Per Ek, "One source confirmed to me that Kane MAY also be open to a possible return to Chicago….to play with and mentor Connor…”but that would have to mean that several other teams would fall short of Patrick’s demands…”

After KD's comments, this is highly unlikely but man it would sell tickets.
- Popsghostly

It's best they don't go down that path and just let Kane move on. They are selling tickets well, jersey sales are strong and it just doesn't fit Kane's hope to contend.

My reply isn't about your comment specifically,but I see the CHGO guys and a few others all happy that Blackhawks prospects are scoring in their respective junior leagues.

And I understand that it is better to have a prospect scoring and making an impact etc... but when I see Lardis putting up pts in juniors...big...deal...the kid is probably 19,he should be putting up pts vs 16/17/18 year olds.
Every team in the NHLhas a few prospects that are 19 and "being productive"
- captainserious

What if he was 18? Doesn't turn 19 till next summer.

I hear you though it doesn't guarantee NHL success at all, but its better than hearing these kids struggle in their respected leagues. I know over half of these kids won't pan out but its nice to have some hope a few will.

What if he was 18? Doesn't turn 19 till next summer.

I hear you though it doesn't guarantee NHL success at all, but its better than hearing these kids struggle in their respected leagues. I know over half of these kids won't pan out but its nice to have some hope a few will.
- BetweenTheDots

That is basically what I said,it is better for them to show at least some productivity,but the Blackhawks will be lucky if 1 or maaaybe 2 of- Hayes,Greene,Misiak,Lardis,Ludwinski,Slaggert,Kantserov,Dach - become 3rd/4th liners
I just find it funny that Tirabassi and some others think that these guys are potential 1st/2nd liners because they are putting up points.
I guess it is possible even 1 of the above prospects becomes a 2nd liner.

Other than the big guns that are already up in the NHL,the next best prospect should come from next year's draft - if the Hawks get lucky with ping pong balls again

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks lines in practice:

Foligno-Bedard-Kurashev
Hall-Reichel-Raddysh
TJohnson-Richardinson-Perry
Donato-Entwistle-RJohnson

So what did Katchook do wrong last night? He made a nice play to Richardson that ended up as Perry's goal.

I mean a grand total of 15 shots on goal, but lets roll out the same line-up (except Hall for Katchook).
- LAHawk

I don't know that he has to do anything wrong, he just has a very limited upside. LR is shuffling guys in and out that wouldn't play on a contender. R Johnson, Entwistle, Katchouk are all topping out at 4th line or extra forward. Katchouk might need to be more physical to stand out, because I think that might be what LR is liking from the other two, they've played the body more consistently.

And most importantly, LR liked his game. I'd guess we get to see at least 2-3 more games of four prospects playing as I don't see Tinordi, or Zaitsev back anytime soon. We'll see if Roos gets in a game. I'm actually wondering if they sit Kaiser down for a game so he can regroup a bit.
- Chunk

Not many bigger Kaiser fans than me but there are games, like last night, he almost seems reckless on the most simple of plays. Like when he has all kinds of time and space to get it out or thru the neutral zone and he shanks/whifs.

Yes, that's a physical error but often those errors are preceded by mental or physical fatigue. We saw this 7ish games ago, he doesn't get scratched and comes back with a fine string off results.........

Yes, he's on his offside and paired with Tinordi, who I don't think is near as bad as 95% of Hawk's fans think he is, and he seems to get the Reichel treatment where he gets the scraps left over from L1 and is probably slotted out of position but even so some games you wonder if his playing time could be managed better.

Those of us who called for him to be scratched around Game 7-8 were met with posts of a 21 yr old can't possibly need a rest. .... I'll watch for the physical grind of an NHL schedule to start affecting the 3 rookie Dmen, or any 20-21 yr old rookie, around Game 40-50 but will watch those types for mental overload in Games 5-10-20-40-80.

Zero doubt physical fatigue will come for each and every one of the 20ish yr old rookies this yr and IMO that can be helped by load management, both physically and probably more so mentally, during every part of the yr.

