It's game 1.....if he were banged up enough he shouldn't be playing. If they take the ice this early in the year, I disagree about cutting them slack.

He's bad far more than good as a Hawk. He either gets walked, or goes running out of position, or makes a horrible read in the neutral zone all exposing what he is...and that is a bottom 2nd pair D man on a fringe contender....and likely a high 3rd pairing D man on a true cup contender like Colorado or Tampa.

I 100% agree with you on the deal....but maybe somebody sees him in a different light and with a raising cap ceiling take a flier on him this spring. I can only hope...otherwise I'll just wait until he blows himself up again and its out with another concussion.

Sure he's a great guy, but as a hockey player...hard pass.
- SteveRain

I don't disagree about what we see on the ice. The hardest part is that they gave up Hjalmarsson for him. Maybe there were good arguments to trade him, but it's a lot harder to argue that the return was close to optimal. I think a lot of our frustration stems from this trade. One of the most beloved players from the dynasty gets dealt for what? And it gets compounded by throwing good money after bad on that extension.

He was 24 years old when he got here. He has missed a fair amount of time since that first season. We can say he shouldn't be on the ice, but that's an MD's call as to whether he can suit up. He will likely be dealing with back problems for the rest of his career. Retiring means giving up the money, unless he has an MD's note. It is what it is. Our real frustration is still with Bowman as long as his mistakes are manifested on the ice on a nightly basis.

I don't disagree about what we see on the ice. The hardest part is that they gave up Hjalmarsson for him. Maybe there were good arguments to trade him, but it's a lot harder to argue that the return was close to optimal. I think a lot of our frustration stems from this trade. One of the most beloved players from the dynasty gets dealt for what? And it gets compounded by throwing good money after bad on that extension.

He was 24 years old when he got here. He has missed a fair amount of time since that first season. We can say he shouldn't be on the ice, but that's an MD's call as to whether he can suit up. He will likely be dealing with back problems for the rest of his career. Retiring means giving up the money, unless he has an MD's note. It is what it is. Our real frustration is still with Bowman as long as his mistakes are manifested on the ice on a nightly basis.
- 333inthe3rd

Agreed....I hated this trade from day 1 and was told it was great because Connor Murphy was some great leader because he played for team USA's JV squad every spring/summer at the world because Arizona was bad. I know Hammer was broken down, but Murphy has done little to ever sniff Hammer's jock...in his prime or as a broken down player.

I think is the last of Bowman's blunders post 2011 that drives me nuts. I just wish they would cut bait here. Sell where you can on him....his money isn't awful for a cup contender looking for a fringe 2nd pairing d man, but will the back/concussions scare teams away? No clue....Going to be hard to watch this guy season after season as a piece that younger kids may look up to...which what skins does Murphy have on the wall? That's my issue with all of this.

Side note...the PP looked very good last night...PK not so much but I don't know how many teams are going to hold down that Avs PP given 6 chances a game.

I don't disagree about what we see on the ice. The hardest part is that they gave up Hjalmarsson for him. Maybe there were good arguments to trade him, but it's a lot harder to argue that the return was close to optimal. I think a lot of our frustration stems from this trade. One of the most beloved players from the dynasty gets dealt for what? And it gets compounded by throwing good money after bad on that extension.

He was 24 years old when he got here. He has missed a fair amount of time since that first season. We can say he shouldn't be on the ice, but that's an MD's call as to whether he can suit up. He will likely be dealing with back problems for the rest of his career. Retiring means giving up the money, unless he has an MD's note. It is what it is. Our real frustration is still with Bowman as long as his mistakes are manifested on the ice on a nightly basis.
- 333inthe3rd

The problem is those that lament the Hawks trading Hjarmalsson, think they traded him at his prime. He was swiftly declining (he got exposed in that 4 game sweep by Nashville) as to how much he slowed. In his time with Arizona, was probably injured more than Murphy. I am sure Bowman could of made a different trade, for who? I have no clue.

If anyone had a doubt as to this year's whipping boy, may I introduce Mr Connor Murphy. And it only took one game.

If anyone had a doubt as to this year's whipping boy, may I introduce Mr Connor Murphy. And it only took one game.
- boilermaker100

All the other usual suspects (Strome, Kubalik, Gus) were traded away. of not head coach anymore (JC, King) Don't worry, Jones and his contract will be a feature on this board soon enough.

If anyone had a doubt as to this year's whipping boy, may I introduce Mr Connor Murphy. And it only took one game.
- boilermaker100

If ever there was a dead horse it's Murphy. Can't wait to hear what we say about him nights he sits out?

If anyone had a doubt as to this year's whipping boy, may I introduce Mr Connor Murphy. And it only took one game.
- boilermaker100

He's been mine since he arrived. Just a bad hockey player.

