I actaully think we might be underating ryder rolston. I think he ends up top 3-4 of forwards we have in our system. he has solid size and a very good skater and a good shoot. barrett does not have any NHL skills other then he is hard worker. AA has 2 goals in 22 games this year in the AHL.
- kmw4631

Isn't that like being the tallest midget?

So maybe discussions have taken place with Fleury and he has agreed to be moved?
- boilermaker100

Imo I think after the all star game trades will start to happen , plus Canada opening its borders and having fans let back into areas will get the trade market moving.

My concern too. Toews is not a top 10 #1 center anymore. Trying to build around those 3 is a foul's errand. You also don't have a Seabrook type to stay at home and permit Jones to roam around and flourish as a top pairing guy.
- bhawks2241

Toews and Kane are only signed through next season, if Toews stays with the Hawks, I am sure his extension would be for a lot less $'s (like 3C dollars). Kane could possibly command a big AAV if he wants to stay. If he doesn't sign by next TDL, I am sure the Hawks would not risk losing him for no return.

@Account4hockey
Frank Seravalli says on SN650 that Kane, Toews, and Seth Jones are the only untouchables for CHI. If you want to take a run at trading for anyone else, they'll listen.

So a blockbuster with DBC included??? This surprises me as it's not really in line with a rebuilding team approach. Unless, they've already talked to all three of those players and all nixed a trade.
- pdx2ord

Is that just his opinion, or did he actually hear it from a team source. Any jaboob can say "I don't think they can move the big contracts, so everyone else is in play".

I guess we all say this coming for C. Jones. Also the the fact the centers on L3 and L4 aren't switched is laughable.



Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
·
2h
Blackhawks lines in practice:

Hagel-Strome-Kane
DeBrincat-Toews-Kubalik
Kurashev-Lafferty-Entwistle
Carpenter-Borgstrom-Khaira

McCabe-Seth Jones
De Haan-Murphy
Stillman-Gustafsson
Caleb Jones

I guess we all say this coming for C. Jones. Also the the fact the centers on L3 and L4 aren't switched is laughable.



Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
·
2h
Blackhawks lines in practice:

Hagel-Strome-Kane
DeBrincat-Toews-Kubalik
Kurashev-Lafferty-Entwistle
Carpenter-Borgstrom-Khaira

McCabe-Seth Jones
De Haan-Murphy
Stillman-Gustafsson
Caleb Jones
- Chunk

Always the sign of a good team to have two fourth lines!

Always the sign of a good team to have two fourth lines!

- mohel

Always good yep having a playmaking center on the 4th line.

Isn't that like being the tallest midget?
- mohel

Barret is a good passer and can score. But even a moderate.scorer i would guess yes if he wants to play trying to score and not as much style he does now? Well he scored big at Penn State, so what is his capability. I wouldn't judge his scoring or points solely upon offensive output this season. Theo can add to this dialog

Always the sign of a good team to have two fourth lines!

- mohel

You know what they say. If you have two fourth lines you have four of them...

Maybe not verbatim.

Do you believe it is not a reach to compete for a playoff spot under these conditions working out well for the Blackhawks:

* Goaktending is good, not great with Laakinen and Soderblom sharing net

* Many forwards graduate- most from Rockford- and prove to be solid, hard working, gritty both responsible extensively and tough checkers. They also show modest offensive ability, not duds

* Both Mitchell and Galvas are steady, where eas Kalynuk dies not break through and Beaudin is traded

* Toews retires but Kane is still here.

I would like to also include one other condition, but it is premature and difficult to ascertain exactly the details... . Which would be draft choice(s) and or improvement ti a higher earlier selection in '22 draft by trading any ir each Fleury, Carpentar, deHahn. Won't include Murohy but wish he was traded too
- jhawk59

The Hawks could compete for a playoff spot with the current roster (as pointed out by Trob earlier). My question is what does the collection you lay out here get you? To me, it looks like Nashville while playing under Trotz. They try hard and make the playoffs, but get dusted every year in the 1st or 2nd round. I'd rather they be a bit more forward thinking and find/develop some real talent.

Is that just his opinion, or did he actually hear it from a team source. Any jaboob can say "I don't think they can move the big contracts, so everyone else is in play".
- Chunk

Chunk, Sevarelli is a respected scoop guy in the same league as Friedman IMO. I have no doubt he heard what he said from a solid source but unless he says he's heard anything from multiple sources he's heard it from just one. Even if it's from a solid source it's only one source.

Sevarelli works for The Daily Faceoff and I like his podcasts. If interested here's a link: https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/shows/

As far as the info that anyone is available besides Kane, Toews and Jones IMO Dcat is the least likely traded followed by Dach. I'll look around but IIRC Dcat is in the top 5 of goal scorers in the NHL the last 3ish yrs.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
·
2h
I asked Marc-Andre Fleury if he's considered a trade to a contender ahead of the deadline:

"It's not my thought yet. All I want is to have this team make the playoffs. Honestly, that’s what’s in my head right now. To me, it’s not worth looking too far ahead."

