I'd take any young "high-end" talent right now. Just so I have someone I can enjoy watching during these absolutely trash games.

At least play Phillips so I can focus on him and ignore the rest of subpar guys on the ice. At least during the ABC line dark ages there were some so so young guys you could root for and hope for development.

Nothing on this current squad.
- bhawks2241

Hahahaha that is the sad reality of this year. Hopefully it'll be at least interesting next year even though they will still be bad.

Hahahaha that is the sad reality of this year. Hopefully it'll be at least interesting next year even though they will still be bad.
- fattybeef

I love how the Hawks are still at the very beginning of this rebuild and people are worried that they will be too good too fast. The hawks have six picks through three rounds of the next two drafts, and will likely only get more at the TDL. I don't think anyone needs to worry that they will not have enough high draft picks in the next few years.

I would say any progress would be a very welcome sight regardless of how soon it comes.

I love how the Hawks are still at the very beginning of this rebuild and people are worried that they will be too good too fast. The hawks have six picks through three rounds of the next two drafts, and will likely only get more at the TDL. I don't think anyone needs to worry that they will not have enough high draft picks in the next few years.

I would say any progress would be a very welcome sight regardless of how soon it comes.
- Chunk

Ideally they would draft in the top 3 two out of the next 3 seasons and they can't biff either of those picks.

Hopefully they have enough draft capital to throw at the wall to get something to stick.

Keith was drafted in 2002 but I don't necessarily think they thought he would turn into what he did. Even if you use that as the center piece - thats a 5 year turn around and it happened pretty quickly. It also took 4 top 10 picks to get the two center pieces in Kane and Toews.

This was really their first shot and year one. K2 is at least an interesting prospect with his tool set. Ryan Greene looks like he may end up being a nice find. And a few of those other mid round picks seem to have decent potential. Would have nice to been able to see what Nazar did in the NCAA but pushing him back a year isn't the end of the world at this stage and if anything could be a blessing.

They have 12 darts in the first 3 rounds the next 2 years. I would expect there to be a few more before the TDL. If they get a top 2 pick this year and another next year or the year after they should be in very good shape to be fun in 3 or 4 and dangerous in 5.

Not dissimilar to the devils they kind of fell into that mediocre state for a half dozen years - tried a retool - didn't work - and getting Harsher and Hughes 2/3 years really changed the trajectory of their team.

The Hawks have to do similar and not miss on their opportunity when it comes to getting high end talent. They can't afford another Barker, Skille or Dach - they need Toews and Kane replacements as opposed to compliments or busts.

Gonna be interesting to see when KD decides it's time to bring back young NHL talent in trades as opposed to just draft picks or Lafferty types. This yr, next or longer?

I agree they don't wanna get too good too fast so as to draft high at least next yr but you don't want to limit returns and miss out on opportunities to add real talent to the organIzation.

Was thinking if the Hawks draft 3 or 4 and are too concerned with the risk of drafting Michkov and don't see Carlson as generational would KD trade down? Gather a couple more 1sts in a deep draft?
- Mr Ricochet

I think KD has shown he's capable of doing anything.

Happy Holidays, y'all. Hope it's been festive and healthy so far.

For those who asked about how Phillips was faring in Rockford before getting recalled, he, Mitchell, and Galvas were the best all-around blueliners. Vlasic was getting there before his injury.

Phillips has all the tools to be a dominating force protecting the crease and killing plays but still needs the consistency as far as snarl and better play reading. Vlasic is the same.

Also, both Phillips and Regula can get caught puck watching or being flat footed one too many times. When it comes to best RHD in the minors, Mitchell is hands down the better of the two between he and Regula.

After returning from injury, Mitchell proved why he was the Hogs #1 D-man last season. There's an article in the Athletic about how Mitchell just isn't getting the chance to prove himself with the Hawks despite opportunities seemingly open to do so.

Mark Lazerus postulated whether Mitchell could be on his way out which would be unfortunate. As Lazerus pointed out, the Hawks can't afford to give up early on prospects like they did with Forsling. While Forsling is top 4 with the Panthers, I think Mitchell is a more well-rounded player.

