Nice post, agree 100%. I had the Hawks improving by about 10 points, but the issues with Hall, Perry, and AA have put a damper on that. Hopefully Beauvillier and AA can help some in the next few months.
- Angotti

You can add Reichel's difficulties to the list too. The Reichel situation kind of reminds me of all the hype we had with Dach, Nylander and Boquist. My non-Chicago friends in hockey pools took Reichel as a sleeper in their drafts.

If Reichel can get his game up, play up to the preseason hype, and that's a big if, that'll alleviate some of the pressure off Bedard and will make the games at least closer.

Nice post, agree 100%. I had the Hawks improving by about 10 points, but the issues with Hall, Perry, and AA have put a damper on that. Hopefully Beauvillier and AA can help some in the next few months.
- Angotti

Yes, I forgot to mention Beauvillier. No idea how well he will work out, though I'm sure he will be an improvement over a lot of what they've tried. If he's too good, he probably gets dealt in March.

The Hawks had its most success when they built from within. TT, Kane, toews, bufflen. When we built internally we succeeded. We brought in a few other guys year over year to fill in our lower spots. Besides sharp. Just about everyone who was part of our 3 Stanley's were homegrown. Crawford. That's what KFC is doing. The Hawks were terrible before Kane showed up. Even with toews only. They didn't start getting relevant until 2 or 3 years in with Kane and toews. You can't rush the farm. No sense in going out and signing another Seth Jones or trading for a large contract for several years. KFC is doing this right. When you build internally you can continue to filter out some people year over year to keep winning Stanley cups.
- Hawk4life

They brought in guys though. Havlat was on the team and in his prime the year they picked Toews. Very good player then. Hossa was an upgrade there (example of letting a guy walk for nothing not being a bad thing). Campbell was obviously a big signing. John Madden was a pretty key piece in 2010 (though the limo incident was pretty stupid).

And they had fellers like Robert Lang and Yannick Perrault in 07 and 08 to help carry some of the load the first year Toews and Kane rolled in.

Colorado brought in guys like Toews and Kadri to round out the roster. Nichushkin was a reclamation project that worked out fairly well. Vegas made some big moves for their team.

It can't be just building from inside. At some point they gotta get guys. If an excellent player is available - since they have Bedard and the blue line is looking like it'll be solid once these kids build some consistency - you get that player as soon as they are available.

You can add Reichel's difficulties to the list too. The Reichel situation kind of reminds me of all the hype we had with Dach, Nylander and Boquist. My non-Chicago friends in hockey pools took Reichel as a sleeper in their drafts.

If Reichel can get his game up, play up to the preseason hype, and that's a big if, that'll alleviate some of the pressure off Bedard and will make the games at least closer.
- Popsghostly

I forgot Reichel, too. He wasn't that bad last year in limited action here. I want to chalk it up to sophomore regression. Maybe a few games in Rockford to get his head straight?

They brought in guys though. Havlat was on the team and in his prime the year they picked Toews. Very good player then. Hossa was an upgrade there (example of letting a guy walk for nothing not being a bad thing). Campbell was obviously a big signing. John Madden was a pretty key piece in 2010 (though the limo incident was pretty stupid).

And they had fellers like Robert Lang and Yannick Perrault in 07 and 08 to help carry some of the load the first year Toews and Kane rolled in.

Colorado brought in guys like Toews and Kadri to round out the roster. Nichushkin was a reclamation project that worked out fairly well. Vegas made some big moves for their team.

It can't be just building from inside. At some point they gotta get guys. If an excellent player is available - since they have Bedard and the blue line is looking like it'll be solid once these kids build some consistency - you get that player as soon as they are available.
- fattybeef

At some point yes. Still year one of the rebuild. Last year was total teardown. This is the first year of trying to build up.

Who was actually playing on the team when they traded for Havlat? Besides a couple of young dmen who the jury was still out on, they had absolutely no one on that team that was worth watching. I remember when they got Havlat. I lived a mile and a quarter from the UC and could walk up at game time, grab a cheap seat and pretty much sit wherever.

