The reason they both referenced moving the puck quickly is because that has been the No. 1 directive and emphasis from the Hawks’ coaching and development staffs to their young defensemen.

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/...nvd37O_l1pEkXvHOHcvA&s=01

“The speed of the game is so much faster,” Allan said.

Can't wait until this improves

There may be hope for Reichel yet.

https://www.dailyfaceoff....g-up-to-high-expectations

Tab Bamford
@The1Tab
“Hockey is like a drug, an addiction. You need it every day. It’s not something I could ever quit. I don’t think that’s even an option.”

Sounds like Connor Bedard, right? Whelp... it's from Frank Nazar in the article below. Another rink rat for the #Blackhawks ?

my guess is he signs after the college season, plays a few games with the Hawks then with Rockford IF (big if) they make the playoffs.

There may be hope for Reichel yet.

https://www.dailyfaceoff....g-up-to-high-expectations
- boilermaker100

The guys on the CHGO Blackhawks podcast (a must watch/listen for Blackhawks fans) discussed the impact of the COVID shutdown on the 2020 draft class.

While I've been disappointed in Reichel's start to the season its too early to deem him a bust (yes, that's counter intuitive to the BoD way). I think Reichel is an NHLer, but the question remains - will he be a centre or wing in the long term. Also, will he big a top 6 forward or a depth forward (think AA). My guess, Reichel will evolve into a top 6 winger.

Tab Bamford
@The1Tab
“Hockey is like a drug, an addiction. You need it every day. It’s not something I could ever quit. I don’t think that’s even an option.”

Sounds like Connor Bedard, right? Whelp... it's from Frank Nazar in the article below. Another rink rat for the #Blackhawks ?

my guess is he signs after the college season, plays a few games with the Hawks then with Rockford IF (big if) they make the playoffs.
- LAHawk

Drew Commesso was on the CHGO Blackhawks podcast yesterday and he talked about his desire to play every day. He talked about the adjustment from college, where is played every game, to splitting time in Rockford. It sounds like Commesso has a great head on his shoulders, when he's not playing he's really focused on learning from the goalies who are playing.

I hope the Hawks don't rush Commesso, I don't think they will but they should let him play this season and next in Rockford with the occasional short-term call-up.

The guys on the CHGO Blackhawks podcast (a must watch/listen for Blackhawks fans) discussed the impact of the COVID shutdown on the 2020 draft class.

While I've been disappointed in Reichel's start to the season its too early to deem him a bust (yes, that's counter intuitive to the BoD way). I think Reichel is an NHLer, but the question remains - will he be a centre or wing in the long term. Also, will he big a top 6 forward or a depth forward (think AA). My guess, Reichel will evolve into a top 6 winger.
- DarthKane

It would help him if he played the same position with the same linemates for a 10 game stretch. He has been bounced around like a ping pong ball.

Drew Commesso was on the CHGO Blackhawks podcast yesterday and he talked about his desire to play every day. He talked about the adjustment from college, where is played every game, to splitting time in Rockford. It sounds like Commesso has a great head on his shoulders, when he's not playing he's really focused on learning from the goalies who are playing.

I hope the Hawks don't rush Commesso, I don't think they will but they should let him play this season and next in Rockford with the occasional short-term call-up.
- DarthKane

They won't, just like they won't rush Soda, he's right where he needs to be, getting his feet wet in the NHL. I don't get the resigning of Mrazek either?

Tab Bamford
@The1Tab
“Hockey is like a drug, an addiction. You need it every day. It’s not something I could ever quit. I don’t think that’s even an option.”

Sounds like Connor Bedard, right? Whelp... it's from Frank Nazar in the article below. Another rink rat for the #Blackhawks ?

my guess is he signs after the college season, plays a few games with the Hawks then with Rockford IF (big if) they make the playoffs.
- LAHawk

If he signs with the Hawks after the Michigan season is complete and plays a few games with the big club, he, Bedard and Korchinski all will have their ELC's expire at the same time. We'll see how KFC plays it. He said in the past that he's not worried about contracts at this time, just wants guys to develop and see how things turn out.

