Wait a second, you can't take a hypothetical situation (Toews being brought back in any capacity) which KD has not even commented on and then assign paranoia as reasoning for which he would not want said situation.

Well, I mean, you can... but its neither logical or a good faith argument.
- Chunk

You must be new here.

why didnt i think of that....17 seconds is almost as surreal as me pulling up NHL draft getting home from the office and seeing that Chicago won the Bedard draft - both surreal still
- glennjpawlak22

It was more surreal for Boston fans.

It was more surreal for Boston fans.
- rpeters01

yeah, I suppose it was, 17 seconds from Game 7 and your going home...wow!!!!

You must be new here.
- rpeters01

Relatively. Plus I forget pretty much everything.

I’m a little confused(there’s a shocker), so you all want to move away from the greatest era of Blackhawks hockey and not have this guy around as a consultant around Bedard and the rest of the youngsters, interesting. I’m in for this rebuild, but if anyone here around my age thinks that the future Hawks can accomplish what happened last decade before we leave this earth I have a bridge to sell you, because I have news for you, it ain’t happening, that was a once in a lifetime run. KD would be nuts not to bring this guy in to mentor the new core if Toews does decide to retire. Go ahead and fire away, I can take it. By the way, same goes for Seabrook and Hossa.

Jonathan Toews captained Chicago to three Cup wins. Toews won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He earned a gold medal with Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In 2010, at age 22, he became the second-youngest player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

I'm not sure whether or not Toews comes back to the organization would be a good thing. But if he does, wouldn't the perfect job for him be the "how to win a face-off" guru? Seems like a no-brainer.

I’m a little confused(there’s a shocker), so you all want to move away from the greatest era of Blackhawks hockey and not have this guy around as a consultant around Bedard and the rest of the youngsters, interesting. I’m in for this rebuild, but if anyone here around my age thinks that the future Hawks can accomplish what happened last decade before we leave this earth I have a bridge to sell you, because I have news for you, it ain’t happening, that was a once in a lifetime run. KD would be nuts not to bring this guy in to mentor the new core if Toews does decide to retire. Go ahead and fire away, I can take it. By the way, same goes for Seabrook and Hossa.

Jonathan Toews captained Chicago to three Cup wins. Toews won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He earned a gold medal with Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In 2010, at age 22, he became the second-youngest player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
- Angotti

I don't know Lou, i guess it depends on how long we all live.

I will say this what the Blackhawks are doing is completely committing to the theory of strip it down to the foundation and start over.

I've never seen any org strip it down like this and accumulate top 100 draft picks, 8 in the top 50, another 8 in the top 100, and we didn't even have a 1st round draft pick last year.

Probably have another 4 picks in the top 50 next year, at least 3 in the top 100. It took rebuilding teams 5 to 6 years to get to those numbers

I’m a little confused(there’s a shocker), so you all want to move away from the greatest era of Blackhawks hockey and not have this guy around as a consultant around Bedard and the rest of the youngsters, interesting. I’m in for this rebuild, but if anyone here around my age thinks that the future Hawks can accomplish what happened last decade before we leave this earth I have a bridge to sell you, because I have news for you, it ain’t happening, that was a once in a lifetime run. KD would be nuts not to bring this guy in to mentor the new core if Toews does decide to retire. Go ahead and fire away, I can take it. By the way, same goes for Seabrook and Hossa.

Jonathan Toews captained Chicago to three Cup wins. Toews won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He earned a gold medal with Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In 2010, at age 22, he became the second-youngest player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
- Angotti

I agree with you to a large degree, with a couple caveats. First, The Captain (and less so for the others because of time elapsed since departure) may be a little sore about the circumstances around his departure. I don't know one way or the other, but I understand the desire of the team for a little separation time. Also, having a great career - as all those guys did - isn't, to me, related to whether having a bunch of old guys around is conducive to the next set of Hawks better. Many stars turn out to be bad coaches/mentors; some are good at it.

Overall, though, the decision on that should be completely about whether any arrangement helps the kids; not whether our heroes deserve it. And you are completely right about the golden era - it is quite unlikely that we will see it again if we live another fifty years. This is why it pained me hear fans constantly complain throughout that run, rather than thoroughly enjoying it.

BTW, love the loyalty to those guys.

I’m a little confused(there’s a shocker), so you all want to move away from the greatest era of Blackhawks hockey and not have this guy around as a consultant around Bedard and the rest of the youngsters, interesting. I’m in for this rebuild, but if anyone here around my age thinks that the future Hawks can accomplish what happened last decade before we leave this earth I have a bridge to sell you, because I have news for you, it ain’t happening, that was a once in a lifetime run. KD would be nuts not to bring this guy in to mentor the new core if Toews does decide to retire. Go ahead and fire away, I can take it. By the way, same goes for Seabrook and Hossa.

