I still think it wouldn't be a bad idea to go after Nylander. He's going to be 28 in May. By the time he is 30 the Blackhawks should be a playoff contender and he probably won't drop off production wise until he is 32. So you'd most likely get 5 good years out of him.
- captainserious

I have loved what KFC has done up to this point. So much doom and gloom but the Hawks are in a great position right now with what they have brewing. Solid rookie pieces playing right now, legit prospects in their system, a ton of draft capital over the next three years, and an absurd amount of cap space. I'd imagine they will take on some bad contracts again at the TDL this season and acquire more draft capital.

I am not sure who they will target in FA when the time is right, but they will make a splash. By the time they start entering contention again, there will be some really good players available.

I think a lot of people have forgotten that this is a rebuild as well. I just hope 98 can take the losing.
I still think they should make a move or two to try and improve.
Even if they land 1 or 2 in the 2024 draft, aren't both Celebrini and Eiserman expected to play next season in the NCAA?
- captainserious

I want to believe that 98 recognizes that they landed him #1 overall because their team sucked last year and would suck this year. LOL. A lot can change in two years. His being frustrated during a game doesn't mean he wants to suddenly leave the city and go elsewhere.

I also have a strong feeling that when his ELC is up in two years, this roster is going to look a whole lot different. Time and patience are everything. Spending $$$ is also going to help a LOT.
- frafra

Agree with you both. I could see a move of significance happening but probably not til after the season's over. You never know though...the right trade might just present itself in season.

This season is going to be a lot of ups and downs with probably more downs. Celebrate the wins and understand that unfortunately right now, losing is going to be part of the process.

Agree with you both. I could see a move of significance happening but probably not til after the season's over. You never know though...the right trade might just present itself in season.

This season is going to be a lot of ups and downs with probably more downs. Celebrate the wins and understand that unfortunately right now, losing is going to be part of the process.
- HawkintheD

IMO, the REAL wins will be felt with time down the road. The growing pains that we discuss with their current rookie defensemen, the struggles that Connor Bedard is starting to feel, and the stink of losing games because they don't have a complete NHL roster are going to pay off when this team begins to look more complete. I cannot wait to see how they spend money when the time is right.

I still think it wouldn't be a bad idea to go after Nylander. He's going to be 28 in May. By the time he is 30 the Blackhawks should be a playoff contender and he probably won't drop off production wise until he is 32. So you'd most likely get 5 good years out of him.
- captainserious

Why would Nylander want to go through another rebuild? This is his 9th year of going through a rebuild with one playoff win to show for it.

For years all I ever read on here was a dream for the Hawks to have glorious cap space, well now that they have it no one is happy.

For years all I ever read on here was a dream for the Hawks to have glorious cap space, well now that they have it no one is happy.
- paulr

Cap space is fine, it is how it is being used that I have an issue with. KFC could of spent it to improve the team this year, but he is in love with his draft choices, because everything works out exactly as planned.

Agree with you both. I could see a move of significance happening but probably not til after the season's over. You never know though...the right trade might just present itself in season.

This season is going to be a lot of ups and downs with probably more downs. Celebrate the wins and understand that unfortunately right now, losing is going to be part of the process.
- HawkintheD

I don’t want losing to be part of the process. When Davidson told everyone that the rebuild would take a few years and that he wasn’t going to make big moves right away I agreed with his plan. But I figured the team would be a cup contender while the rebuild was happening.

I don’t want losing to be part of the process. When Davidson told everyone that the rebuild would take a few years and that he wasn’t going to make big moves right away I agreed with his plan. But I figured the team would be a cup contender while the rebuild was happening.
- paulr

Seems that’s how some here were thinking this season would go.

For years all I ever read on here was a dream for the Hawks to have glorious cap space, well now that they have it no one is happy.
- paulr

Interesting quotes from a Kane interview yesterday:

"There's always a piece in the back of your mind that maybe (going back) could potentially happen," Kane told reporters. "You never know. I love the city, loved my time there with the organization.

The other interesting tidbit that came out of Kane's interview is that he was half-expecting the Hawks to reach out to him or Jonathan Toews after they won the draft lottery.