Galvas could also be on the outside looking in not getting a shot despite being steady eddie for the Hogs. Wouldn't be surprised if the Hawks moved on from him like they could with Mitchell. Regardless, Galvas makes simple, smart plays and competes every shift.

Do the Hawks give up on Galvas and hope that a younger prospect like Del Mastro is more than just flavor of the month given his strong season as Mississauga captain and WJC starter for Team Canada?

What if Galvas flourishes and Del Mastro flops? Same with Mitchell flourishing while Phillips, Vlasic, or Regula flop?

I'll eat my words on Cole Guttman and do an about face as I thought the rigor and physicality of the pros would gradually grind him down. Instead, he's proving to be a game breaker for the Hogs.

Guttman just knows how to find open lanes and exploit them to his advantage to either dish to a teammate or get into shooting position. He's elusive and opportunistic while also sneaky good at takeaways. Plus, he hustles in all zones.

He reminds me of Jonathan Marchessault in Vegas minus the feistiness. If he makes it to the NHL, being a middle 6 forward who can net 50 points on 20 goals would be a realistic benchmark.

I also wouldn't be surprised if the Hawks sign David Gust to an NHL contract this summer. After 5-6 AHL seasons as a 0.50 PPG player, Gust is breaking out big time. He, Reichel, and Brett Seney are top 5 in points in the A.

Something to monitor is Soderblom's status. He started last night's game vs the Griffins but played only 6 minutes before Stauber entered in relief.

Not sure the exact injury but Soderblom is out of commission. Weeks was recalled from the Fuel to be 3rd string behind Stauber and Wells.

Before he went down, Soderblom gave up 5 goals on 12 shots in his first game back in the AHL then 3 on 20 in his next game. Last night was his third game back.

Something to monitor is Soderblom's status. He started last night's game vs the Griffins but played only 6 minutes before Stauber entered in relief.

Not sure the exact injury but Soderblom is out of commission. Weeks was recalled from the Fuel to be 3rd string behind Stauber and Wells.

Before he went down, Soderblom gave up 5 goals on 12 shots in his first game back in the AHL then 3 on 20 in his next game. Last night was his third game back.
- Theo Fox

I always appreciate and look forward to your insight on Icehog player development

I anticipate you will comment upon Roos once his sample size is greater than the brief tenure after his demotion from the parent team.

I want to wish you a happy and prosperous year ahead and hope your work load is bearable and not too taxing.

Something to monitor is Soderblom's status. He started last night's game vs the Griffins but played only 6 minutes before Stauber entered in relief.

Not sure the exact injury but Soderblom is out of commission. Weeks was recalled from the Fuel to be 3rd string behind Stauber and Wells.

Before he went down, Soderblom gave up 5 goals on 12 shots in his first game back in the AHL then 3 on 20 in his next game. Last night was his third game back.
- Theo Fox

Hi Theo. Thanks for stopping by. Hope things are well on your end.

Thanks for the three updates - one each for D, F, and G prospects. Nicely done.

We'll probably see some of the aforementioned up in a year or two, but me thinks they will just be placeholders until KD's prospects are ready. As others have said this rebuild and collecting and developing new prospects will take a few years. Maybe one or two of the collection among Mitchell, Vlasic, Phillips, Gutman et al will be around by then. It will be interesting to see how they perform at the NHL level.

Happy Holidays, y'all. Hope it's been festive and healthy so far.

For those who asked about how Phillips was faring in Rockford before getting recalled, he, Mitchell, and Galvas were the best all-around blueliners. Vlasic was getting there before his injury.

Phillips has all the tools to be a dominating force protecting the crease and killing plays but still needs the consistency as far as snarl and better play reading. Vlasic is the same.

Also, both Phillips and Regula can get caught puck watching or being flat footed one too many times. When it comes to best RHD in the minors, Mitchell is hands down the better of the two between he and Regula.

After returning from injury, Mitchell proved why he was the Hogs #1 D-man last season. There's an article in the Athletic about how Mitchell just isn't getting the chance to prove himself with the Hawks despite opportunities seemingly open to do so.

Mark Lazerus postulated whether Mitchell could be on his way out which would be unfortunate. As Lazerus pointed out, the Hawks can't afford to give up early on prospects like they did with Forsling. While Forsling is top 4 with the Panthers, I think Mitchell is a more well-rounded player.

