Your posta are always well thought out and IMO you know alot. Be interesting on Mrazek, if he stays healthy all year. I don't think the Hawks move him at the TDL, and could very well sign him for a couple more years until they believe Commesso is ready.

Funny about goaltending, Montreal just signed Montainblat to a 3 X $3.45 contract. Seems kinda rich for a goalie who is not considered a starter. Seems a lot of teams that are in the cup run (Vegas, Kings, Leafs, Carolina have goalie issues. Doesn't seem to be as many dominatnt goailies that play 65 games a year anymore.
- LAHawk

Goaltending is a fickle position. Consistency is probably more valuable than flash in a pan.

Crawford wasn't ever going to be as good as Henry Lundquist at his best but the level of play he maintained over the course of his career on some pretty trash teams towards the end was pretty special.

Maybe they can find another guy like that.

I don't think Richardson would have vouched for a guy that he knew was an alcoholic.

Most alcoholics are very good at hiding their problem until it becomes a problem.
- fattybeef

Thanks, was just asking, fortunately never had a family member with a substance abuse problem so i honestly didn't know.

What young player is taking a leadership role this year? Looks like Foligno, Perry, Murphy do all the talking. Well now Tyler Johnson:


@CRoumeliotis
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Tyler Johnson on his assessment of 5-1 loss to Detroit: “I thought it was pretty poopty.” #Blackhawks
- LAHawk

Jason Richardinson, Alex Vlasic - seems like some of the younger guys like Bedard and K2 are working with each other and others on skills stuff that would have been run by Kane in the past.

Thanks, was just asking, fortunately never had a family member with a substance abuse problem so i honestly didn't know.
- LAHawk

It's typically wow - they sure drank a lot at uncle Jims funeral. But they were tight with uncle Jim so I guess thats understandable. Or, that was a crazy night out - I don't have party until 6am ever again in my life so you don't hang out and think nothing of it.

And then 4 months later they crash their car or get fired and you're like oh crap maybe I should have paid better attention.

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

Agreed.
Only using the draft makes you Buffalo.

If you were an NHL GM trying to build a team and manage a salary cap you wouldn’t have.
- paulr

I tell you one thing i wouldn't do is sign Killorn to a 4 year deal at 34 years old who's played a ton of hockey because the Bolts were in the playoffs. There can't be much thread left on those tires, and they paid him more than Zegras, hahaha. But yea i would because i think it was very wise for the Blackhawks to do that with Toews and Kane.

I tell you one thing i wouldn't do is sign Killorn to a 4 year deal at 34 years old who's played a ton of hockey because the Bolts were in the playoffs. There can't be much thread left on those tires, and they paid him more than Zegras, hahaha. But yea i would because i think it was very wise for the Blackhawks to do that with Toews and Kane.
- BetweenTheDots

Agreed, and that’s one trap KFC has to avoid is signing older guys to contracts that will impact the team down the road.

I tell you one thing i wouldn't do is sign Killorn to a 4 year deal at 34 years old who's played a ton of hockey because the Bolts were in the playoffs. There can't be much thread left on those tires, and they paid him more than Zegras, hahaha. But yea i would because i think it was very wise for the Blackhawks to do that with Toews and Kane.
- BetweenTheDots

So in 4 years he will be 38 years old making $4 mil. just the same as Little Nappi paid for Corey Perry.

So in 4 years he will be 38 years old making $4 mil. just the same as Little Nappi paid for Corey Perry.
- LAHawk

I don't want any 38 year old forward with a cap hit of over $6 million dollars on my team in 4 years.

I just don't understand how you think we are suppose to become a good team if we pay for free agents and don't draft the best players coming up through the draft today. The only way to draft the best 18 year olds in the world is to have 1st shot at them when you are drafting. It puzzles me you don't understand this concept.

So in 4 years he will be 38 years old making $4 mil. just the same as Little Nappi paid for Corey Perry.
- LAHawk

Killorn's cap hit is $6.25 mill. Anaheim paid the asking price for four years of a guy who was part of the core of a winning culture and who will provide veteran leadership. I can respect this move by Anaheim. There is no fear that he will be traded at the deadline or sign elsewhere or retire next summer, so continuity of his leadership is assured. As for the risk of him breaking down, sure, it's there, but he has proven to be very durable throughout his career.

Anaheim still has cap space, and ~$11 mill comes off the books after Henrique and Silfverberg are likely traded at the deadline. They'll have $32 mill in cap space for 9 spots next season.

I don't want any 38 year old forward with a cap hit of over $6 million dollars on my team in 4 years.

I just don't understand how you think we are suppose to become a good team if we pay for free agents and don't draft the best players coming up through the draft today. The only way to draft the best 18 year olds in the world is to have 1st shot at them when you are drafting. It puzzles me you don't understand this concept.
- BetweenTheDots

What free agents do you think the Hawks should go after in the summer?