But KFC doesn't think they were good for the kids growth. But KFC doesn't even want Toews (who is not playing) to be around in any capacity while he takes the year off (think he could mentor Bedard and Reichel about playing center without being in the dressing room, like in practice).

Need solid vets like Corey Perry to mentor. No wonder KFC had such a pained look on his face, that move blew up on him after 20 games.

i think I have a new nickname I am going to use instead of KFC, like Little Napoleon, or better yet Little Nappi.

Cap space is fine, it is how it is being used that I have an issue with. KFC could have spent it to improve the team this year, but he is in love with his draft choices, because everything works out exactly as planned.
- LAHawk

We don’t know what the plan is or what KFC’s thoughts are. Seems to me he’s still in the breaking it down phase in the hopes of securing another high draft pick which could be the reason he didn’t try to strengthen the team this year. Maybe he hoped everyone would be happy watching Bedard and the other rookies? I’m not inclined to get too upset just yet. If he hasn’t started improving the team over the summer though trades and free agency I’ll begin to worry. KD told us the process would take a few years, let’s give him that before we get too upset.

Cap space is fine, it is how it is being used that I have an issue with. KFC could of spent it to improve the team this year, but he is in love with his draft choices, because everything works out exactly as planned.
- LAHawk

LA, I was all for the complete tear down. I really like that they have built up the prospects and have both draft capital and cap space. After they landed Bedard, and loaded up with another 11 picks (2 years in a row?), I was sure that KD would have gone out and made a couple moves to get younger established players in the fold. I thought Hall was a good get, but Perry and Foligno were head scratchers to me.

I’m all for the kids playing, but I wanted them to have some sort of team to play on. My concern is that playing outmatched every night won’t allow them to progress as well as they should. Prospects and draft picks are all great, but there are only so many spots on a roster, and you need someone who has played well and can currently keep up. Foligno has surprised me, Hall unfortunately is injured. I don’t have a problem with the one year deals, but get better players to help these prospects progress.

We don’t know what the plan is or what KFC’s thoughts are. Seems to me he’s still in the breaking it down phase in the hopes of securing another high draft pick which could be the reason he didn’t try to strengthen the team this year. Maybe he hoped everyone would be happy watching Bedard and the other rookies? I’m not inclined to get too upset just yet. If he hasn’t started improving the team over the summer though trades and free agency I’ll begin to worry. KD told us the process would take a few years, let’s give him that before we get too upset.
- paulr

So getting a generational talent doesn't move the needle at all? Get no one, zero, nil, that could play with him ? Or did he really think Hall would be able to play 60 games this year with his recent injury history.

Cap space is fine, it is how it is being used that I have an issue with. KFC could of spent it to improve the team this year, but he is in love with his draft choices, because everything works out exactly as planned.
- LAHawk

Who should've he spent it on and would they be willing to come here in year one of the rebuild.

Last year was a bottom out year. This year they've clearly identified as one for rookie development and finding some guys to help shepherd the Yutes.

Corey may have been a miss but it's not like KFC spent like a drunken sailor on shore leave handicapping himself for future moves.

Wasn't it you who just identified they'll need to spend about $30M to get to the Cap floor.

Also, the guy's overseen two drafts. Who knows what he's got in mind for some of them in terms of if they end up being trade chips for someone KFC likes better.

Like other BOD posters, maybe give this thing a bit more rope to play out.

Cap space is fine, it is how it is being used that I have an issue with. KFC could of spent it to improve the team this year, but he is in love with his draft choices, because everything works out exactly as planned.
- LAHawk

Hahaha, hahaha

Well we do have a generational talent to build around, instead of a bunch of broken down players past their prime.

Vlasic looks like a serious piece to the puzzle.

Spent it on what, hmmm let's look at the Devils they spent it on Meier and couldn't afford to keep a couple of their dmen and are struggling in the playoff hunt.

How about the Islanders trade for Horvat and they are in the same boat.

Habs, Ottawa, CBJ fleeced us in the Seth Jones trade, signed Warenski, Gaudreau and Laine what did that get them?

