He could have tried to pass it through coverage to Bedard, but it had risk of being picked off. Are we really trying to analyze split second of every passing lane possible? It's ridiculously nit picky. You could also argue Bedard could have done more to get open. Why did he drop pass and then not find a better area to get open? Why didn't Kurashev do more when he had the rebound on his stick? Maybe Jones should have circled behind the Wings net instead of shooting. There are tons of possible plays. The coach isn't going to call out a player for taking a shot from a scoring area.

Kane was cherry picking because it's 3 on 3 OT. The play often devolves into trading these chances back and forth and that's been Kane's MO in those situations many times before. We watched him cheat offensively for his whole career.
- breadbag

As jones moved to his right and forward (at the 3 second mark of the video) there was a clear line to pass across to Bedard. Then he moved right into the crease and had zero options.

No you are right. Jones didn't screw up. People don't like Jones so everything he does is wrong. He is overpaid, but he is a top pair dman in the NHL, has been since 2015 and will continue to be for a while. Our team isn't good right now and it makes it tough on guys like Jones who try to do too much and play a lot of minutes. That's just the reality and the facts.
- breadbag

Agree to disagree. Yes, he's overpaid, nobody disputes that. Yes, he is disliked, mostly because he is vastly overpaid, nobody disputes that. Whether he is a top pair defenseman in the NHL or not is a matter of opinion and debatable. Plenty of fancy stats show that other than being a minutes eater, he is far from being a top pairing defenseman. A top pair guy raises the play of everyone around him, not vice-versa, he clearly does not raise anyones play, offensively or defensively.

He could have tried to pass it through coverage to Bedard, but it had risk of being picked off. Are we really trying to analyze split second of every passing lane possible? It's ridiculously nit picky. You could also argue Bedard could have done more to get open. Why did he drop pass and then not find a better area to get open? Why didn't Kurashev do more when he had the rebound on his stick? Maybe Jones should have circled behind the Wings net instead of shooting. There are tons of possible plays. The coach isn't going to call out a player for taking a shot from a scoring area.

Kane was cherry picking because it's 3 on 3 OT. The play often devolves into trading these chances back and forth and that's been Kane's MO in those situations many times before. We watched him cheat offensively for his whole career.
- breadbag

I for one can see his inability to make a play offensively. This is an every game incident for me its frustrating. His shot is horrible he has less goals than Connor Murphy. Think about that. At least against the Wings he didn't look like he had a few drinks before the game, wish he looked that way every game.

Agree to disagree. Yes, he's overpaid, nobody disputes that. Yes, he is disliked, mostly because he is vastly overpaid, nobody disputes that. Whether he is a top pair defenseman in the NHL or not is a matter of opinion and debatable. Plenty of fancy stats show that other than being a minutes eater, he is far from being a top pairing defenseman. A top pair guy raises the play of everyone around him, not vice-versa, he clearly does not raise anyones play, offensively or defensively.
- TheTrob

And the stats show that guys like Vlasic has performed best when playing with Jones vs without him. Hmmmm.

Do you honestly think that's what any of his coaches or previous coaches think about him? Some of his recent play and some of our recent goals scored were off plays he made that go directly against your personal assessment of him. I don't think he is a top 10-15 dman in the league, but he would play in the top pair on most teams.
- breadbag

Yeah, I do honestly think some of his previous coaches think that about him. I'll bet that Tort's doesn't have glowing reviews of him seeing as often as he was in Tort's doghouse, and my guess is that if Trotz thought much about him they wouldn't have dealt him to CLB in the middle of a playoff season.

Sorry, clearly I'm wrong.
The NHL coaches he had are wrong.
The NHL staff who signed/traded for him in his career are wrong.
The scouts/GM who had him as a top 5 pick were wrong.

Jones is an awful player who somehow plays 25-26 minutes a night in the NHL though the prime of his career. It has nothing to do with the fact we are a bad team. Nothing to do with the fact we have too many forwards that lack skill.

Dmen who can put up 40-60 points over an 82 game season obviously are low IQ offensively and don't know how to make a play or shoot a puck.

I'm done. I'm going back to the real world. Cheers!

Yeah, I do honestly think some of his previous coaches think that about him. I'll bet that Tort's doesn't have glowing reviews of him seeing as often as he was in Tort's doghouse, and my guess is that if Trotz thought much about him they wouldn't have dealt him to CLB in the middle of a playoff season.
- TheTrob

Then this must be Russian disinformation

https://www.1stohiobatter...es-should-be-next-captain

Then this must be Russian disinformation

https://www.1stohiobatter...es-should-be-next-captain
- LAHawk

If Torts likes him that much maybe he can talk Briere into trading for him?

