Was Quick ever tradable? This is the first season he's been healthy in some time. He could be dealt this summer, for all we know, given the extension they gave Petersen. They are finally done with the Dustin Brown contract this summer. There were some pretty lean years during that contract. I don't think they could move Kopitar or Doughty very easily, either. They did move a number of players, though. Muzzin, Martinez, Carter, for example. And they had to buy out or terminate a few others.
- 333inthe3rd

Kovalchuck, Phaneuff,

How about the Rangers plan? I know their goalie play has been lights out, but they restocked their blue line, acquired some solid forwards and signed one all world player in Panarin. They aren't even relying all that much on their #1 and #3 overall draft picks for much right now.
- Chunk

Actually Kakko was a #2 pick. I agree on your other post on Regula and Vlasic, they at times look like the veteran defenders out there, unlike McCabe and De Haan, and C Jones was exposed again last night.

I am sure some Chicago hockey writers peruse this blog. I really really would like to hear one of them ask Our new GM if McLaughlin will get an opportunity in training camp/exhibition season to show he can play in the NHL. Based upon what I have seen and what Theo has reported/opinion, McLaughlin appears to be an ideal third center. Of course, you have to figure out the role and position for Slavin and Toews - if Toews returns. Eventually Barret should crack the NHL but not necessarily as a center. Reichel eventually will be a center.?

jhawk

If the Hawks are pinning their hopes on a 27 year old career AHL middle 6 forward as part of the rebuild, the Wirtz's will need to build a new stadium as the United Center will be deemed obsolete by the time the Hawks are ready to be a playoff team let alone a cup contender.
- LAHawk

More people need to look at Rockford this way.

WTF on Reichel

If Davidson and his staff felt this a game ago, why not just send him down then.

I am betting there was a deal to toss the year at the signing, or more than the current head coach and GM are showing their lack of foresight in judgement, and the future will be full of these type decisions in trade or keep, send down or call up moves...

Sending Reichel down gives me one less reason to watch but I'm interested to see how Regula and Vlasic do the rest of the way.

Hopefully Dach's and Entwistle's clipped wing are nothing too serious. I like that Regula isn't skittish about putting the puck on net.

Also, a semi-interesting clip from the Athletic yesterday...

One league source said recently they wouldn’t be shocked if DeBrincat and Kane were shopped this summer, too. There isn’t any indication yet that Davidson has any plans to do that, but those are the types of strategies that usually come with a rebuild. It’s not about what the team looks like today, but how good they can be in the future.

I know Wiz and some others were kicking it around last night. If the return is right, say something like Hagel's deal with better prospects, I'd say go for it.
- HawkintheD

The deficit in my unload theory and trade with Detroit is a simple one.

In the seat selling side of the rebuild is a new season ticket plan and as somebody already said, many fans want to see the new Toews/kane type replacements bloom in the sweater. Maybe many got on the bandwagon AFTER they arrived and want to not miss their prospects climb into the NHL.

But honestly, both the 'cat and Kaner gone really impacts tickets and beer sales.

Everyone REALLY think Davidson has the power to trade them w/o Rocky road's approval?

Now, if they get a shiny new toy in the lottery, now THAT adds interest, but what if they don't?

No matter how many accolades in broadcast come the way of the newcomers of defense, and the Reichel hype, in the same way those two Matty Benier'sgoals have woken and erupted the new Seattle fan base, their media end needs a focal point as does the business side.

and until there is a new one, the Lafferty, Reese, Boris, and Raddyshes are not gonna keep interest for long.

How about the Rangers plan? I know their goalie play has been lights out, but they restocked their blue line, acquired some solid forwards and signed one all world player in Panarin. They aren't even relying all that much on their #1 and #3 overall draft picks for much right now.
- Chunk

They hit really high on Adam Fox. Zibanejad and the other Strome got their life together at the right time. Trouba has been pretty solid as well. Obviously Panarin was huge. Still hilarious the Hawks got nothing for him futures wise.

Most of their blue line and their top two lines are players that they acquired via trade or FA.