The guys on the CHGO Blackhawks podcast (a must watch/listen for Blackhawks fans) discussed the impact of the COVID shutdown on the 2020 draft class.

While I've been disappointed in Reichel's start to the season its too early to deem him a bust (yes, that's counter intuitive to the BoD way). I think Reichel is an NHLer, but the question remains - will he be a centre or wing in the long term. Also, will he big a top 6 forward or a depth forward (think AA). My guess, Reichel will evolve into a top 6 winger.
- DarthKane

Reichel has shown a few flashes of hopefully what he’s capable of. Lots of speed, some nice moves but unlike Bedard who can make his chances Reichel, so far seems to be a guy who needs solid linemates. Nothing wrong with that, the Bedard’s of the world are few and far between. Lots of posters, including you and I have suggested giving Reichel time on the wing beside Bedard. It takes the pressure off him to do it himself and he can just go out and pleat Bedard drive the play. Maybe he gets a few points and plays with more assertiveness. And perhaps it gives him confidence when he’s moved off Bedard’s line?

They won't, just like they won't rush Soda, he's right where he needs to be, getting his feet wet in the NHL. I don't get the resigning of Mrazek either?
- BetweenTheDots

I can see Mrazek being moved especially if he stays healthy and continues his play. KFC is still in the asset acquirement mode, and Mrazek may be his best upcoming trade chip. He could probably return a third at best. Maybe if he takes back some salary and packages a depth player lie R. Johnson or Entwistle he can up the return to a second or a decent prospect. The play or health of any contenders' goalies come February would set the stage for a trade.

Reichel has shown a few flashes of hopefully what he’s capable of. Lots of speed, some nice moves but unlike Bedard who can make his chances Reichel, so far seems to be a guy who needs solid linemates. Nothing wrong with that, the Bedard’s of the world are few and far between. Lots of posters, including you and I have suggested giving Reichel time on the wing beside Bedard. It takes the pressure off him to do it himself and he can just go out and pleat Bedard drive the play. Maybe he gets a few points and plays with more assertiveness. And perhaps it gives him confidence when he’s moved off Bedard’s line?
- paulr

Besides the points i think he's playing, learning, well. I think Reichels first 50 games are much better than Kurashevs 50. Kurashev is hitting the 200 game mark and he's almost a point per game player to start out the season. I don't expect him to keep it up but i do expect when Reichel has more game experience and better line mates his point production will be good enough for a top 6 forward

Speaking of Reichel

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/.../1724832219955376197?s=20

I can see Mrazek being moved especially if he stays healthy and continues his play. KFC is still in the asset acquirement mode, and Mrazek may be his best upcoming trade chip. He could probably return a third at best. Maybe if he takes back some salary and packages a depth player lie R. Johnson or Entwistle he can up the return to a second or a decent prospect. The play or health of any contenders' goalies come February would set the stage for a trade.
- boilermaker100

I don't see KFC letting him go for a third without more to it?

I don't see KFC letting him go for a third without more to it?
- rpeters01

if Fleury and Lehner only got a second and aC prospects, I don't think you are getting more than a third for Mrazek.

Korposalo and Gabrikov cost the Kings 2 second round picks last year, and Quick to dump salary.

No other NHL goalie movement at the TDL last year. Hawks couldn't (did they try?) to move Stalock or Mrazek last year.

I don't see KFC letting him go for a third without more to it?
- rpeters01

I'm hoping that more isn't Campbell coming back. I think that contract is a little too long to eat. Then again maybe Waite can fix him.

It would help him if he played the same position with the same linemates for a 10 game stretch. He has been bounced around like a ping pong ball.
- LAHawk

Just play him with Hall and Raddysh for a bit, the kid is skilled, he’ll put up points.