And I love that LR with 1,300-1,400 NHL games as a Dman will be making that call.

I don't know that he has to do anything wrong, he just has a very limited upside. LR is shuffling guys in and out that wouldn't play on a contender. R Johnson, Entwistle, Katchouk are all topping out at 4th line or extra forward. Katchouk might need to be more physical to stand out, because I think that might be what LR is liking from the other two, they've played the body more consistently.
- breadbag

BB, is it safe to agree the club will have trouble scoring 5 on 5? If we agree IMO all but a few forwards on THIS roster has the skiill in his hands that Katchouk does. Entwhistle and Johnson bring some elements that can help but neither have near the skill in their hands that can help 5 on 5 scoring that Katchouk has which this club is desperately short of.

Add he plays PK, has good skating, good size, gives a good effort and the treatment Katchouk is getting from LR, from the naked eye, bothers me more than anything this yr. ....... Simply said, Katchouk has the skills to help at 5 on 5 that most on this squad do not have.

Not many bigger Kaiser fans than me but there are games, like last night, he almost seems reckless on the most simple of plays. Like when he has all kinds of time and space to get it out or thru the neutral zone and he shanks/whifs.

Yes, that's a physical error but often those errors are preceded by mental or physical fatigue. We saw this 7ish games ago, he doesn't get scratched and comes back with a fine string off results.........

Yes, he's on his offside and paired with Tinordi, who I don't think is near as bad as 95% of Hawk's fans think he is, and he seems to get the Reichel treatment where he gets the scraps left over from L1 and is probably slotted out of position but even so some games you wonder if his playing time could be managed better.

Those of us who called for him to be scratched around Game 7-8 were met with posts of a 21 yr old can't possibly need a rest. .... I'll watch for the physical grind of an NHL schedule to start affecting the 3 rookie Dmen, or any 20-21 yr old rookie, around Game 40-50 but will watch those types for mental overload in Games 5-10-20-40-80.

Zero doubt physical fatigue will come for each and every one of the 20ish yr old rookies this yr and IMO that can be helped by load management, both physically and probably more so mentally, during every part of the yr.

And I love that LR with 1,300-1,400 NHL games as a Dman will be making that call.
- Mr Ricochet

Last full game and the 5 minutes the next game until he got injured, Tinordi, Tinordi played the right side, and Kaiser the left. Kaiser has played the left side the last 3-4 games.

I think the new term is "It's part of the process"

And I take issue with the GM not being happy with a loss. Since he has taken over, his goal has been to construct the roster to be as pathetic as possible.
- LAHawk

And as each and EVERY game goes by over the next 15-20 yrs as they watch Bedard in the indian head jersey fans should drop to their knees and thank the Hockey Gods KD met his goal of making the club as pathetic/repulsive/hideous/sickening/horrid/embarrassing/putrid/wretched/deplorable as he did.

And if they land Eiserman thank the Gods 3 times a day. And if they win even 1 cup thank the Gods 10 times a day every day for the next 15 yrs or as long as Bedard is a Hawk.

On another note LA, how you diggin PHI's rebuild as they rank THIRD in all of the NHL in expected goals?

Last full game and the 5 minutes the next game until he got injured, Tinordi, Tinordi played the right side, and Kaiser the left. Kaiser has played the left side the last 3-4 games.
- LAHawk

Don't think so, LA. But if you have a link I'd be happy to be proven wrong. ..... Are you seeing what I see where Kaiser can be seen on the right side, left side, right side, left side during ONE shift?

Link me up, LA.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks lines in practice:

Foligno-Bedard-Kurashev
Hall-Reichel-Raddysh
TJohnson-Richardinson-Perry
Donato-Entwistle-RJohnson

So what did Katchook do wrong last night? He made a nice play to Richardson that ended up as Perry's goal.