Galvas could also be on the outside looking in not getting a shot despite being steady eddie for the Hogs. Wouldn't be surprised if the Hawks moved on from him like they could with Mitchell. Regardless, Galvas makes simple, smart plays and competes every shift.

Do the Hawks give up on Galvas and hope that a younger prospect like Del Mastro is more than just flavor of the month given his strong season as Mississauga captain and WJC starter for Team Canada?

What if Galvas flourishes and Del Mastro flops? Same with Mitchell flourishing while Phillips, Vlasic, or Regula flop?
- Theo Fox

Hello Theo, hope you and yours are well!! ...... No doubting Phillips has the tools to be an NHLer. Putting it all together is another thing but he's developing and improving every yr and still being only 21 there is plenty of room for improvement.

As mentioned I get more excited about the kid each time I see him.

I'll eat my words on Cole Guttman and do an about face as I thought the rigor and physicality of the pros would gradually grind him down. Instead, he's proving to be a game breaker for the Hogs.

Guttman just knows how to find open lanes and exploit them to his advantage to either dish to a teammate or get into shooting position. He's elusive and opportunistic while also sneaky good at takeaways. Plus, he hustles in all zones.

He reminds me of Jonathan Marchessault in Vegas minus the feistiness. If he makes it to the NHL, being a middle 6 forward who can net 50 points on 20 goals would be a realistic benchmark.

I also wouldn't be surprised if the Hawks sign David Gust to an NHL contract this summer. After 5-6 AHL seasons as a 0.50 PPG player, Gust is breaking out big time. He, Reichel, and Brett Seney are top 5 in points in the A.
- Theo Fox

Stevie Y took a 6th rd swing on 5ft 9in Guttman. Kid doesn't show great skating or puck skills so as a smaller player he gets overlooked. He was drafted out of the strong USHL Dubuque program, so I saw plenty of him. Kid always showed a motor and lots of IQ. Despite his limitations he found ways to make a difference then and now.

The USHL/NCAA route is perfect for a kid like Guttman who is smallish or late bloomers. 2 yrs in the USHL, 4 yrs in the NCAA then pros his developmental path is perfect.

Kid has a chance. https://www.eliteprospect...layer/201449/cole-guttman

I always appreciate and look forward to your insight on Icehog player development

I anticipate you will comment upon Roos once his sample size is greater than the brief tenure after his demotion from the parent team.

I want to wish you a happy and prosperous year ahead and hope your work load is bearable and not too taxing.
- jhawk59

Roos is doing fine in the AHL. More offense in the minors could boost his confidence more but he wasn't hurting in the NHL either.

I believe it was either Davidson or Richardson who said Roos going to Rockford was more about getting ice time on the 1st pair than a demotion due to performance.

Both Roos and Mitchell really don't have much to prove in the AHL. Playing there affords them big minutes in all situations. Otherwise, their growth will be more beneficial in the NHL.

Jamie Faulkner's hubby Colin has had a couple of interviews for the Bears soon to be vacant president position. (Ted Phillips is retiring.) Big 10 commissioner Kevin Warren also in the running for the job

Hi Theo. Thanks for stopping by. Hope things are well on your end.

Thanks for the three updates - one each for D, F, and G prospects. Nicely done.

We'll probably see some of the aforementioned up in a year or two, but me thinks they will just be placeholders until KD's prospects are ready. As others have said this rebuild and collecting and developing new prospects will take a few years. Maybe one or two of the collection among Mitchell, Vlasic, Phillips, Gutman et al will be around by then. It will be interesting to see how they perform at the NHL level.
- boilermaker100

Definitely agree we will see some current Hogs in the Hawks lineup as regulars either as placeholders or as reliable stalwarts to build around.

My fear is Davidson continues to purge the system of prospects who he didn't draft or have a hand in the transaction to acquire them. Not all prospects have Bowman stench on them and may actually be better than ones from his own regime.

Like draft picks, prospects should be best available. Sure, some may have greater projected upside down the road but those predictions could also be off the mark. Finding a balance is difficult, of course.

Hello Theo, hope you and yours are well!! ...... No doubting Phillips has the tools to be an NHLer. Putting it all together is another thing but he's developing and improving every yr and still being only 21 there is plenty of room for improvement.