I don't see KFC letting him go for a third without more to it?
- rpeters01

It can be tough to get a good return on a goalie via trade at times. I think we've seen it some seasons or TDL there are a lot of goalies available and supply trumps demand. While I'm not saying they "couldn't" possibly get more for him, I think the situation has to be right in the league for the opportunity to get more.

Just play him with Hall and Raddysh for a bit, the kid is skilled, he’ll put up points.
- Angotti

I agree, he'll get there.

Lots to like about how he has played so far and lots of hockey left this season. I don't think anyone in the Hawks org is pushing the panic button on #27.

Just play him with Hall and Raddysh for a bit, the kid is skilled, he’ll put up points.
- Angotti

here you go


Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks lines in practice. Hall with Reichel is interesting.

Foligno-Bedard-Kurashev
Hall-Reichel-Raddysh
TJohnson-Richardinson-Perry
Fourth line rotating

It can be tough to get a good return on a goalie via trade at times. I think we've seen it some seasons or TDL there are a lot of goalies available and supply trumps demand. While I'm not saying they "couldn't" possibly get more for him, I think the situation has to be right in the league for the opportunity to get more.
- breadbag

They could possibly get a 2nd or 3rd.
If there is a team near the deadline,that thinks it has a shot, at the Cup and would like a good back up goalie,I don't see them giving up a 1st.

Plus,if KD trades Mrazek,who is playing for the Blackhawks in addition to Arvid? It doesn't seem like they will promote Commesso this year.

It can be tough to get a good return on a goalie via trade at times. I think we've seen it some seasons or TDL there are a lot of goalies available and supply trumps demand. While I'm not saying they "couldn't" possibly get more for him, I think the situation has to be right in the league for the opportunity to get more.
- breadbag

Hawks already got a got a good return with Mrazek by agreeing to take him off Toronto's hands - 1st round pick. All they need is for RInzel to pan out and its a steal.

But you are right, goaltenders don't usually bring back that much in trade. But if a team doesn't have one it can't win. Couple years ago due to injuries Colorado had to use rent a goalie Michael Hutchinson in a playoff series.

If only the NHL season was over now!

We would be selecting in slot #5 (6, or 7) with our pick and Tamp's at slot #13 which is a real nice sot for another forward(s)...

If he signs with the Hawks after the Michigan season is complete and plays a few games with the big club, he, Bedard and Korchinski all will have their ELC's expire at the same time. We'll see how KFC plays it. He said in the past that he's not worried about contracts at this time, just wants guys to develop and see how things turn out.
- boilermaker100

Let's ler littel Frank continue to percolate there for the season as he just started to play his dominant decisons / feet /hands game.

See him in March

here you go


Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks lines in practice. Hall with Reichel is interesting.

Foligno-Bedard-Kurashev
Hall-Reichel-Raddysh
TJohnson-Richardinson-Perry
Fourth line rotating
- LAHawk

Alright, about time. Now keep them together for ten games like you mentioned, it will work out, especially with the opposing team’s best defensive players on the ice for Bedard’s line.

There may be hope for Reichel yet.

https://www.dailyfaceoff....g-up-to-high-expectations
- boilermaker100

Wow!!

"Byfield’s situation is similar. Of the 247 forwards with at least 150 minutes of 5-on-5 time this year, Byfield’s 60.76 Corsi-for percentage is good for 14th in the NHL, and first on Los Angeles, according to Natural Stat Trick. Look one spot up, and you’ll find Lafreniere."

Off the top of my head Malkin is one of, if not the best I've seen, at puck possession. The combination of his size, skating and hands/skill make him a possession beast. Watching Byfield this yr, playing wing not his natural position, center, the big kid is trending to be a possession monster.

Question about Reichel. Does anyone see any comparison to TT? Above average skating, speed, hands and explosion/quick twitch...... I was a big fan of TT but have to admit I came to the conclusion that I didn't think he had the "balls" (remember he perfected the alligator arms receiving passes in traffic?) to make a difference in the NHL even though I loved his skills.

I don't see Reichel as not having the balls but I see him tracking a lot like TT did as similar players.