More than one way to demo a bathroom.

I am sure some Chicago hockey writers peruse this blog.
- jhawk59

I sure felt that after the Scott power's article appeared quickly after comments here said the same thing.

Nobody knows what DeBrincat is without Kane.....is he benefiting from Kane, or can he carry a line by himself in a post Kane world? Nobody knows......but the return they could get for him might even be higher than what they can get for Kane given age, etc....

Basically have about 5-1/2 months of speculation left because if 19/88 are both on this roster I would assume at that time they are working on extensions for both to finish off their careers here.
- SteveRain

I think Debrincat can carry a line. But he would certainly not score 40 goals by himself. His most valuable asset is still his shot and space and someone who can pass is kind if critical to that success.

If he was playing with a comparable on the right side or a really good center then he's probably still a 35-40 goal scorer.

Yea i don't think it benefits a franchise to trade top 6 players who haven't hit their prime yet. Added, now if someone wants Cat so bad they offer something ridiculous then you make the deal.
- BetweenTheDots

Player worth and the bargaining power in making deals ties to production, the other GMs scouting and eyes on that guy they are pursuing.

Put DeBrincat's age to the side, and ask yourself in the rebuild,

Is he a 40 goal guy with Strome and Raddysh?

Are his future years on track to continue this torrid pace?

I was heartbroken with the losses of Buff, Panarin, Hammer, and even saddened by the Keith - Seabrook departures, and the Big Buff /Cap space one was sort of necessary, and the Panarin maybe should have not happened by huge subtractions elsewhere to extend the window and Kane chemistty, but the game has to go on.

I will miss Toews when he retires or continues as the 3rd line centre (here or somewhere), Kane (when he retires or wants a last playoff run) and or DeBrincat who has with his efforts MADE himself this current iteration of a NHL player.

I do wonder how guys like the cat fare in a time when they may not be in a playoff until their thirties, because it seems unlikely anything but a fluke one time playoff appearance is his future by 30.

Forget Davidson.

What ya think HE is thinking?

The deficit in my unload theory and trade with Detroit is a simple one.

In the seat selling side of the rebuild is a new season ticket plan and as somebody already said, many fans want to see the new Toews/kane type replacements bloom in the sweater. Maybe many got on the bandwagon AFTER they arrived and want to not miss their prospects climb into the NHL.

But honestly, both the 'cat and Kaner gone really impacts tickets and beer sales.

Everyone REALLY think Davidson has the power to trade them w/o Rocky road's approval?

Now, if they get a shiny new toy in the lottery, now THAT adds interest, but what if they don't?

No matter how many accolades in broadcast come the way of the newcomers of defense, and the Reichel hype, in the same way those two Matty Benier'sgoals have woken and erupted the new Seattle fan base, their media end needs a focal point as does the business side.

and until there is a new one, the Lafferty, Reese, Boris, and Raddyshes are not gonna keep interest for long.
- wiz1901

They have to keep veterans around as well. Kane and Debrincat are not bad guys to have around. Kane gets to chase his records and Debrincat can be the next captain and all that jazz.

Those guys, especially Debrincat can probably get a decent haul of futures and prospects.

The Reichel up and down nonsense seems to be silly. I think he's better off getting more minutes against NHL players and beat up a bit - same for Mitchell but what do I know.

I think that for the next two years the Hawks and Hogs need to focus on developing bottom 6 forwards and 2nd and 3rd pair dmen that play the right way. You have to accept Seth Jones being a top pair defender and Debrincat being a top 6 forward. After that you are going to have 2 very high first round picks, 2 late first round picks, 5 second round picks, and 5 third round picks in the next 3 years. And that is if you don’t trade others (Toews, Strome, McCabe, Murphy) for high draft picks. So you have to think the chances of getting additional top 6 forwards and a top pair defender through the draft is pretty good. Then you need to hope Commesso is the real deal. Any current prospects that turn into top 6 forwards or top pair defenders is a bonus. Finally you should have a boatload of cap space to fill in a top defender or a couple of top 6 forwards once you become competitive again (but wait to spend until then).
- Ztra

Happy to trade all 4:

Toews- Strome- Murphy & McCabe

& if it makes sense to move Kane & the Cat maybe to NY it's how rebuilds work.

