Theo Fox: Righteous Brothers Thoughts on what it means for hockey teams to "play the right way" and whether the Blackhawks have prospects in their system to jump start that philosophy as part of the rebuild.

Plus, a summary of Thursday's lifeloss loss to the Kings.

Thanks for the always interesting blog, Theo.

Also thanks to Mr. Ricochet for the clarifications about the CHL-NHL agreement. Looks like Allan, C. Dach, and Del Mastro will likely be heading back to juniors for another year.

There are still some confusing rules - I remember Jokiharju got trapped in some alternate universe as to whether he could play in the AHL at 19-20 - I was never sure what the rule was. Q kept him on for a while, and then he went to Rockford, yada yada yada Sam Lafferty.

Looking forward to seeing if Crevier can take the next step, then another. That would be one of the positive surprises needed for the rebuild.

Thanks for the always interesting blog, Theo.

Also thanks to Mr. Ricochet for the clarifications about the CHL-NHL agreement. Looks like Allan, C. Dach, and Del Mastro will likely be heading back to juniors for another year.

There are still some confusing rules - I remember Jokiharju got trapped in some alternate universe as to whether he could play in the AHL at 19-20 - I was never sure what the rule was. Q kept him on for a while, and then he went to Rockford, yada yada yada Sam Lafferty.

Looking forward to seeing if Crevier can take the next step, then another. That would be one of the positive surprises needed for the rebuild.
- totem

You're welcome, Totem. And I'll be damned I forgot Joki was drafted outa MJ and looking at his EP page I do not know why he was allowed to play AHL before he was outa junior eligibility. ... The rule of thumb is if you're drafted out of MJ as an 18 yr old you play 2 more yrs in MJ unless you make an NHL roster. You have a great memory, totem.... I did notice like Dach Joki left the Hawks to play in the WJC. https://www.eliteprospect...er/277056/henri-jokiharju

This team is going to need some veterans that play the right way. Who are they? If the Hawks jettison a Kaner, a Toews, a Debrincat, a Murphy, a deHaan, a McCabe then they should bring in some veterans on reasonable short term contracts that play the game the right very to lead by example and mentor the next generation of Hawks. I am thinking of John Madden types.

And Theo, we really do not know what KD's preference is for hockey players, the style he likes/wants played, the identity/culture he wants to implement. ...... I guess the first clue will be the coach he hires but really we just don't know yet.

I think it;s similar to when Tallon drafted Barker as he was a distant 3rd to those who in front of him....my whole point about Dach is...when you are given the gift of moving up drastically in the draft, you really need to hit on that 3rd pick. Those are building blocks and like Barker, I think it's fair to question exactly where Dach's ceiling goes....and again, the organization isnt off the hook not only for drafting him there, but also for how they have developed him since then.....

My biggest concern is that Dach's mentally damaged already and somebody is going to really need to connect with that kid and get him from pressing and almost treat it with a fresh slate...ie....like he was traded and hope he can find the consistency he needs to be an impact player.
- SteveRain

Of course it's fair to question what his ceiling is, my biggest issue is the rush by many to put a stamp on his play up til now and label it his ceiling, that a 3rd or 4th line fwd is what he is, which seems more than just a bit...unfair.

Not going to go through all the talking pts but I do think there is something to bigger players taking a bit longer to put it all together.

You mentioned Kakko. He might develop into a really good player as well. Who knows? My issue is after having the majority of reclamation projects Stan traded for not pan out, I'm a bit gun shy of going down that road again. That, and if you're trading say Kane or DeBrincat, in addition to a 1st round pick or two, the prospects that come back shouldn't have any big question marks about what the Hawks are getting.

The U-18 World Championship starts today in Germany. https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2022/wm18

The majority of these players are 2022 draft eligible but some kids like freak Connor Bedard are 2023 eligibles. The Mighty Chicago Steel send two players to play for Canada. Great chance Adam Fantilli, 2023 eligible, skates with Bedard. Steel also send Nick Moldenhauer who I've read a couple places was the top prep player in the US last yr.

The US starts against Canada today at 12:30 but it will be delayed and televised at 2:30 on NHL Network. Doubt you Canadian fans will have to deal with a delayed broadcast!!

And Theo, we really do not know what KD's preference is for hockey players, the style he likes/wants played, the identity/culture he wants to implement. ...... I guess the first clue will be the coach he hires but really we just don't know yet.
- Mr Ricochet

I think we can get a sense by looking at the three guys he added to the roster in trades.

"Louis Crevier (2020 7th round) and Ethan Del Mastro (2021 4th round)".

Nice drafting by Uncle Dale....errr....wait.....

I think we can get a sense by looking at the three guys he added to the roster in trades.
- mohel

I’m thinking size and speed(Raddysh/Lafferty), which is a good combination as far as I’m concerned, unless you’re Perlini or Stalberg. While I like his strategy, adding skill to size and speed is the challenge, and that’s what the Hawks will need to add in the next few years.