The problem is those that lament the Hawks trading Hjarmalsson, think they traded him at his prime. He was swiftly declining (he got exposed in that 4 game sweep by Nashville) as to how much he slowed. In his time with Arizona, was probably injured more than Murphy. I am sure Bowman could of made a different trade, for who? I have no clue.
- LAHawk

Hammer was 100% on the sharp decline, but many got exposed in that thumping vs Nashville....includng 19 when 91 on Nashville big bodied him far too many times.

IS what it is...just don't like the player, don't mind the aav but the length is a joke, and I would really LOVE to hear what people think Murphy does well....because each night I watch him....this year, last year, 2 years ago, etc....all I see is the guy making the same bone headed mistakes that costs this team over a course of 82 games.

Thankfully he wont' be on this team when they are ready to roll again.

I have no issue in the 18.5% chance of drafting first overall, in a draft with so many great players, or ANY Draft.

It totally pissed me off that the Oilers got all those early ones and two starting with Hall, it just was too much reward for poopty management.

I loved Eddie O's veiled criticism about, "the Blackhawks probably should have started this rebuild a few years earlier.." about Bowman's Jones trade/signing...in my opinion.

Agreed....I hated this trade from day 1 and was told it was great because Connor Murphy was some great leader because he played for team USA's JV squad every spring/summer at the world because Arizona was bad. I know Hammer was broken down, but Murphy has done little to ever sniff Hammer's jock...in his prime or as a broken down player.

I think is the last of Bowman's blunders post 2011 that drives me nuts. I just wish they would cut bait here. Sell where you can on him....his money isn't awful for a cup contender looking for a fringe 2nd pairing d man, but will the back/concussions scare teams away? No clue....Going to be hard to watch this guy season after season as a piece that younger kids may look up to...which what skins does Murphy have on the wall? That's my issue with all of this.

Side note...the PP looked very good last night...PK not so much but I don't know how many teams are going to hold down that Avs PP given 6 chances a game.
- SteveRain

To be fair - by measurable statistics he was better than Hammer in those years.

But he's a big guy with a chronic back problem. Probably not going to move very well. Also goes back to the previous regime that just signed guys for term without really thinking.

If anyone had a doubt as to this year's whipping boy, may I introduce Mr Connor Murphy. And it only took one game.
- boilermaker100

Well, he IS going to bring us a draft pick close to the deadline whether we whip him or not....

I have no issue in the 18.5% chance of drafting first overall, in a draft with so many great players, or ANY Draft.

It totally pissed me off that teh Oilers got all those early ones and two starting with Hall, it just was too much reward for poopty management.

I loved Eddie O's veiled criticism about, "the Blackhawks probably should have started this rebuild a few years earlier.." about Bowman's Jones trade/signing...in my opinion.
- wiz1901

Chicago also needs to be competitive and a draw since it is one of the NHL's golden gooses. And we all know the lottery is rigged.

The problem is those that lament the Hawks trading Hjarmalsson, think they traded him at his prime. He was swiftly declining (he got exposed in that 4 game sweep by Nashville) as to how much he slowed. In his time with Arizona, was probably injured more than Murphy. I am sure Bowman could of made a different trade, for who? I have no clue.
- LAHawk

The summer of 2017 was also when Hossa retired. That hurt more than anything, losing what he brought to the team. It was also the summer when Panarin was traded away. For Saad.

I know hindsight is 20/20, but how does this team remain competitive if Hossa is gone and Hammer becomes a shell of his former self? They could have held onto Panarin until the deadline of his final contract year and unloaded him for a bonanza of picks and prospects if they weren't going to extend him. Instead they brought back a decent forward who wasn't worth $6 mill per year, and has more use on a contending team. He has Toews and Hossa to thank for that contract.

In full rebuild, the return can't be Murphy. His relative advanced metrics were negative on a bad team (I just checked, and that makes me give less benefit of the doubt than before). They have to get picks/prospects for Hammer.

The problem is those that lament the Hawks trading Hjarmalsson, think they traded him at his prime. He was swiftly declining (he got exposed in that 4 game sweep by Nashville) as to how much he slowed. In his time with Arizona, was probably injured more than Murphy. I am sure Bowman could of made a different trade, for who? I have no clue.
- LAHawk

A lot of players were exposed in the nashville series

Hammer was 100% on the sharp decline, but many got exposed in that thumping vs Nashville....includng 19 when 91 on Nashville big bodied him far too many times.

IS what it is...just don't like the player, don't mind the aav but the length is a joke, and I would really LOVE to hear what people think Murphy does well....because each night I watch him....this year, last year, 2 years ago, etc....all I see is the guy making the same bone headed mistakes that costs this team over a course of 82 games.

Thankfully he wont' be on this team when they are ready to roll again.
- SteveRain

19 was slew footed by Subban early in that series. He wasn't the same after that.

I have no issue in the 18.5% chance of drafting first overall, in a draft with so many great players, or ANY Draft.

It totally pissed me off that teh Oilers got all those early ones and two starting with Hall, it just was too much reward for poopty management.