Keeping $16 million in contracts to mentor seems over kill.

They hit really high on Adam Fox. Zibanejad and the other Strome got their life together at the right time. Trouba has been pretty solid as well. Obviously Panarin was huge. Still hilarious the Hawks got nothing for him futures wise.

Most of their blue line and their top two lines are players that they acquired via trade or FA.

More than one way to demo a bathroom.
- fattybeef

Great line. True, too.

As you point out, Fox was a huge get. Gotta hit on a couple of those to get where the Hawks want to go.

How about the Rangers plan? I know their goalie play has been lights out, but they restocked their blue line, acquired some solid forwards and signed one all world player in Panarin. They aren't even relying all that much on their #1 and #3 overall draft picks for much right now.
- Chunk

Actually Kakko was a #2 pick. I agree on your other post on Regula and Vlasic, they at times look like the veteran defenders out there, unlike McCabe and De Haan, and C Jones was exposed again last night.
- Angotti

Ha! good catch. Fat finger typo.

WTF on Reichel

If Davidson and his staff felt this a game ago, why not just send him down then.

I am betting there was a deal to toss the year at the signing, or more than the current head coach and GM are showing their lack of foresight in judgement, and the future will be full of these type decisions in trade or keep, send down or call up moves...
- wiz1901

It really doesn't matter wiz. They really don't lose anything burning a year off of his ELC. LA had a good explanation on pg 1.

I think Debrincat can carry a line. But he would certainly not score 40 goals by himself. His most valuable asset is still his shot and space and someone who can pass is kind if critical to that success.

If he was playing with a comparable on the right side or a really good center then he's probably still a 35-40 goal scorer.
- fattybeef

So that becomes the rub.....if they were to trade Kane, keep 12 and build around him and say even 17....do we feel we could similar production out of 12 with 17 centering him or even 77? What about Reichel?

I think that's where the unknown for the latter 2 still matter so much. For the Hawks too big of risk to assume Reichel or Dach will be top 3/6 fs still and Davidson is going to have to take a calculated risk here or get back pieces that supplement what DeBrincat needs to excel.

I think that for the next two years the Hawks and Hogs need to focus on developing bottom 6 forwards and 2nd and 3rd pair dmen that play the right way. You have to accept Seth Jones being a top pair defender and Debrincat being a top 6 forward. After that you are going to have 2 very high first round picks, 2 late first round picks, 5 second round picks, and 5 third round picks in the next 3 years. And that is if you don’t trade others (Toews, Strome, McCabe, Murphy) for high draft picks. So you have to think the chances of getting additional top 6 forwards and a top pair defender through the draft is pretty good. Then you need to hope Commesso is the real deal. Any current prospects that turn into top 6 forwards or top pair defenders is a bonus. Finally you should have a boatload of cap space to fill in a top defender or a couple of top 6 forwards once you become competitive again (but wait to spend until then).
- Ztra

development will be huge to allow them to flip guys like a hagel and sell high for a better long term exchange.

I think we will know on 12/19/88 very quickly as those type of convos will be monitored by the insiders and they'll be sharing what they are hearing very quickly as to if 12/19/88 are on board with Davidson's plan, and if said plan includes all and/or any of them.

The IIHF World Junior Tournament, postponed from last winter, has been rescheduled for August 9-20 in Edmonton.

More people need to look at Rockford this way.
- rpeters01

I mentioned that McDonald conceivably could fill a THIRD LINE POSITION. FIRST OF ALL, HE NEEDS TO GET THE OPPORTUNITY IN EXHIBITION SEASON, I added. This is not pinning hope, it is merely a possibility I pointed out. I even explained my enthusiasm is based on his skill set, style and observation to deserve the opportunity according to Theo.Furthermore, I do not see his age as detrimental. He is as ready and hungry to seize a centerice position

I mentioned that McDonald conceivably could fill a THIRD LINE POSITION. FIRST OF ALL, HE NEEDS TO GET THE OPPORTUNITY IN EXHIBITION SEASON, I added. This is not pinning hope, it is merely a possibility I pointed out. I even explained my enthusiasm is based on his skill set, style and observation to deserve the opportunity according to Theo.Furthermore, I do not see his age as detrimental. He is as ready and hungry to seize a centerice position
- jhawk59

Who is McDonald?