Interesting quotes from a Kane interview yesterday:

"There's always a piece in the back of your mind that maybe (going back) could potentially happen," Kane told reporters. "You never know. I love the city, loved my time there with the organization.

The other interesting tidbit that came out of Kane's interview is that he was half-expecting the Hawks to reach out to him or Jonathan Toews after they won the draft lottery.

But KFC doesn't think they were good for the kids growth. But KFC doesn't even want Toews (who is not playing) to be around in any capacity while he takes the year off (think he could mentor Bedard and Reichel about playing center without being in the dressing room, like in practice).

Need solid vets like Corey Perry to mentor. No wonder KFC had such a pained look on his face, that move blew up on him after 20 games.
- LAHawk

I thought and still think Kane and Toews should have been brought in. I can’t think of any reason why they weren’t? And in no universe does Perry’s leadership come close to Toews’ or even Kane’s, even before this episode. Maybe KD thought he was smarter than he was? I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, after all as far as I know Perry hasn’t pulled a stunt like this before, but I’ll also be watching to see if he’s learned. As I’ve said a number of times I knew the Hawks would suck this season, I’m waiting to see what KD does between now and the end of the summer before I lose too much sleep over it.

LA, I was all for the complete tear down. I really like that they have built up the prospects and have both draft capital and cap space. After they landed Bedard, and loaded up with another 11 picks (2 years in a row?), I was sure that KD would have gone out and made a couple moves to get younger established players in the fold. I thought Hall was a good get, but Perry and Foligno were head scratchers to me.

I’m all for the kids playing, but I wanted them to have some sort of team to play on. My concern is that playing outmatched every night won’t allow them to progress as well as they should. Prospects and draft picks are all great, but there are only so many spots on a roster, and you need someone who has played well and can currently keep up. Foligno has surprised me, Hall unfortunately is injured. I don’t have a problem with the one year deals, but get better players to help these prospects progress.
- Chunk

I agree with this post 100% Chunk. Foligno is on the same pace in points as he had with the Bruins, averaging 5 more minutes a game, and playing a majority of the time with Bedard. Can't expect much more from him on the ice. What was little Nappi expecting ?

LA, I was all for the complete tear down. I really like that they have built up the prospects and have both draft capital and cap space. After they landed Bedard, and loaded up with another 11 picks (2 years in a row?), I was sure that KD would have gone out and made a couple moves to get younger established players in the fold. I thought Hall was a good get, but Perry and Foligno were head scratchers to me.

I’m all for the kids playing, but I wanted them to have some sort of team to play on. My concern is that playing outmatched every night won’t allow them to progress as well as they should. Prospects and draft picks are all great, but there are only so many spots on a roster, and you need someone who has played well and can currently keep up. Foligno has surprised me, Hall unfortunately is injured. I don’t have a problem with the one year deals, but get better players to help these prospects progress.
- Chunk

Oh i don't know I'm shocked Bedard has as many points as he does right now.

Vlasic looks like our best defenseman right now.

Korchinski has his ups and downs but he looks better than defenseman on other teams already hell even our team.

Reichel concern to me is his stick handling/ passing this is holding him back, not opponents, himself

And the 2 3rd line dmen are learning some tough lessons, as I've said before sometimes they look really good and sometimes they don't.

Hahaha, hahaha

Well we do have a generational talent to build around, instead of a bunch of broken down players past their prime.

Vlasic looks like a serious piece to the puzzle.

Spent it on what, hmmm let's look at the Devils they spent it on Meier and couldn't afford to keep a couple of their dmen and are struggling in the playoff hunt.

How about the Islanders trade for Horvat and they are in the same boat.

Habs, Ottawa, CBJ fleeced us in the Seth Jones trade, signed Warenski, Gaudreau and Laine what did that get them?
- BetweenTheDots

Toronto 9 years and? Buffalo how many years, and? Arizona how many years and ? Carolina how many years and?

So getting a generational talent doesn't move the needle at all? Get no one, zero, nil, that could play with him ? Or did he really think Hall would be able to play 60 games this year with his recent injury history.
- LAHawk

I don’t know those answers. But to be honest I’m not overly concerned about this season. If the fear is Bedard getting discouraged and pouting then his character is no better than Zegras who apparently is pissed off because a player older than he is, is making more money. I’m sure it’s difficult on Bedard but to use an overused phrase I hate, what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.