Interesting article regarding the succession process after Bill Wirtz passed away in 2007. Sounds as if Rocky wasn't involved with the team much until after his father passed away. Rocky's younger brother Peter was a team VP for several years and seemed destined to run the team, but Rocky moved in and took over.

https://www.chicagomag.co...ember-2008/The-Breakaway/
- boilermaker100

Sort of. Rocky took over control on the Wirtz Empire as was dictated in the succession plan. Peter was VP of the Hawks, the Presidents position was going to be left open, but Rocky definitely had some changes in mind. Peter quit, he wasn't pushed out by Rocky, and McD was hired well after Peter had already resigned. Peter supposedly was going to focus on running Bismark (which he sold to Levy Restaurants a few years later). Lets not also forget that the Hawks were a mess. Lagging attendance and season ticket holders, no TV revenue, losing money, etc.

Another interesting article:
https://www.nytimes.com/2...10/24/us/24cncfamily.html

Chunk, Sevarelli is a respected scoop guy in the same league as Friedman IMO. I have no doubt he heard what he said from a solid source but unless he says he's heard anything from multiple sources he's heard it from just one. Even if it's from a solid source it's only one source.

Sevarelli works for The Daily Faceoff and I like his podcasts. If interested here's a link: https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/shows/

As far as the info that anyone is available besides Kane, Toews and Jones IMO Dcat is the least likely traded followed by Dach. I'll look around but IIRC Dcat is in the top 5 of goal scorers in the NHL the last 3ish yrs.
- Mr Ricochet

Sure, but did he say that in the context of someone asking "who do you think CHI is going to trade?" or was it him actually divulging info that he got from a source. Two very different meanings.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
·
2h
I asked Marc-Andre Fleury if he's considered a trade to a contender ahead of the deadline:

"It's not my thought yet. All I want is to have this team make the playoffs. Honestly, that’s what’s in my head right now. To me, it’s not worth looking too far ahead."
- Chunk

I'll translate....

"Yes. Absolutely."

I guess we all say this coming for C. Jones. Also the the fact the centers on L3 and L4 aren't switched is laughable.



Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
·
2h
Blackhawks lines in practice:

Hagel-Strome-Kane
DeBrincat-Toews-Kubalik
Kurashev-Lafferty-Entwistle
Carpenter-Borgstrom-Khaira

McCabe-Seth Jones
De Haan-Murphy
Stillman-Gustafsson
Caleb Jones
- Chunk

Hey Chunk, what have you thought of Lafferty in a Hawk's jersey? I was pleasantly surprised at his skating, size, seemed to skate with a purpose and liked his compete.

You like Borgstrom? I do but of course he's still a question mark but an intriguing one especially in a system with so few useful forwards. ..... He passes the eye test as a cerebral player but with 5 pts in 26 games, and a decent amount with Kane/Dcat, the numbers just aren't there.

Yes, seeing him skate 10-12 minutes can be frustrating but King does not rotate the kid out of the lineup like he does a bunch of players. I'm thankful for that, they're taking a long look at him, and wonder of Davidson has told him to keep Finn in the lineup?

Chunk, Sevarelli is a respected scoop guy in the same league as Friedman IMO. I have no doubt he heard what he said from a solid source but unless he says he's heard anything from multiple sources he's heard it from just one. Even if it's from a solid source it's only one source.

Sevarelli works for The Daily Faceoff and I like his podcasts. If interested here's a link: https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/shows/

As far as the info that anyone is available besides Kane, Toews and Jones IMO Dcat is the least likely traded followed by Dach. I'll look around but IIRC Dcat is in the top 5 of goal scorers in the NHL the last 3ish yrs.
- Mr Ricochet

10th actually, 3rd over the last 2 seasons.

Isn't that like being the tallest midget?
- mohel

Barret is a good passer and can score. But even a moderate.scorer i would guess yes if he wants to play trying to score and not as much style he does now? Well he scored big at Penn State, so what is his capability. I wouldn't judge his scoring or points solely upon offensive output this season. Theo can add to this dialog

When they brought in the Soccer Gurus, what instructions did Rocky give? Build me an organization that makes me more money in the next couple years? Or, build me an organization that wins Cups?
- mohel

With no evidence one way or the other I'd say win cups. I'd add 2 things, Rocky has spouted he didn't make a profit after winning a cup IIRC and the consulting company's area of expertise as far as I know is in the processes of building winning franchises not extracting profit.

It has to be one helluva high for a successful man like Rocky to win a cup. He's now experienced the low of this era and I gotta believe he wants to get back to the top of the mountain.

Barret is a good passer and can score. But even a moderate.scorer i would guess yes if he wants to play trying to score and not as much style he does now? Well he scored big at Penn State, so what is his capability. I wouldn't judge his scoring or points solely upon offensive output this season. Theo can add to this dialog
- jhawk59

Barratt brings value in different ways. Underrated passing ability and nice touch around the net to score greasy goals. Agitates like no other. Willing to do the dirty work at both ends.

He may not score big in the NHL, likely in the 0.33-0.45 PPG range. Half a point per game in a really good year.