So that becomes the rub.....if they were to trade Kane, keep 12 and build around him and say even 17....do we feel we could similar production out of 12 with 17 centering him or even 77? What about Reichel?

I think that's where the unknown for the latter 2 still matter so much. For the Hawks too big of risk to assume Reichel or Dach will be top 3/6 fs still and Davidson is going to have to take a calculated risk here or get back pieces that supplement what DeBrincat needs to excel.
- SteveRain

I think you see a 30ish goal player instead of a potential 40-50 goal player.

Patrick Kane is very very very good at hockey.

Certainly Dach hasn't shown that he has the vision or poise to be a competent set up man and Reichel should, ideally, start in the bottom six and work his way up the line up.

The whole point to keeping a Strome around is so the Dachs and Reichels and others can find their game with out having to be "the guy".

Same thing for Jones and a McCabe or Murphy. Someone has to skate minutes but throwing a younger player out for 20 mins a night isn't ideal. If their play is such that they deserve those minutes then that is great but not burying them (without babying them) is pretty important for some of these middling players or late bloomers to find their game.

Who is McDonald?
- TheTrob

McLaughlin
My bad. Not sure why I gave the other name

Hawks are tied for 5th worst record in NHL. They possibly could fall to 3rd worst. Not that it matters too much. They will be worse next year. It would be crazy if Hawks win the lottery this year and next. Hawks would keep the pick this year in a not so great draft. Columbus would get the pick next year when the next “McJesus” is the first overall pick.
Thank you Stan!! red font.

Hawks are tied for 5th worst record in NHL. They possibly could fall to 3rd worst. Not that it matters too much. They will be worse next year. It would be crazy if Hawks win the lottery this year and next. Hawks would keep the pick this year in a not so great draft. Columbus would get the pick next year when the next “McJesus” is the first overall pick.
Thank you Stan!! red font.
- Ztra

Right. Knowing our luck, we'd win the second pick, a more unknown than Wright and then get the number 1 overall next year, missing out on the second coming. Ouch

Right. Knowing our luck, we'd win the second pick, a more unknown than Wright and then get the number 1 overall next year, missing out on the second coming. Ouch
- Popsghostly

That is Bettman's plan........

Hawks are tied for 5th worst record in NHL. They possibly could fall to 3rd worst. Not that it matters too much. They will be worse next year. It would be crazy if Hawks win the lottery this year and next. Hawks would keep the pick this year in a not so great draft. Columbus would get the pick next year when the next “McJesus” is the first overall pick.
Thank you Stan!! red font.
- Ztra

Its kind of like anything else in life. You have to take it when you get it. And passing on this year in hopes to win the lottery next seems kind of silly.

Having Shane Wright would be pretty cool. Especially if they have someone like Strome or Toews around to eat some of the less favorable match-ups and tougher minutes so he can grow into the role.

We kind of forget that Toews had Sharp, Lang the corpse of Perreault and eventually Bolland also playing center when he came through. He didn't have to do it all. Patrick Kane helps as well.

Being able to take in some high level talent, play them in bottom six or secondary roles while they figure out the NHL (and maybe they're good right away but that isn't super common) adjust to the pace and gain some confidence while guys like Strome and Toews (or whoever) take a beating for them is better then doing what they did with Dach and forcing him into a role he wasn't equipped to handle.

The player can still turn out fine. But he certainly wasn't put in a position to succeed.

The more I think about it, having Jones able to skate 20 - 25 a night and letting McCabe get beat up by the other teams top lines and just eat minutes while some of the younger guys figure it out is kind of a good thing.