Jonathan Toews captained Chicago to three Cup wins. Toews won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He earned a gold medal with Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In 2010, at age 22, he became the second-youngest player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
- Angotti

what he said

I agree with you to a large degree, with a couple caveats. First, The Captain (and less so for the others because of time elapsed since departure) may be a little sore about the circumstances around his departure. I don't know one way or the other, but I understand the desire of the team for a little separation time. Also, having a great career - as all those guys did - isn't, to me, related to whether having a bunch of old guys around is conducive to the next set of Hawks better. Many stars turn out to be bad coaches/mentors; some are good at it.

Overall, though, the decision on that should be completely about whether any arrangement helps the kids; not whether our heroes deserve it. And you are completely right about the golden era - it is quite unlikely that we will see it again if we live another fifty years. This is why it pained me hear fans constantly complain throughout that run, rather than thoroughly enjoying it.

BTW, love the loyalty to those guys.

- mohel

Mo, it’s not about what they deserve, it’s about knowledge, experience, and knowing what it takes to win, can’t think of a better trio to teach the young guys what it takes to succeed in the NHL. As far as Toews and the organization, I’m not sure where it stands, but from the outside looking in, it seems like they stood by him during his ordeal, but who knows.

I agree with you to a large degree, with a couple caveats. First, The Captain (and less so for the others because of time elapsed since departure) may be a little sore about the circumstances around his departure. I don't know one way or the other, but I understand the desire of the team for a little separation time. Also, having a great career - as all those guys did - isn't, to me, related to whether having a bunch of old guys around is conducive to the next set of Hawks better. Many stars turn out to be bad coaches/mentors; some are good at it.

Overall, though, the decision on that should be completely about whether any arrangement helps the kids; not whether our heroes deserve it. And you are completely right about the golden era - it is quite unlikely that we will see it again if we live another fifty years. This is why it pained me hear fans constantly complain throughout that run, rather than thoroughly enjoying it.

BTW, love the loyalty to those guys.

- mohel

I never understood that either. The pissing and moaning of so called Hawk fans while the Hawks were so dominant was completely bizarre. From the GM, to the coaching staff, to the star players and depth guys, hell they were even complaining about the (frank)ing skate sharpener. This time around should we be so lucky to experience something similar I fully expect the same nonsense again. It’s like some fans think you can win better than the Hawks did?

I don't know Lou, i guess it depends on how long we all live.

I will say this what the Blackhawks are doing is completely committing to the theory of strip it down to the foundation and start over.

I've never seen any org strip it down like this and accumulate top 100 draft picks, 8 in the top 50, another 8 in the top 100, and we didn't even have a 1st round draft pick last year.

Probably have another 4 picks in the top 50 next year, at least 3 in the top 100. It took rebuilding teams 5 to 6 years to get to those numbers
- BetweenTheDots

I’m all for the rebuild, and like the path that KD is taking, but why not use these resources to help with the rebuild vs not wanting them around to mentor the kids because they want to move on from the old and in with the new. I understand bringing in Foligno, Hall, and Perry, but what have they won? Perry won a cup 16 years ago, that’s it for this trio.

Mo, it’s not about what they deserve, it’s about knowledge, experience, and knowing what it takes to win, can’t think of a better trio to teach the young guys what it takes to succeed in the NHL. As far as Toews and the organization, I’m not sure where it stands, but from the outside looking in, it seems like they stood by him during his ordeal, but who knows.
- Angotti

Me, either. If they're not in a good place, I'd wait on bringing any of them in. Regardless of what we think, seems like KD has been pretty clear on the "turn the page" thing. Not sure if that applies to coaching/mentoring, too.

I’m a little confused(there’s a shocker), so you all want to move away from the greatest era of Blackhawks hockey and not have this guy around as a consultant around Bedard and the rest of the youngsters, interesting. I’m in for this rebuild, but if anyone here around my age thinks that the future Hawks can accomplish what happened last decade before we leave this earth I have a bridge to sell you, because I have news for you, it ain’t happening, that was a once in a lifetime run. KD would be nuts not to bring this guy in to mentor the new core if Toews does decide to retire. Go ahead and fire away, I can take it. By the way, same goes for Seabrook and Hossa.

Jonathan Toews captained Chicago to three Cup wins. Toews won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He earned a gold medal with Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In 2010, at age 22, he became the second-youngest player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
- Angotti

Can any of them actually coach up guys?

The Coyotes found out that arguably the GOAT Wayne Gretzky couldn't. He could not teach them what was easy for him and came naturally to him.

One of my favorite Hawks was Dirk Graham. Not a fancy guy but worked his a$$ off and won a Selke one year. He was awful as a coach. He couldn't coach guys to work hard and give 110% every shift.

I think if KD and management think that there is value in bringing any of the old crew back in some sort of teaching capacity they'll do it. Just don't assume they are any good at teaching what was relatively easy for them.

BTW, Yannick Perrault has been the Hawks face-off guru for years.

Stanbos inputs built a small but slow team. I hope KD has better variables.
- rpeters01

Those cup teams were among the fastest in the league. It’s part of what made them elite. The high speed, puck possession style was trend setting at the time.

