonder how many of those are dissing him now. I hated that trade from day 1 because I felt that we gave up more than we received. I know that Schmaltz is overpaid now, but that doesn't mean that we would have committed to the same dollars.

EDIT: Plus I am not totally sold on Borgstrom yet.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Oct 13 @ 11:08 AM ET
My expectations for this season is to make the playoffs. IF a major injury to a top guy occurs not much you can do....Fleury, Toews, Kane, Jones, Murphy.

Need to see Dach improve his game and push for a top 6 role. Good continued development from the younger guys.

Hope the Strome trade happens by this weekend....good riddance.

Really feel this team can sneak up on people. Better depth and a big upgrade in the net which should calm guys down from back to front.

Great to have hockey back! LEts go.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Oct 13 @ 11:10 AM ET
I'm hoping you're right and the Hawks don't waste any time on actually having Gus play a significant amount of games, maybe only an occasional one once in a while.
Gus has 1 season where he stood out offensively, otherwise his numbers have been...meh, and he continues to be a huge defensive liability. I would rather see Mitchell, Beaudin, Galvas, Krys, or any of the youngsters play and learn than seeing Gus. As someone else said, I would rather see rookies making rookie mistakes than seeing a veteran Gus continue to make them (and not have the offensive upside to balance it anymore). He was a 1 year flash in the pan offensively........move aside.

- TheTrob



I think MOntreal showed best how to use him....PP, offensive zone starting shift....etc. If he is contributing on the PP....makes sense. IF he isn't, you cut bait. I don't see any reason to have it last more then 20 games unless you have a TON of injuries on the back end. See where he's at game 21 and how he's contributing and either keep rolling for another 20, or waive him.
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