Maybe KFC will get some players when they become available if he doesn't have to mortgage the future to do it. Til then, I have a feeling we'll be watching people losing their minds here when someone goes out and picks up today's equivalent of a Kyle Quincey and FKC wasn't alll over it.

At some point yes. Still year one of the rebuild. Last year was total teardown. This is the first year of trying to build up.

Who was actually playing on the team when they traded for Havlat? Besides a couple of young dmen who the jury was still out on, they had absolutely no one on that team that was worth watching. I remember when they got Havlat. I lived a mile and a quarter from the UC and could walk up at game time, grab a cheap seat and pretty much sit wherever.

Maybe KFC will get some players when they become available if he doesn't have to mortgage the future to do it. Til then, I have a feeling we'll be watching people losing their minds here when someone goes out and picks up today's equivalent of a Kyle Quincey and FKC wasn't alll over it.
- HawkintheD

Yeah Hawk, that's right about this year.

Another thing too is we traded Mark Bell as part of the 3 team deal with the Sharks and Sens to get Havlat. Bell was highly touted as part of the ABC line. Other than draft capital and prospects yet to break in, we don't have the assets yet to trade for a young star like Havlat except Reichel. I'd count Bedard, KK and Vlasic untouchable at this point in this regard. I wouldn't mind trading a second or so, but we need the firsts unless something crazy comes along.

We'll likely get another top 5 pick this year and hopefully KFC will sign a Lang type player or two next summer to help out. Pretty sure Moore, Nazar, Slaggert, etc. are still a ways from joining the Hawks.

At some point yes. Still year one of the rebuild. Last year was total teardown. This is the first year of trying to build up.

Who was actually playing on the team when they traded for Havlat? Besides a couple of young dmen who the jury was still out on, they had absolutely no one on that team that was worth watching. I remember when they got Havlat. I lived a mile and a quarter from the UC and could walk up at game time, grab a cheap seat and pretty much sit wherever.

Maybe KFC will get some players when they become available if he doesn't have to mortgage the future to do it. Til then, I have a feeling we'll be watching people losing their minds here when someone goes out and picks up today's equivalent of a Kyle Quincey and FKC wasn't alll over it.
- HawkintheD

Great post. I would like to believe that this is the worst it's going to get. Patience with this organization is everything. I would be STUNNED if they didn't spend money this off-season to address some of the gaps they have offensively. I'd also imagine they will probably feature three to four more rookies on next year's team. It is what it is right now, unfortunately. I really don't think it's the coach as much as it is the lack of talent all throughout the roster.

At some point yes. Still year one of the rebuild. Last year was total teardown. This is the first year of trying to build up.

Who was actually playing on the team when they traded for Havlat? Besides a couple of young dmen who the jury was still out on, they had absolutely no one on that team that was worth watching. I remember when they got Havlat. I lived a mile and a quarter from the UC and could walk up at game time, grab a cheap seat and pretty much sit wherever.

Maybe KFC will get some players when they become available if he doesn't have to mortgage the future to do it. Til then, I have a feeling we'll be watching people losing their minds here when someone goes out and picks up today's equivalent of a Kyle Quincey and FKC wasn't alll over it.
- HawkintheD

I'll just add that KFC has the team on a plan and I'm glad he is sticking to it.

IMO some fans just need to check their expectations for now and just watch the young players develop. Right now, it's around getting the young guys feet wet and progressing the others up through the system. We need the next core player group to be a little bit more "in place" before it's time to start adding pieces and filling holes via trade and UFA market, unless a can miss situation comes up.

I think right now the biggest thing is for the coaches/GM/staff to really find out what they have in the guys who are 25 and younger. Let them play, see who is developing and see who is expendable. Hawks are using 42 of 50 contacts right now, I think only Carolina has less, there is very little pressure to move parts right now and I'm glad.

Great post. I would like to believe that this is the worst it's going to get. Patience with this organization is everything. I would be STUNNED if they didn't spend money this off-season to address some of the gaps they have offensively. I'd also imagine they will probably feature three to four more rookies on next year's team. It is what it is right now, unfortunately. I really don't think it's the coach as much as it is the lack of talent all throughout the roster.
- frafra

I would agree. Our talent is just still too green. In all likelihood only part of the next core of this team is on the roster right now. This is just the very first season since we parted with the two biggest forward cornerstones of the previous core in 88 and 19.