I loved Eddie O's veiled criticism about, "the Blackhawks probably should have started this rebuild a few years earlier.." about Bowman's Jones trade/signing...in my opinion.
- wiz1901

So why didnt he speak up before?

Murphy is a steaming pile of crap on skates. First goal against, he chased his guy out of his position on the kill, then gets beat in front of net, followed up by a lazy tripping penalty that resulted in another goal.

I don't get the love for this guy at all. If they can get a decent a pick 2nd or 3rd come trade deadline when teams are stupid trying to sure up rosters for a cup run...please do it.
If hes so bad why would you expect 2 or 3 round pick? 5 or 6 at best
Fact this guy wears a letter is a crime.
- SteveRain

To be fair - by measurable statistics he was better than Hammer in those years.

But he's a big guy with a chronic back problem. Probably not going to move very well. Also goes back to the previous regime that just signed guys for term without really thinking.
- fattybeef

Previous regime rewarded guys for past play and not future.

So why didnt he speak up before?
- LFS

valid point...he towed the company line as did Foley. ONly once Bowman was gone did Foley dance on his grave during his retirement speech on the ice, and the night he and Dale did the broadcast.

Outside of that....they were yes men.

So why didnt he speak up before?
- LFS

You know the answer to that, nobody in the booth was going to say anything negative. McD completely controlled the narrative when he was there, and there was enough damage control with the Beach issue that no-body was going to rock the boat.

19 was slew footed by Subban early in that series. He wasn't the same after that.
- 333inthe3rd

They had a lot of guys who looked bad....2, 19, 4, 7.....panarin was pretty much non existent and all Foley did was rail 15 on the air.

You know the answer to that, nobody in the booth was going to say anything negative. McD completely controlled the narrative when he was there, and there was enough damage control with the Beach issue that no-body was going to rock the boat.
- TheTrob

Exactly....and if anyone needed a reminder go back to the end of the 2007-08 when Josh Mora was shown the door for being critical.

There's a time and place to be critical as an announcer when any EDUCATED fan can see it and then there's the BS McDonough Cubs style where it's all rainbows all the time.

Man I wonder what him and Bowman are up to....obviously enjoying their millions....but have to think their professional careers are done. Believe Bowman is only in his late 40s.

Yes... and it sucks. Ask any Wings fan about the lottery draft. We had teams getting higher picks than us with better records (Rangers, etc..). It's taken Yzerman like 3+ years to clean up the dumpster fire that Ken Holland left. And we never got a #1 pick for the last 6 years when the Wings were bad. And none of our top 10 picks are superstars / super elite franchise players you need to win championship (Ovechkin, Crosby, Kucherov, etc... ).

Luckily the Detroit scouts & Yzerman did pick some very good players in Seider and Raymond who still have a very high ceiling and are young. And our prospect pool is now very deep... the rebuild to get there is not fun. You just have to ride it out.... but I feel your pain. The Wings fans miss the glory years too when the team was stocked with star players.
- Vladdie_Kon1

I don't think you have much to worry about in terms of the draft restocking your team, because there are so many high end high character guys in your pipeline.

So why didnt he (Eddie O) speak up before?
- LFS

He was under contract, and maybe, just maybe he thought he was gonna get a bump up in the organization, so he took the silent road, and last night was a national telecast, and he has severed his ties to the organization.

Hammer was 100% on the sharp decline, but many got exposed in that thumping vs Nashville....includng 19 when 91 on Nashville big bodied him far too many times.

IS what it is...just don't like the player, don't mind the aav but the length is a joke, and I would really LOVE to hear what people think Murphy does well....because each night I watch him....this year, last year, 2 years ago, etc....all I see is the guy making the same bone headed mistakes that costs this team over a course of 82 games.

Thankfully he wont' be on this team when they are ready to roll again.
- SteveRain

Honestly, the only thing Murphy does well is not on the ice. He projects a nice, all-American kid image, he's vanilla, he's safe. On the ice he is a solidly uninspiring, unexciting, average at best D-man (i.e. #4). He wears a letter by default, not because he necessarily earned it. Am I a huge Murphy fan, not by a long shot, but I have had far more problems with other Hawks D-men over the past few years than him (Gus, Zadorov, McCabe, deHaan, Maatta, etc). He's paid in accordance to what he is.....average.

Who I have a problem with is S.Jones. Night in, Night out he shows that he is a #1D in salary only. For his size and skating ability he does not defend well, and does not play well in his own end. He is OK offensively, but by no means a difference maker. Look at the D-men that dominate offensively, Makar, Josi, Karlsson, Burns, Hedman, etc. S. Jones isn't close to any of them. No team is game-planning to account for S.Jones. His contract at some point will prove to be a bigger anchor than Seabrooks was.

McCabe, Jones, Murphy, Rundblad, deHaan, Gus...... man oh man was Bowman bad when it came to acquiring D talent.