I mean a grand total of 15 shots on goal, but lets roll out the same line-up (except Hall for Katchook).
- LAHawk

Read that Hall is a game time decision Saturday so Katchouk may yet slot in. The forward group is what it is with AA and Blackwell out due to injury. Even if healthy and playing they won't move the need much. Do you want to call up Guttman, Anderson, Hardman etc and slot them in the lineup?

Roos is 24, the Hawks have 6 defenseman between the NHL and the A younger than Roos that are rated higher, and all are left handed like Roos.

IMO only reason Roos got the call up, is the Hawks want to keep del Maestro and Allen playing heavy minutes in the A all year. Roos is just filler for when Tinordi or Zaitsev come back.

Roos is in the category of Mitchell and Regula. Down on the depth charts, and hopefully can be used as an add on for a trade.
- LAHawk

I think that you are guessing more than you are accurately pegging Roos.

You might be correct. Nontheless I have not read or heard anything about how well he played in the AHL this year or last season.

Hopefully he gets a few games and we can better evaluate

A few games last NHL season is hardly an accurate barometer to judge him

He is a skill guy who skates well so it is not like he is some slow afoot.weakling. Someone scouted and liked him. We hope he is not someone who falls short like Mitchell or bone headed like Gus and C Jones

Ultimately, isn’t it Ricardson’s call as to whether to challenge or not? He has an iPad to look at too.
- LAHawk

I've found it interesting that some of the challenges I see the head coach never looks at video. So yea, the coach throws the challenge flag but it seems some coaches do so if the video coach tells him to or not to.

But letter of the law, yea you're right.

Read that Hall is a game time decision Saturday so Katchouk may yet slot in. The forward group is what it is with AA and Blackwell out due to injury. Even if healthy and playing they won't move the need much. Do you want to call up Guttman, Anderson, Hardman etc and slot them in the lineup?
- boilermaker100

Yes. Guttman. like Katchouk, is one of the few who draws an organIzational paycheck that can help generate at 5 on 5.

And as each and EVERY game goes by over the next 15-20 yrs as they watch Bedard in the indian head jersey fans should drop to their knees and thank the Hockey Gods KD met his goal of making the club as pathetic/repulsive/hideous/sickening/horrid/embarrassing/putrid/wretched/deplorable as he did.

And if they land Eiserman thank the Gods 3 times a day. And if they win even 1 cup thank the Gods 10 times a day every day for the next 15 yrs or as long as Bedard is a Hawk.

On another note LA, how you diggin PHI's rebuild as they rank THIRD in all of the NHL in expected goals?
- Mr Ricochet

Haven't been following the Flyers. Besides the Hawks am watching the Kings and Ducks mostly.

I think that you are guessing more than you are accurately pegging Roos.

You might be correct. Nontheless I have not read or heard anything about how well he played in the AHL this year or last season.

Hopefully he gets a few games and we can better evaluate

A few games last NHL season is hardly an accurate barometer to judge him

He is a skill guy who skates well so it is not like he is some slow afoot.weakling. Someone scouted and liked him. We hope he is not someone who falls short like Mitchell or bone headed like Gus and C Jones
- jhawk59

But where does he fit in the grand scheme? Lets say Murphy does get traded, I still think in 2 years you most likely have

Vlasic
Jones
KK
Kaiser
del Maestro
Allen
Phillips

Sorry, I do not see Roos being better than those 7. If they add another D, it will more likely than not be a right handed one for balance.

Haven't been following the Flyers. Besides the Hawks am watching the Kings and Ducks mostly.
- LAHawk

That damn Carlsson has foot speed I didn't realize. Love it that Carlsson and Fantilli are up at 10 pts and skating top 6. ...... Of course I watched probably every game he played in his 2 yrs as a Steel but I did think he'd end up a Hawk.

I'm always looking for the next Peter Forsberg, my favorite player ever, and Fantilli has some of those traits.