At some point yes. Still year one of the rebuild. Last year was total teardown. This is the first year of trying to build up.

Who was actually playing on the team when they traded for Havlat? Besides a couple of young dmen who the jury was still out on, they had absolutely no one on that team that was worth watching. I remember when they got Havlat. I lived a mile and a quarter from the UC and could walk up at game time, grab a cheap seat and pretty much sit wherever.

Maybe KFC will get some players when they become available if he doesn't have to mortgage the future to do it. Til then, I have a feeling we'll be watching people losing their minds here when someone goes out and picks up today's equivalent of a Kyle Quincey and FKC wasn't alll over it.
- HawkintheD

No. Theyre on year 2. Trading Debrincat for the 7th overall was the first move in the teardown.

There is no mortgaging the future at this point. anyone they draft that isn't a first or second overall is two or three years down the road. Thats into year 5 or 6 of the rebuild.

They need to start bolstering the roster now and getting these guys playing competitive hockey. This perpetual losing and rubbish play is not a recipe for success.

I'll just add that KFC has the team on a plan and I'm glad he is sticking to it.

IMO some fans just need to check their expectations for now and just watch the young players develop. Right now, it's around getting the young guys feet wet and progressing the others up through the system. We need the next core player group to be a little bit more "in place" before it's time to start adding pieces and filling holes via trade and UFA market, unless a can miss situation comes up.

I think right now the biggest thing is for the coaches/GM/staff to really find out what they have in the guys who are 25 and younger. Let them play, see who is developing and see who is expendable. Hawks are using 42 of 50 contacts right now, I think only Carolina has less, there is very little pressure to move parts right now and I'm glad.
- breadbag

The Hawks are spending about $54m on active players’ salary right now, including several overpaid contracts such as Tyler Johnson’s. They have about $11.5m on IR and $8m in dead money. Barring major acquisitions, the Hawks will continue to claw tooth and nail to get above the salary floor each offseason for at least the next 3 years until Bedard is paid.

Beyond the unspent cap space, the Hawks also have more prospects in the system and draft picks in the near future than they will be able to keep control over due to CBA limits. There will be plenty of RFA walkaways without compensation unless deals are made to reduce the player control count, which means wasted young assets.

Recognizing there are numerous passionate opinions on how best to rebuild the club—and any one of them could be right or wrong—my preference would be to trade some of these assets (in particular the excess picks) for some young players in their early twenties (like Montreal has done). Maybe, when taking on the next bad contract like Tyler Johnson or Zaitsev, you take on a developed prospect as compensation instead of a first or second rounder. If they don’t work out, fine—you’re still biding time for your other prospects to become established NHLers, only you’re doing so in style and showing that Danny is more his father than his grandfather.

Yeah Hawk, that's right about this year.

Another thing too is we traded Mark Bell as part of the 3 team deal with the Sharks and Sens to get Havlat. Bell was highly touted as part of the ABC line. Other than draft capital and prospects yet to break in, we don't have the assets yet to trade for a young star like Havlat except Reichel. I'd count Bedard, KK and Vlasic untouchable at this point in this regard. I wouldn't mind trading a second or so, but we need the firsts unless something crazy comes along.

We'll likely get another top 5 pick this year and hopefully KFC will sign a Lang type player or two next summer to help out. Pretty sure Moore, Nazar, Slaggert, etc. are still a ways from joining the Hawks.
- Popsghostly

They have a lot of assets in terms of draft capital and Reichel is definitely disposable for an impact player at this point.

They have a lot of assets in terms of draft capital and Reichel is definitely disposable for an impact player at this point.
- fattybeef

I wouldn't mind trading for a young impact player if it helps the development. We might not know who is on the market though.

Off the top of my head as to younger players I can think of that could be moved- Nylander, Laine, Kent Johnson, maybe some of the LA prospects, Laffy, Kakko and look to teams going for complete rebuilds like the Sharks. Nothing there is overly exciting other than Nylander, but it might hand cuff the rebuild with what we'd have to give up and salary-wise.

As to Reichel it would be less than ideal to move him at his lowest point now; if he comes back and puts up a few more points, that would be better.