He could have tried to pass it through coverage to Bedard, but it had risk of being picked off. Are we really trying to analyze split second of every passing lane possible? It's ridiculously nit picky. You could also argue Bedard could have done more to get open. Why did he drop pass and then not find a better area to get open? Why didn't Kurashev do more when he had the rebound on his stick? Maybe Jones should have circled behind the Wings net instead of shooting. There are tons of possible plays. The coach isn't going to call out a player for taking a shot from a scoring area.

Kane was cherry picking because it's 3 on 3 OT. The play often devolves into trading these chances back and forth and that's been Kane's MO in those situations many times before. We watched him cheat offensively for his whole career.
- breadbag

Makar or Josi could do that pass. Don't teams practice this pick and roll? Bedard did what he could to receive the immediate return pass. And Kurashev was on the right side, not covered, because they were cheating to Bedard's side. They had a 3 on 2. As long as Kaner wants to cherry pick, it's a man advantage. What's the hurry? I love seeing Kane execute, no matter what sweater he's wearing, but Detroit would pay Jones to shoot all night if they could. Yes, there were other options besides that crazy return pass.

If Torts likes him that much maybe he can talk Briere into trading for him?
- paulr

I doubt Jones would want to play in front of Flyer's fans.

And the stats show that guys like Vlasic has performed best when playing with Jones vs without him. Hmmmm.
- breadbag

Adding to this point, they paired McCabe with him for a reason going into last year's TDL. It was their best shot at raising his trade value. And they got a good return.

And the stats show that guys like Vlasic has performed best when playing with Jones vs without him. Hmmmm.
- breadbag

No real hmmmm.

Lets look at the other Hawks defenseman who have played this season:
Tinordi - horrible, 7/8D
Zaitsev - bad 6/7D
Crevier - rookie
Phillips - Rookie
Korchinski - rookie
Kaiser - rookie
Roos - rookie
Megna - bad, 7/8D
Murphy - Average, 4/5D

SO, sure, if you must name someone as #1, then by default Jones is your #1D. Based on play in the offensive and defensive zone he realistically is probably a #3D

I just finished the task of updating all the owners of all the NHL Entry Draft picks in my mock for 2024, which wasn’t the easiest thing to do.
Pretty sure that everything is set for the new wave of changes with the trade deadline soon upon us.

Blackhawks sitting pretty with seven picks in the first 70 selections.
And that early sixth rounder.

Only Arizona boast more draft capital, but they only have one first, 3 seconds,Ottawa’s & Florida’s, and 3 thirds (Colorado, Edmonton) but also two 4ths with the Shark’s.

The Blackhawks will pick three times before Arizona takes their second, and the Coyotes will have selected only four times by the time the hawks finish that seven player run.

Although I see little need in adding picks in this one (as I wouldn’t trade out for later round picks in this year’s affair), but I guess there is a possibility that the hawks add one in Cap retention deal, now while they can fit it.)

I hear Kyle’s cavalier comments about the picks, eg. “We can use them different ways…” I don’t see tiding them away unless the goal is to climb lower in round two to grab a left on the board guy they like.

I like my board, but honestly no one can confidently shake out an entire draft correctly not even to top 70, but I am feeling assured I am pretty much on the mark, and I even like the spacings on the later mid second picks as a test of how well the scouting staff has dug into teh prospects.
I am thinking I take a goalie at some point, maybe that first pick in the 6th round, someone who you take time with and develop.
Maybe one Russian late in the 3rd, and a right defender sprinkled in at some point.

You can see entire Mock Draft by searching Lines NHL 2024 Mock Draft.

Yeah, you are right.

It is sink or swim time for guys like Reichel, Kurashev, Phillips, etc If they want to be part of the group going forward, they need to take that next step. All of them to me, too inconsistent right now.

I do think KD expected more with Hall, Perry, AA, who effectively ended up adding almost nothing in the long run for this season. If those guys had stayed around and in the lineup and Bedard avoided the broken jaw, we probably wouldn't be in dead last right now.
- breadbag

I agree.

I remember listening to faxesfromuncledale podcast at the beginning of the year.
They were basically saying with Perry,Hall and an improvement from Reichel that the Blackhawks would still be bad,but not top 3 bad. They were more worried about the D because outside of Jones they didn't have a good D man. Well Vlasic showed up big time but Hall got injured fairly quickly. Perry was cut,and Reichel took a step back instead of playing at last year'a level or improving.
Basically everything that could go wrong went wrong.