But where does he fit in the grand scheme? Lets say Murphy does get traded, I still think in 2 years you most likely have

Vlasic
Jones
KK
Kaiser
del Maestro
Allen
Phillips

Sorry, I do not see Roos being better than those 7. If they add another D, it will more likely than not be a right handed one for balance.
- LAHawk

I hear 'ya
If i was a betting man I think i would go with your opinion
But we don't know for sure. If he never gets in a few games, then we can conclude he wasn't deemed good enough

I like the Crevier odds better. Crevier an underrated defender with big reach who was a shutdiwn guy in junior. The type package skill/size who could be valuable and effective on a third pair. I heard he can be nasty occassionally. Good skills all around.

That damn Carlsson has foot speed I didn't realize. Love it that Carlsson and Fantilli are up at 10 pts and skating top 6. ...... Of course I watched probably every game he played in his 2 yrs as a Steel but I did think he'd end up a Hawk.

I'm always looking for the next Peter Forsberg, my favorite player ever, and Fantilli has some of those traits.
- Mr Ricochet

Been watching the Ducks young defeseman, Mintuyukov, Vaakanainan, and LaCombe. All 3 have been impressive. Drysdale has been hurt again, Zellwinger is in the minors and another 19 yo Luneau who I assume will go back to Jr's after his 9th game

Haven't been following the Flyers. Besides the Hawks am watching the Kings and Ducks mostly.
- LAHawk

Want to see if Ducks can keep winning more when Drysdale returns….,whenever that is

Arous

Or

Rouse

Mr Roos

BB, is it safe to agree the club will have trouble scoring 5 on 5? If we agree IMO all but a few forwards on THIS roster has the skiill in his hands that Katchouk does. Entwhistle and Johnson bring some elements that can help but neither have near the skill in their hands that can help 5 on 5 scoring that Katchouk has which this club is desperately short of.

Add he plays PK, has good skating, good size, gives a good effort and the treatment Katchouk is getting from LR, from the naked eye, bothers me more than anything this yr. ....... Simply said, Katchouk has the skills to help at 5 on 5 that most on this squad do not have.
- Mr Ricochet

Respectfully I think you over-estimate Katchouk. He has no more skill than the other 4th liners and they both play the PK as well. Katchouk or not, it makes almost zero difference to the game.

Respectfully I think you over-estimate Katchouk. He has no more skill than the other 4th liners and they both play the PK as well. Katchouk or not, it makes almost zero difference to the game.
- breadbag

I agree that Katchouk is no more than a fourth liner, however he’s a much better PK’r than R Johnson, I think that Katchouk is excellent on the PK and that is why I’d like to see him in the lineup vs Johnson.

I agree that Katchouk is no more than a fourth liner, however he’s a much better PK’r than R Johnson, I think that Katchouk is excellent on the PK and that is why I’d like to see him in the lineup vs Johnson.
- Angotti

I’d play Katchouk over R Johnson, Entwistle, without a doubt.

Respectfully I think you over-estimate Katchouk. He has no more skill than the other 4th liners and they both play the PK as well. Katchouk or not, it makes almost zero difference to the game.
- breadbag

BB, I like Katchouk's back class and on this roster he has the most offensive upside outside of the usual suspects already in the top 6. 2nd rd pick, 2 WJC's (did not realize Entwhistle played on 2 WJC's too) with Canada and he scored 42 goals as a 20 yr old in Major Junior.

To my eye the 25 yr old has some skill in his hands, size, skating, 3 zone decent play, sol.id PK guy and like last night showed some IQ to be a part of the bang bang bang goal (as an aside D!ckenson showed as good of offense as he's capable of on that beauty weakside feed at pace to Perry) with a solid 2nd assist.......

Sure, he's not a top or middle 6 guy but he's not a liability, plays PK and has more offensive upside than an Entwhistle (6th rd) or Johnson (undrafted FA) types who showed little to no offense in jrs or pro. This club needs 5 on 5 chances and Katchouk is that guy by default.

And, if I was runnin the joint Guttman would be up makin plays like he has/does at every level. https://www.eliteprospect...eam/56/chicago-blackhawks

Ultimately, isn’t it Ricardson’s call as to whether to challenge or not? He has an iPad to look at too.
- LAHawk

Ultimately, but then why have a video coach?