I’m all for the rebuild, and like the path that KD is taking, but why not use these resources to help with the rebuild vs not wanting them around to mentor the kids because they want to move on from the old and in with the new. I understand bringing in Foligno, Hall, and Perry, but what have they won? Perry won a cup 16 years ago, that’s it for this trio.
- Angotti

I'm all for it, i think KD is letting them figure out what they are going to do with their futures. I don't think he is against it myself

Those cup teams were among the fastest in the league. It’s part of what made them elite. The high speed, puck possession style was trend setting at the time.
- Ogilthorpe2

Remember the final against Boston the Bruins big bruising fourth line were hardly on the ice because they were too slow. Something to remember when some posters are clamoring for huge players with questionable skating skills.

I'm not sure whether or not Toews comes back to the organization would be a good thing. But if he does, wouldn't the perfect job for him be the "how to win a face-off" guru? Seems like a no-brainer.
- Matt_Foleys_bro

Isn't that why we have Yannic P.?
EDIT: Just saw that answer on Y.P.

Can any of them actually coach up guys?

The Coyotes found out that arguably the GOAT Wayne Gretzky couldn't. He could not teach them what was easy for him and came naturally to him.

One of my favorite Hawks was Dirk Graham. Not a fancy guy but worked his a$$ off and won a Selke one year. He was awful as a coach. He couldn't coach guys to work hard and give 110% every shift.

I think if KD and management think that there is value in bringing any of the old crew back in some sort of teaching capacity they'll do it. Just don't assume they are any good at teaching what was relatively easy for them.

BTW, Yannick Perrault has been the Hawks face-off guru for years.
- Rota's Rooter

Understood on Gretzky and Graham, but they were head coaches, I’m not proposing these guys to come in as head or assistant coaches, just as consultants. For example, who better to mentor Allen, Del Mastro, Phillips, and Vlasic than Seabrook, these are all dmen with size, he would be perfect.

Understood on Gretzky and Graham, but they were head coaches, I’m not proposing these guys to come in as head or assistant coaches, just as consultants. For example, who better to mentor Allen, Del Mastro, Phillips, and Vlasic than Seabrook, these are all dmen with size, he would be perfect.
- Angotti

Funny thing is Seabrook is still on the books for Tampa for another season. Pronger set a precedence tho so I'm sure it could be worked around.

Look I get it. The Tallon/Stanbo team assembled gave us all a ton of wonderful memories. He!!, I just wanted to witness just one Cup win in my lifetime and those beauties gave me three. It would be great if they have a role in the next generation of Hawk teams. My point is not every player is cut out to do stuff like that. Coaching or mentoring. And some just may not want to.

I think pro sports is the very definition of the saying "Those that can do. Those that can't teach.".

Look at assistants around the league. Jimmy Waite was an average pro goalie but, is well-respected as a goalie coach. So are many other goalie coaches. You don't see Hasek or Roy or Broduer in that role. You see the backups and AHL lifers doing that. And most do it well.

Yannick Perault was a journeyman player who happened to win more face-offs than he lost. Now did he help improve Toews at the dot or did Johnny figure it out on his own? I don't know.

I think a few weeks ago there was mention of Hossa taking on some role. So it's happening. Some of those players will still be hanging around in some capacity and there will be others that will be perfectly content to hang out at the cabin.

Understood on Gretzky and Graham, but they were head coaches, I’m not proposing these guys to come in as head or assistant coaches, just as consultants. For example, who better to mentor Allen, Del Mastro, Phillips, and Vlasic than Seabrook, these are all dmen with size, he would be perfect.
- Angotti

Luke Richardson? Kevin Dean? How many people you want in these guys' ears?

Luke Richardson? Kevin Dean? How many people you want in these guys' ears?
- boilermaker100

Hopefully they’ll get Stanley cup rings in their ears one day.

Hopefully they’ll get Stanley cup rings in their ears one day.
- paulr

Luke Richardson? Kevin Dean? How many people you want in these guys' ears?
- boilermaker100

Seabrooke is pursuing other coaching interests although he certainly would command respect and surely is a good communicator

Right now and as far as the foreseeable future, I am pleased with the job both Richardson and Dean provide. They have the right ingredients and have been successful in coaching. I would rather not add Sesbrook anyway, not now at an inopportune time. Both current coaches and Seabrook were defensemen and it is too much dmen when two is enough. If there is an organizational belief shared by a newcomer - say Seabrook was to take the reigns at Rockford - then perhaps the former star Blackhawk dman would be a good fit

Your idea is a good one if not for two good coaches already in place and three voices seems to many at NHL level …,just reiterating

Luke Richardson? Kevin Dean? How many people you want in these guys' ears?
- boilermaker100

I'm sure I'll get annihilated for saying this, but maybe Murphy is that "Aucoin" type who just knows about everything in the league and can guide these guys, but just isn't a good enough player to apply it himself? At least on the defensive side.

I do think you can have too many cooks in the kitchen. I'm not saying that having guys like Hossa and Toews around as teachers or sounding boards would not be a good idea. I just think you build a staff with people who know and have bought into your plan and theoretically, they know how to teach others. Do we know what any of the "core" guys ability is to teach other players?