I wouldn't mind trading for a young impact player if it helps the development. We might not know who is on the market though.

Off the top of my head as to younger players I can think of that could be moved- Nylander, Laine, Kent Johnson, maybe some of the LA prospects, Laffy, Kakko and look to teams going for complete rebuilds like the Sharks. Nothing there is overly exciting other than Nylander, but it might hand cuff the rebuild with what we'd have to give up and salary-wise.

As to Reichel it would be less than ideal to move him at his lowest point now; if he comes back and puts up a few more points, that would be better.
- Popsghostly

Reichel for Johnson, 1:1.

Reichel for Johnson, 1:1.
- DarthKane

I like that Darth. Johnson is an unhappy camper. They are putting up similar numbers per game. CBJ is a familiar trading partner too. That -17 is a toughie for Reichel though.

No. Theyre on year 2. Trading Debrincat for the 7th overall was the first move in the teardown.

There is no mortgaging the future at this point. anyone they draft that isn't a first or second overall is two or three years down the road. Thats into year 5 or 6 of the rebuild.

They need to start bolstering the roster now and getting these guys playing competitive hockey. This perpetual losing and rubbish play is not a recipe for success.
- fattybeef

Tomato/Toemahtoe. Last year was essentially an active tank and yes he started trying to add to a sorely depleted prospect pool (esp at fwd), while this season was the first to start getting rookies playing time and building this thing back up.

Based on what KFC's said and done, pretty sure he's sticking to his plan and not succumbing to fan outrage because he didn't make the team competitive overnight.

Like Mohel highlighted, the great Stevie Y is in year 5 of his rebuild and this is the first season they've looked competitive. He didn't start trying to really add guys til his 4th year there.

The Hawks are spending about $54m on active players’ salary right now, including several overpaid contracts such as Tyler Johnson’s. They have about $11.5m on IR and $8m in dead money. Barring major acquisitions, the Hawks will continue to claw tooth and nail to get above the salary floor each offseason for at least the next 3 years until Bedard is paid.

Beyond the unspent cap space, the Hawks also have more prospects in the system and draft picks in the near future than they will be able to keep control over due to CBA limits. There will be plenty of RFA walkaways without compensation unless deals are made to reduce the player control count, which means wasted young assets.

Recognizing there are numerous passionate opinions on how best to rebuild the club—and any one of them could be right or wrong—my preference would be to trade some of these assets (in particular the excess picks) for some young players in their early twenties (like Montreal has done). Maybe, when taking on the next bad contract like Tyler Johnson or Zaitsev, you take on a developed prospect as compensation instead of a first or second rounder. If they don’t work out, fine—you’re still biding time for your other prospects to become established NHLers, only you’re doing so in style and showing that Danny is more his father than his grandfather.
- Instamatic

Borgstrom and Nylander fall into this category we need real players.

Reichel for Johnson, 1:1.
- DarthKane

From what I see Reichel looks gangly he still needs to fill out more. Time is still on his side.

With the amount of cap space available and the potential to play with Bedard, it is absurd to think they will not be players for a couple of top line Free Agents as soon as this summer. They cannot subject their young players to this embarrassing brand of hockey another season. Who cares what Stevie Y did or how the Hawks last dynasty was built? Davidson's complete teardown of the franchise is unprecedented and will require drastic moves. Additionally, they are going to have to wake up their European pro scouts and demand European free agents that can fill space at the NHL level until the youngsters get their driver's licenses. It is 3 years till Bedard will get a big money deal and after watching these 20+ games, there might not be anyone else in line for a massive payday. They aren't going to trade their high picks so they are going to need to spend money.

As I remember players like Havlat, Sharp, Versteeg were here before Toews and Kane got here. They had players like Lang, Lapointe, Jason Williams, Lalime and they had a pretty good season before The Gold Dust Twins got here. Name the players they gave up to acquire Havlat, Sharp and Versteeg. They did not mortgage the future to acquire those players.

When you drafted Bedard you escalated the rebuild whether you realize it or not. That kid can play and you can't wait for all these prospects to make it to the NHL. If you think all these prospects are going to live up to expectations I have a bridge for sale.