I thought and still think Kane and Toews should have been brought in. I can’t think of any reason why they weren’t? And in no universe does Perry’s leadership come close to Toews’ or even Kane’s, even before this episode. Maybe KD thought he was smarter than he was? I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, after all as far as I know Perry hasn’t pulled a stunt like this before, but I’ll also be watching to see if he’s learned. As I’ve said a number of times I knew the Hawks would suck this season, I’m waiting to see what KD does between now and the end of the summer before I lose too much sleep over it.
- paulr

I think comparing Kane/Toews to Perry/Foligno is like comparing apples to oranges. I don't think anybody would argue against the point that Kane and Toews bring more. The organization had to decide when the time was right to pivot off those two, and landing Connor Bedard was the right time. This organization loves to bring back former players, and I am thankful that a new change in management has decided that those ways are done. Who knows, maybe Kane and/or Toews will be back at some point down the road, but the franchise is going in another direction. 19 and 88 represented one era and those days are long gone. It is time to move forward.

I don’t know those answers. But to be honest I’m not overly concerned about this season. If the fear is Bedard getting discouraged and pouting then his character is no better than Zegras who apparently is pissed off because a player older than he is, is making more money. I’m sure it’s difficult on Bedard but to use an overused phrase I hate, what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.
- paulr

Where did you hear that from besides Dots?

Toronto 9 years and? Buffalo how many years, and? Arizona how many years and ? Carolina how many years and?
- LAHawk

And Toronto signed the big fish Tavares and i believe most everyone here believe it was the wrong thing to do.

I said it last year with Carolina and the year before that one and the year before that one, they will not give up their 1st round pick to take the next step, when we are ready i belive KD will. I give Vegas all the credit they built a playoff roster through the expansion draft and were only a 4-6 pieces away and all the stars aligned for them so it makes sense why they keep going for it.

Buffalo is close, Arizona i really don't know.

I think comparing Kane/Toews to Perry/Foligno is like comparing apples to oranges. I don't think anybody would argue against the point that Kane and Toews bring more. The organization had to decide when the time was right to pivot off those two, and landing Connor Bedard was the right time. This organization loves to bring back former players, and I am thankful that a new change in management has decided that those ways are done. Who knows, maybe Kane and/or Toews will be back at some point down the road, but the franchise is going in another direction. 19 and 88 represented one era and those days are long gone. It is time to move forward.
- frafra

And the way Little Nappi handled it maximized their value, one second round draft choice between them. this wasn't a Zadorov situation where he said he wanted out. Calgary got more for Zadorov than Little Nappi's handling of 19 and 88

Oh i don't know I'm shocked Bedard has as many points as he does right now.

Vlasic looks like our best defenseman right now.

Korchinski has his ups and downs but he looks better than defenseman on other teams already hell even our team.

Reichel concern to me is his stick handling/ passing this is holding him back, not opponents, himself

And the 2 3rd line dmen are learning some tough lessons, as I've said before sometimes they look really good and sometimes they don't.
- BetweenTheDots

I’m not at all shocked at Bedard’s points. He has the talent and is being given every opportunity to produce points. Good for him.

I’ve got no issue with playing the kids, but there are/were plenty of younger guys that you could trade for or throw money at (especially with all of the draft and cap assets available) that - I believe - would have been better options than three guys well over 30. VAN needed to make room all offseason. Garland was apparently available. Why not pick him up (3 years left at just under $5M as a 27 year old). Then you can build a little continuity and not try to find two more 35 year olds next year. Just an example, but I don’t personally like the idea of kind of treading water for a couple years (or as a friend of mine says “maintaining dog poop”).

And the way Little Nappi handled it maximized their value, one second round draft choice between them. this wasn't a Zadorov situation where he said he wanted out. Calgary got more for Zadorov than Little Nappi's handling of 19 and 88
- LAHawk

Eh, apples and oranges I think. Kane had a blown up hip and would only go to NYR. Toews was done two seasons ago. You aren’t going to get much under those conditions.