As mentioned I get more excited about the kid each time I see him.
- Mr Ricochet

I think Phillips is a keeper, too. He'll get there and is on a good development curve. Added snarl and consistency will make him a solid NHLer.

Phillips talks about wanting opponents being afraid to crash his crease. If he can get to that level of intimidation, that would be excellent. He just hasn't back up those words yet (even in the AHL) but he's only 21.

I could see Allan being that defenseman who sets the tone for what Phillips is talking about. Del Mastro, too.

Am I watching Nashville? Ugly color uniforms.

Definitely agree we will see some current Hogs in the Hawks lineup as regulars either as placeholders or as reliable stalwarts to build around.

My fear is Davidson continues to purge the system of prospects who he didn't draft or have a hand in the transaction to acquire them. Not all prospects have Bowman stench on them and may actually be better than ones from his own regime.

Like draft picks, prospects should be best available. Sure, some may have greater projected upside down the road but those predictions could also be off the mark. Finding a balance is difficult, of course.
- Theo Fox

I'd like to think KD doesn't have a bias towards any player, seems he's too smart for that, I hope. I think a bias he might have, as any GM does, is he's looking for a type of player with skills that fits his vision of how he wants a squad to play....

Like you mention in the scenarios you go thru with the D prospects as far as who stays and who goes with guys like Mitchell and Galvas. It all comes down to evaluating no matter if it's an 18 yr old or a 30 yr old. ... We can't know how KD's group is at that right now but within a couple yrs we'll get a much better idea. Nobody hits on every player but no winning organIzation does not evaluate well and hit on many more than they miss. It's where the rubber hits the road.

Phillips looks really solid tonight. I'm beginning to wonder if the Hawks keep him up for an extended period of time. You, or anyone, have a thought?

I'd like to think KD doesn't have a bias towards any player, seems he's too smart for that, I hope. I think a bias he might have, as any GM does, is he's looking for a type of player with skills that fits his vision of how he wants a squad to play....

Like you mention in the scenarios you go thru with the D prospects as far as who stays and who goes with guys like Mitchell and Galvas. It all comes down to evaluating no matter if it's an 18 yr old or a 30 yr old. ... We can't know how KD's group is at that right now but within a couple yrs we'll get a much better idea. Nobody hits on every player but no winning organIzation does not evaluate well and hit on many more than they miss. It's where the rubber hits the road.

Phillips looks really solid tonight. I'm beginning to wonder if the Hawks keep him up for an extended period of time. You, or anyone, have a thought?
- Mr Ricochet

I think when Tinordi comes back Phillips goes down. Hawks will play Tinordi hoping to flip him for a draft pick at the TDL.

I don’t think it matters how good or bad the young D play, they are each up for a set of games to get a taste and then go back to the Rock to further their development.

Am I watching Nashville? Ugly color uniforms.
- powerenforcer

Nah man it's Team Finland...bruh put your glasses on

Window to move Kane may have come & gone

Looks average

Window to move Kane may have come & gone

Looks average
- Colbyboy

I must of missed the memo that Kane has agreed to be moved. The window can’t open/close until Kane says so.

I see your boy Kubalik got 2 meaningless goals tonight. I also see he has been playing 4th line minutes for the past few games.

Good effort by Stalock. He should have had a shut out. Gave up one goal on a bad bounce off the ref and the other on a horrible turnover by Katchouk. Hope he can carry on his good play. Maybe he can be flipped at the TDL to someone wanting goalie insurance.

I must of missed the memo that Kane has agreed to be moved. The window can’t open/close until Kane says so.

I see your boy Kubalik got 2 meaningless goals tonight. I also see he has been playing 4th line minutes for the past few games.
- LAHawk

Don't bother responding to him....he's still butt hurt because Kane banged his girl...

this team can't score goals, and when they get down and try to score they give up to many chances in there own end. WHen they finally do move Kane. they may break the record for most times shutout in a single season.

this team can't score goals, and when they get down and try to score they give up to many chances in there own end. WHen they finally do move Kane. they may break the record for most times shutout in a single season.
- Ging72

So, the season is going exactly as planned.