You don't have to get stupid with money but, if the opportunity is their to acquire better players you owe him and the fans that. Edmonton tried to rebuild through the draft and they still haven't won squat and they have McDavid and Draisaitl. Happily ever after often fails.

What's the difference between their 1st and 4th line? The answer is: Bedard.

With the amount of cap space available and the potential to play with Bedard, it is absurd to think they will not be players for a couple of top line Free Agents as soon as this summer. They cannot subject their young players to this embarrassing brand of hockey another season. Who cares what Stevie Y did or how the Hawks last dynasty was built? Davidson's complete teardown of the franchise is unprecedented and will require drastic moves. Additionally, they are going to have to wake up their European pro scouts and demand European free agents that can fill space at the NHL level until the youngsters get their driver's licenses. It is 3 years till Bedard will get a big money deal and after watching these 20+ games, there might not be anyone else in line for a massive payday. They aren't going to trade their high picks so they are going to need to spend money.
- stevefrmglencoe

Nah, that was the early 2000s hockey. It's going to be bad this year and next. Then it'll start getting better. Honestly it's perfect the young dmen get valuable experience and we draft top 5 this year and probably next

Reichel for Johnson, 1:1.
- DarthKane

I’d rather move a defenseman for a forward, I wouldn’t give up on Reichel at this time, we need more lottery tickets up front, Reichel is still a lottery ticket.

Nah, that was the early 2000s hockey. It's going to be bad this year and next. Then it'll start getting better. Honestly it's perfect the young dmen get valuable experience and we draft top 5 this year and probably next
- BetweenTheDots

There is no justifiable reason to leave $10 million plus of cap space unused and be this bad.

As for the Dmen, they are going to have some big decisions to make very soon with Korchinski, has talent but he is over his head, they can't sit him and have him not playing, they have to petition the league to play him in Rockford. Best to send him to WJC and perhaps back to WHL to end the year.

There is no justifiable reason to leave $10 million plus of cap space unused and be this bad.

As for the Dmen, they are going to have some big decisions to make very soon with Korchinski, has talent but he is over his head, they can't sit him and have him not playing, they have to petition the league to play him in Rockford. Best to send him to WJC and perhaps back to WHL to end the year.
- stevefrmglencoe

Like LA it seems you can't stomach it. This is what a true rebuild looks like. Korchinski is fine, i don't see him getting rag dolled on the ice, hell i haven't even seen him take a big hit, really good edges to create space for himself in his own zone when he does get the puck on his blade and probably is the most reliable blue line passer on this team. Oh and i think he has the best fancy stats for this team as well.

Oh by the way
https://x.com/WallMaz35/s...GfLm91PU_S8JueF1U1tw&s=01

With the amount of cap space available and the potential to play with Bedard, it is absurd to think they will not be players for a couple of top line Free Agents as soon as this summer. They cannot subject their young players to this embarrassing brand of hockey another season. Who cares what Stevie Y did or how the Hawks last dynasty was built? Davidson's complete teardown of the franchise is unprecedented and will require drastic moves. Additionally, they are going to have to wake up their European pro scouts and demand European free agents that can fill space at the NHL level until the youngsters get their driver's licenses. It is 3 years till Bedard will get a big money deal and after watching these 20+ games, there might not be anyone else in line for a massive payday. They aren't going to trade their high picks so they are going to need to spend money.
- stevefrmglencoe

This! No two rebuilds are the same and there are many variations of them. A rebuild that worked in 2000 might not, probably won't, work in 2010 and that is different from a rebuild in 2020.

But it's fair for fans to compare and contrast them and essential management does......... Speaking for myself, and IIC many others, during the last 5 yrs of StanBow all I wanted was a plan, any plan, and follow thru with it for better or worse. Much easier to live with failure that way than just being a rudderless ship in an ocean.

That said I'm on board with the total teardown as the prospect pipeline was barren other than some legit D prospects. .........

You been watchin Philly and their soft rebuild. Very fun to watch but they'll be drafting 10tish. Are Tippet, Frost, Foerster, Konecny, Farrabee enough of a core to build around with upcoming picks being 10-15 as you add free agents and thru trades?