A comparable for Barratt could be Blake Coleman or Barclay Goodrow. Role players who teams love who also have some offensive ability (not through the roof but not a David Kampf either).

The Hawks could compete for a playoff spot with the current roster (as pointed out by Trob earlier). My question is what does the collection you lay out here get you? To me, it looks like Nashville while playing under Trotz. They try hard and make the playoffs, but get dusted every year in the 1st or 2nd round. I'd rather they be a bit more forward thinking and find/develop some real talent.
- Chunk

The ultimate puzzle, how do you go from being stuck in the middle of the pack and drafting in the middle of the rounds to true contention. I think you have to do like they have done in the last several drafts and if drafting in the lower half of the round you have to take guys that maybe are a "reach". Reichel was drafted over his projection, Allan even more so. If they pan out as tracking, then you have some steals. No sure who said it originally, but they have to start drafting the guys with higher ceilings and maybe bigger chance of bust than the guys with lower ceilings and higher floors. The former is where you find your ADB's or maybe Reichel, the latter is where you find your 4th liners and 3rd pairing guys.

Hey Chunk, what have you thought of Lafferty in a Hawk's jersey? I was pleasantly surprised at his skating, size, seemed to skate with a purpose and liked his compete.

You like Borgstrom? I do but of course he's still a question mark but an intriguing one especially in a system with so few useful forwards. ..... He passes the eye test as a cerebral player but with 5 pts in 26 games, and a decent amount with Kane/Dcat, the numbers just aren't there.

Yes, seeing him skate 10-12 minutes can be frustrating but King does not rotate the kid out of the lineup like he does a bunch of players. I'm thankful for that, they're taking a long look at him, and wonder of Davidson has told him to keep Finn in the lineup?
- Mr Ricochet

IMO, Borgstrom is likely not on the Hawks next season and as early as the TDL. I like his skill and quiet compete level but doesn't seem that management is high on him.

While I like what he brings and thinks he still is waiting to untap his potential, I wouldn't be disappointed if Borgstrom is gone.

He could go on to be the next Teravainen or on to being just a guy. I'd wager he's somewhere in the middle.

I think Jones could be traded this season without his consent (10 team list he can't be traded to).

What this means, imo, is that those in charge don't want to part with him. If he, Kane and Toews are the untouchables, it smells to me like they're still trying to put perfume on this pig and sell it as a contender soon.
- mohel

I would have to agree on that last part that management isn't willing to do a full rebuild. Either that and/or Toews and Kane are not willing to waive their NMCs.

Personally, I think that's not good for the organization's long-term growth but it's not my money on the line.

You're right that Jones could still be traded this season before his new contract kicks in, but given what you said, management likely has no interest to even consider trading him.

With no evidence one way or the other I'd say win cups. I'd add 2 things, Rocky has spouted he didn't make a profit after winning a cup IIRC and the consulting company's area of expertise as far as I know is in the processes of building winning franchises not extracting profit.

It has to be one helluva high for a successful man like Rocky to win a cup. He's now experienced the low of this era and I gotta believe he wants to get back to the top of the mountain.
- Mr Ricochet

I'm not questioning the consulting firms goal and past success in building "winning" franchises, my question is more this: You can have the absolute best organizational plans and build the best framework possible, but if you don't place the right people into that framework it doesn't mean squat.

You still need someone to identify the front office, scouting, and coaching talent necessary to acquire, evaluate, develop and use the playing assets they acquire.

Hey Chunk, what have you thought of Lafferty in a Hawk's jersey? I was pleasantly surprised at his skating, size, seemed to skate with a purpose and liked his compete.

You like Borgstrom? I do but of course he's still a question mark but an intriguing one especially in a system with so few useful forwards. ..... He passes the eye test as a cerebral player but with 5 pts in 26 games, and a decent amount with Kane/Dcat, the numbers just aren't there.

Yes, seeing him skate 10-12 minutes can be frustrating but King does not rotate the kid out of the lineup like he does a bunch of players. I'm thankful for that, they're taking a long look at him, and wonder of Davidson has told him to keep Finn in the lineup?
- Mr Ricochet

To me, Lafferty is a bigger faster version of Carpenter. So overall, more effective, but ultimately doesn't move the needle much for me. I get that 4th line guys aren't going to have great hands, but I'd like for them to be a bit more aware of their situations and at least have decent reflexes. He just seems to be a bit slow and clunky with the puck.

I started watching games again when Reichel was called up, and now I'm a bit cursed because I want to watch more. I missed the SEA game, so I'm not sure if Laffy showed anything better.

Before the year started I was really high on Borgstrom. I'm less high now, but still think he is a better option than Strome in the middle. I just want them to put him in a good position so that he can see if he can actually get things going on the ice.

Like we said earlier, they have two fourth lines the way they were set today. I don't think that helps anyone. We'll see what happens when Dach comes back. Likely for tomorrow.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least to see some questionable lineups in the next few weeks as the TDL gets nearer. It's fine. They aren't going anywhere this year. I just want guys to get a chance in the role they are supposed to play.