Theo Fox: Righteous Brothers
Thoughts on what it means for hockey teams to "play the right way" and whether the Blackhawks have prospects in their system to jump start that philosophy as part of the rebuild.

Plus, a summary of Thursday's lifeloss loss to the Kings.
- Theo Fox

It seems a lot is being made of not having enough talent on the back end in our system based on where the kids were drafted. For me if our big guys turn out to be a version of Mattias Ekholm and Zdeno Chara, both drafted in later rounds, this team will be looking really really good, it would be something else if 3 of them do.

I also have Ian Mitchell penciled in for a RD spot, sooner than later

I think we can get a sense by looking at the three guys he added to the roster in trades.
- mohel

I’m thinking size and speed(Raddysh/Lafferty), which is a good combination as far as I’m concerned, unless you’re Perlini or Stalberg. While I like his strategy, adding skill to size and speed is the challenge, and that’s what the Hawks will need to add in the next few years.
- Angotti

They also both go to the front of the net, or crash it if they don't have the puck. I know he's a little older, but if Lafferty could work on his hands and shot, he could be a really good add.

I'm aware that people (in Pitt) have been saying that for a while, but he's got speed, willingness, and size. He just needs that extra refinement to be a really nice player.

I'm ok with a rebuild up front emphasizing Kane, DeBrincat and Strome. I hope the three are willing to patiently await the next wave of Cup contention. Blackhawks management and each of the players have really tough decisions to make. If Strome improves as much defensively as DeBrincat has (and he has already shown significant improvement at the dot) that line would spend a lot more time in the offensive zone.

If hawks keep those three then the Hawks management are not doing a rebuild. Debricant and Kane would bring the most back as far as prospects and picks. Strome depending on what team he goes to via trade could bring a 2nd and prospect. And what does Davidson and company view on dach and Reichel? Are they pieces to build around or not. Murphy and McCabe have to think one will be dealt. Towes what happens with him is unknown. Seth Jones imo has a immovable contract. We as fans will find out a lot when season is over and what the hawks management does at the draft and offseason.

If hawks keep those three then the Hawks management are not doing a rebuild. Debricant and Kane would bring the most back as far as prospects and picks. Strome depending on what team he goes to via trade could bring a 2nd and prospect. And what does Davidson and company view on dach and Reichel? Are they pieces to build around or not. Murphy and McCabe have to think one will be dealt. Towes what happens with him is unknown. Seth Jones imo has a immovable contract. We as fans will find out a lot when season is over and what the hawks management does at the draft and offseason.
- Scott1977

More than one way to do this. Remember, Kane and Toews determine if they want to move. Jones, and McCabe both do to an extent as well. You don't move ADB just to move him. There is a lot of money involved there and you have to find a partner that has enough assets to make it worth it.

End of the day, anyone contract CAN be moved. It just depends on whether you can get the value back that is required.

More than one way to do this. Remember, Kane and Toews determine if they want to move. Jones, and McCabe both do to an extent as well. You don't move ADB just to move him. There is a lot of money involved there and you have to find a partner that has enough assets to make it worth it.

End of the day, anyone contract CAN be moved. It just depends on whether you can get the value back that is required.
- Chunk

Who believes attendance would drop significantly if both DeBrincat and Kane were jettisoned? As long as one stays, fans will still come see the team play. Probably not as many fans, but not a desertion if Toews compared to Kane particularly and DCat to a lesser extent. There would be some backlash of Toews left; hiwever, I suspect fans would get over their long time captain departure. As long as Kane and hopefully DCat is still here, the nowadays less productive Toews is something that can be overcome.

Of course the catch is well...all about "the catch."

As in, what compensation do we get for each of these players. Not much for Toews. But of course significant for both Kane and DCat irregardless if just one or both of those two is dealt.

My vote is only to move Toews if that is clearly what he wants.

I believe a new, better coach and few kids moving into the blueline crew combine to make us more competitive. Still lose about as much, though, due to the lack of a top center and overall a team with less talent than most everyone else

The draft is not this cure all we think it can be. The point to focus on with the Entry Draft, is that there is not automatically going to be a center who can help us available when our selections come up. If we are fortune to land Wright, however, his addition and kids moving in on blueline will be significant. Probably still miss playoffs..But there is hope with younger players continual improvement both previous and future picks when you have a base of Wright, D Cat and Kane + the young kids establish themselves on defense. Bottom line feeders could make us a more energetic checking team and harder to beat

The rise of Reichel and Teply would really help too.. in goal long term plan is likely to wait in Commeso and Soderstrom

Any chance if the hawks win the draft lotto they trade the pick? Or give jt to cbj since we know they are gonna suck really bad next year be crappy to be the second team to trade a pick that is used to land Connor Bedard. I know it's been beaten to deal but wtf was Stan thinking?