I don't want any 38 year old forward with a cap hit of over $6 million dollars on my team in 4 years.

I just don't understand how you think we are suppose to become a good team if we pay for free agents and don't draft the best players coming up through the draft today. The only way to draft the best 18 year olds in the world is to have 1st shot at them when you are drafting. It puzzles me you don't understand this concept.
- BetweenTheDots

Yes, the Edmonton model has worked out so well.

Killorn's cap hit is $6.25 mill. Anaheim paid the asking price for four years of a guy who was part of the core of a winning culture and who will provide veteran leadership. I can respect this move by Anaheim. There is no fear that he will be traded at the deadline or sign elsewhere or retire next summer, so continuity of his leadership is assured. As for the risk of him breaking down, sure, it's there, but he has proven to be very durable throughout his career.

Anaheim still has cap space, and ~$11 mill comes off the books after Henrique and Silfverberg are likely traded at the deadline. They'll have $32 mill in cap space for 9 spots next season.
- 333inthe3rd

And possibly $6 mil. more if Gibson gets traded.

you aren't treading water chunk. No one is suggesting you birng in another experienced defenseman, heck I want to see them launch Zaitsev and keep Phillips up all year, play the 4 rookies.

But everyone can see the Hawks have zero forward depth, and the draft choices are not coming for probably another 2 years. Like you said getting a Garland, or some other youngish middle 6 forward for 2-3 years, instead of having to find $30 mil. worth of forward again next year, to bridge and try and find some continuity.
- LAHawk

I believe that KD will pick up a good forward of two this offseason, whether via trade or free agency. Like it has been mentioned here, this year was about analyzing and developing the young D, as well as Bedard and Reichel, they will be a stronger team in 24/25.

Yes, the Edmonton model has worked out so well.
- LAHawk

I think Edmonton’s pursuit of first round picks and not building around them caused two problems. It made a situation where they never got around to building the team around the first round picks and maybe worse creating a culture where the team goal was not winning but trying to get draft picks. I think KFC’s breakdown of the team to try to accumulate draft picks and prospects was a really good move. However there comes a point where KFC has to begin building around those prospects. I think it comes to timing. Was last summer the time to start adding pieces to improve the team for this season? I’m sure Dots will hate this, but I’m with him on this one, I don’t think it is. The Hawks have an opportunity to get another high draft pick, a mid range one and possibly another one if KFC makes some kind of move. But KD has to begin looking at building the team this summer. He has to get some decent veterans and better players for next season. And the players he gets have provide more than “leadership” they have to be able to play, to help take the Hawks from a bottom feeder to somewhere higher in the standings. But as I’ve said before I’m comfortable with what KD is doing and has done so far.

I think Edmonton’s pursuit of first round picks and not building around them caused two problems. It made a situation where they never got around to building the team around the first round picks and maybe worse creating a culture where the team goal was not winning but trying to get draft picks. I think KFC’s breakdown of the team to try to accumulate draft picks and prospects was a really good move. However there comes a point where KFC has to begin building around those prospects. I think it comes to timing. Was last summer the time to start adding pieces to improve the team for this season? I’m sure Dots will hate this, but I’m with him on this one, I don’t think it is. The Hawks have an opportunity to get another high draft pick, a mid range one and possibly another one if KFC makes some kind of move. But KD has to begin looking at building the team this summer. He has to get some decent veterans and better players for next season. And the players he gets have provide more than “leadership” they have to be able to play, to help take the Hawks from a bottom feeder to somewhere higher in the standings. But as I’ve said before I’m comfortable with what KD is doing and has done so far.
- paulr

I would be happy if that is the plan, but am not so sure it is Little Nappi's. the 2024 free agent class is so much stonger than last years. Several forwards 30 and under who would be an improvement over what is on the roster now will be available.

I'm going to run this up the flagpole and see what people think. A kid with a pocket full of money and a bit of celebrity is a potential ticking timebomb. Certainly much more so back in the day, but still. There are former players that drank their way out of the show. In Chicago think Barker and Mironov to begin with.

Now Perry (frank)ed up huge and no matter what he actually did is an example of how not to act. Hopefully the young players on the hawks who now have some money and a bit of celebrity can pay attention and learn the easy way how the sauce can help a guy make a mess of things. Perry was obnoxious to begin with. I can't imagine him with a snoot full.

I would be happy if that is the plan, but am not so sure it is Little Nappi's. the 2024 free agent class is so much stonger than last years. Several forwards 30 and under who would be an improvement over what is on the roster now will be available.
- LAHawk

Let’s see what he does this summer.

BTW where did Little Nappi come from?

Let’s see what he does this summer.

BTW where did Little Nappi come from?
- paulr

Is he that little? I assume he's at least 5-8 to 5-10, somewhere near the Cat and Kaner's height. I may be wrong though.