Who believes attendance would drop significantly if both DeBrincat and Kane were jettisoned? As long as one stays, fans will still come see the team play. Probably not as many fans, but not a desertion if Toews compared to Kane particularly and DCat to a lesser extent. There would be some backlash of Toews left; hiwever, I suspect fans would get over their long time captain departure. As long as Kane and hopefully DCat is still here, the nowadays less productive Toews is something that can be overcome.

Of course the catch is well...all about "the catch."

As in, what compensation do we get for each of these players. Not much for Toews. But of course significant for both Kane and DCat irregardless if just one or both of those two is dealt.

My vote is only to move Toews if that is clearly what he wants.

I believe a new, better coach and few kids moving into the blueline crew combine to make us more competitive. Still lose about as much, though, due to the lack of a top center and overall a team with less talent than most everyone else

The draft is not this cure all we think it can be. The point to focus on with the Entry Draft, is that there is not automatically going to be a center who can help us available when our selections come up. If we are fortune to land Wright, however, his addition and kids moving in on blueline will be significant. Probably still miss playoffs..But there is hope with younger players continual improvement both previous and future picks when you have a base of Wright, D Cat and Kane + the young kids establish themselves on defense. Bottom line feeders could make us a more energetic checking team and harder to beat

The rise of Reichel and Teply would really help too.. in goal long term plan is likely to wait in Commeso and Soderstrom
- jhawk59

What if trading those players hurts you then helping you?

What if in 3 years we have Mitchell, Regula, Vlasic, Galvas pushing out Murphy and McCabe? Then you have a layer of dmen in Allan, Del Mastro, Crevier, Phillips, Kaiser, i don't expect all of them to be nhl 20 minute guys but there has been way more talk about our d prospects then ever before.

It would really be a shame to trade away forwards who will be in their prime when you have defenseman actually contributing to solidifying the blue line.

In 2 to 3 years i have a feeling, Reichel, Dach, Raddysh, Kurashev will be better hockey players

I would also like it if the Blackhawks brought Bolland in to work with Dach and teach him the finer things of being a pain in the ass center

What if trading those players hurts you then helping you?

What if in 3 years we have Mitchell, Regula, Vlasic, Galvas pushing out Murphy and McCabe? Then you have a layer of dmen in Allan, Del Mastro, Crevier, Phillips, Kaiser, i don't expect all of them to be nhl 20 minute guys but there has been way more talk about our d prospects then ever before.

It would really be a shame to trade away forwards who will be in their prime when you have defenseman actually contributing to solidifying the blue line.

In 2 to 3 years i have a feeling, Reichel, Dach, Raddysh, Kurashev will be better hockey players
- BetweenTheDots

I did say my preference is not to trade Kane or DCat. This despite some difficulty reeling in top young talent at forward and specificly #1 center. I have always been in favor of trading into the top tier round one where the very best players are found. . Hard to complete such trades.

ALSO If you draft best player avsilable in round one, how long and where do we purchase a #1 center? Needs to be from the draft. Only practical way - usually. Only so many centers we would desire as our future #1 pivot. Even with one of worse records, no guarantee such a center falls to us.

Anyone know if the new lottery rules are that a team can move up only two times in 5 years or is it can only win #1 overall two times in 5 years?

May 10th lottery and the post-season meeting with Kane/Toews/Jones agent are the big events for now while the front office preps for the off-season.

I watch every game, but hard to find a reason to watch this team right now. We’ll see what next season has to offer after the draft lottery. I’m hoping mainly for not moving up to #2 overall this year. Yea nothing is guaranteed but we’re going to be awful next year. Losing next year’s pick could be absolutely devastating.

Anyone know if the new lottery rules are that a team can move up only two times in 5 years or is it can only win #1 overall two times in 5 years?

May 10th lottery and the post-season meeting with Kane/Toews/Jones agent are the big events for now while the front office preps for the off-season.

I watch every game, but hard to find a reason to watch this team right now. We’ll see what next season has to offer after the draft lottery. I’m hoping mainly for not moving up to #2 overall this year. Yea nothing is guaranteed but we’re going to be awful next year. Losing next year’s pick could be absolutely devastating.
- TheDrumonMadison

Google is a wonderful thing.

https://www.nhl.com/news/...nced-for-2021/c-322838154

More than one way to do this. Remember, Kane and Toews determine if they want to move. Jones, and McCabe both do to an extent as well. You don't move ADB just to move him. There is a lot of money involved there and you have to find a partner that has enough assets to make it worth it.

End of the day, anyone contract CAN be moved. It just depends on whether you can get the value back that is required.
- Chunk

Agree if Davidson does not get what he asking for example debricant then don't move him and extend him and make him the captain.

No matter the spin, I don’t think KD is as positive about our pipeline (including defenseman) than the BOD. Kelly and Stewart have been in Chicago all during KD’s time with the Hawks. His first move on day 1 was to can them both. If he thought the Hawks scouting department was doing a good job, I don’t think he would of blown it up on day 1.