Yes, the Edmonton model has worked out so well.
- LAHawk

Well it has worked for other teams, did you know from 2000 to 2019 the players that were drafted in the top 5 represent Stanley Cup teams in every year except 2001, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018. From 2000 to 2010 22 players drafted in the top 5 have SC rings. Several have multiple.

If Florida won a SC they have 3 guys that were drafted in the top 5 of 2014.

Toronto if they won they would close up 2012 and 2016, sorry Rick and Paul

Oilers won they would close up 2014

All 3 of these teams have been prominent playoff teams until the Oilers this year so.

So maybe it hasn't worked out yet, oh and by the way the Kings you talk about, in that minny reset they drafted in the top 5 twice, signed Dubois who was drafted 3rd over all and Clarke was the 7th pick, so without sucking they don't get a chance at drafting those 3 players. I think they are playing with fire but i guess if Vegas can do it they might be able to.

Let’s see what he does this summer.

BTW where did Little Nappi come from?
- paulr

KD is short, Napoleon was short. KD hasn't proved to be as good yet at winning as Napoleon, thus I now call him Little Nappi

I think Edmonton’s pursuit of first round picks and not building around them caused two problems. It made a situation where they never got around to building the team around the first round picks and maybe worse creating a culture where the team goal was not winning but trying to get draft picks. I think KFC’s breakdown of the team to try to accumulate draft picks and prospects was a really good move. However there comes a point where KFC has to begin building around those prospects. I think it comes to timing. Was last summer the time to start adding pieces to improve the team for this season? I’m sure Dots will hate this, but I’m with him on this one, I don’t think it is. The Hawks have an opportunity to get another high draft pick, a mid range one and possibly another one if KFC makes some kind of move. But KD has to begin looking at building the team this summer. He has to get some decent veterans and better players for next season. And the players he gets have provide more than “leadership” they have to be able to play, to help take the Hawks from a bottom feeder to somewhere higher in the standings. But as I’ve said before I’m comfortable with what KD is doing and has done so far.
- paulr

You guys think i hate that you agree with me? It's more like, It's about time you guys come to your senses.
Hahaha

I think Edmonton’s pursuit of first round picks and not building around them caused two problems. It made a situation where they never got around to building the team around the first round picks and maybe worse creating a culture where the team goal was not winning but trying to get draft picks. I think KFC’s breakdown of the team to try to accumulate draft picks and prospects was a really good move. However there comes a point where KFC has to begin building around those prospects. I think it comes to timing. Was last summer the time to start adding pieces to improve the team for this season? I’m sure Dots will hate this, but I’m with him on this one, I don’t think it is. The Hawks have an opportunity to get another high draft pick, a mid range one and possibly another one if KFC makes some kind of move. But KD has to begin looking at building the team this summer. He has to get some decent veterans and better players for next season. And the players he gets have provide more than “leadership” they have to be able to play, to help take the Hawks from a bottom feeder to somewhere higher in the standings. But as I’ve said before I’m comfortable with what KD is doing and has done so far.
- paulr

In fairness, Edmonton is not a free agent destination, and players often want out when their contracts expire. Even if they drafted as well as Sather did over 40 years ago, it would still be hard to build a core that endures for years.

I'm going to run this up the flagpole and see what people think. A kid with a pocket full of money and a bit of celebrity is a potential ticking timebomb. Certainly much more so back in the day, but still. There are former players that drank their way out of the show. In Chicago think Barker and Mironov to begin with.

Now Perry (frank)ed up huge and no matter what he actually did is an example of how not to act. Hopefully the young players on the hawks who now have some money and a bit of celebrity can pay attention and learn the easy way how the sauce can help a guy make a mess of things. Perry was obnoxious to begin with. I can't imagine him with a snoot full.
- 6628

Unfortunately alcohol is part of hockey culture. We had coaches sneak us cases of beer at various events when I was 16 and 17. Pro players have lots of downtime. I used to live near Borje Salming in the early 80s and he frequented a bar in the area. The owner set aside a room for him so he wouldn’t be bothered but we’d see him when he used the restroom or when he walked home. He was there almost every time I was. One of my good friends was drafted by the North Stars in the 80s and played pro in Europe tells me stories of drinking binges during the day of games.

I read an article the other day about Perry. Apparently he shunned the spotlight, there was the on ice Perry, the Worm, and an off ice Perry who by accounts is a decent guy. He lives in a relatively modest home in a small town outside Toronto. He drives an older pickup truck. And the apology letter shows he’s a guy willing to take on his responsibilities. Not taking away his responsibility, he (frank)ed up. But unlike many others he took responsibility and didn’t, or hasn’t, tried to appeal it.

KD is short, Napoleon was short. KD hasn't proved to be as good yet at winning as Napoleon, thus I now call him Little Nappi
- LAHawk

Imo we find out if little nappi is going to have the same status quo type off-season or doss he finally start bringing in top line players through free agency or trades. Time will tell so stay the course or get bold and get aggressive at putting this team on the path of playoff and Stanley cup contenders.