What I don't think KD should do next year is try and run with a similar group and say something like - we can't have bad luck 2 years in a row.
They need to grab a few veterans that can play with #98.
Gambling that Nazar is going to come out of college and be an impact player isn't a good idea in my opinion.

If Torts likes him that much maybe he can talk Briere into trading for him?
- paulr

Can you set up a trade where you eat salary for only so many years and not the entire contract? We could probably retain 40 to 50% for 3 more years.

I agree.

I remember listening to faxesfromuncledale podcast at the beginning of the year.
They were basically saying with Perry,Hall and an improvement from Reichel that the Blackhawks would still be bad,but not top 3 bad. They were more worried about the D because outside of Jones they didn't have a good D man. Well Vlasic showed up big time but Hall got injured fairly quickly. Perry was cut,and Reichel took a step back instead of playing at last year'a level or improving.
Basically everything that could go wrong went wrong.

What I don't think KD should do next year is try and run with a similar group and say something like - we can't have bad luck 2 years in a row.
They need to grab a few veterans that can play with #98.
Gambling that Nazar is going to come out of college and be an impact player isn't a good idea in my opinion.
- captainserious

Interesting though that everyone thought the goaltending would be subpar, and most games, the score would be more lopsided without Mrazek's play this year.

Can you set up a trade where you eat salary for only so many years and not the entire contract? We could probably retain 40 to 50% for 3 more years.
- Dieselhead

Nope, and who in the system do you have to replace him currently?

I just finished the task of updating all the owners of all the NHL Entry Draft picks in my mock for 2024, which wasn’t the easiest thing to do.
Pretty sure that everything is set for the new wave of changes with the trade deadline soon upon us.

Blackhawks sitting pretty with seven picks in the first 70 selections.
And that early sixth rounder.

Only Arizona boast more draft capital, but they only have one first, 3 seconds,Ottawa’s & Florida’s, and 3 thirds (Colorado, Edmonton) but also two 4ths with the Shark’s.

The Blackhawks will pick three times before Arizona takes their second, and the Coyotes will have selected only four times by the time the hawks finish that seven player run.

Although I see little need in adding picks in this one (as I wouldn’t trade out for later round picks in this year’s affair), but I guess there is a possibility that the hawks add one in Cap retention deal, now while they can fit it.)

I hear Kyle’s cavalier comments about the picks, eg. “We can use them different ways…” I don’t see tiding them away unless the goal is to climb lower in round two to grab a left on the board guy they like.

I like my board, but honestly no one can confidently shake out an entire draft correctly not even to top 70, but I am feeling assured I am pretty much on the mark, and I even like the spacings on the later mid second picks as a test of how well the scouting staff has dug into teh prospects.
I am thinking I take a goalie at some point, maybe that first pick in the 6th round, someone who you take time with and develop.
Maybe one Russian late in the 3rd, and a right defender sprinkled in at some point.

You can see entire Mock Draft by searching Lines NHL 2024 Mock Draft.
- wiz1901

10 d-men in round 1
And 16 d -men in round 2?
Wow!
Still have Lindstrom at #2 even though he's been out a while?
And Eiserplan sitting pretty at #3 even though other places have him dropping.
Way to stick to your guns Wiz!

As jones moved to his right and forward (at the 3 second mark of the video) there was a clear line to pass across to Bedard. Then he moved right into the crease and had zero options.
- paulr

This is getting to be like the Zapruder film analysis.

Interesting though that everyone thought the goaltending would be subpar, and most games, the score would be more lopsided without Mrazek's play this year.
- LAHawk

Yeah, a lot of people thought Arvid would be "ok" and Mrazek would be awful.
Not sure if Waite will be able to help Arvid develop. I still think they should keep him for next year.

Yeah, a lot of people thought Arvid would be "ok" and Mrazek would be awful.
Not sure if Waite will be able to help Arvid develop. I still think they should keep him for next year.
- captainserious

I would keep him also, maybe pick up a Stalock type to push him in training camp.

I’ve said this a few times. One fear I have about intentionally losing is, could it instill a culture where losing is acceptable? That’s why it’s so important not to intentionally water down the talent again next season in attempt to get another high draft pick. KFC has to bring in enough talent, or more importantly move the players who don’t belong in the NHL, and begin improving the NHL team and not just target the draft.
- paulr

Yeah, I just don't see they not trying to win.

It more about the roster, and the roster is playing to its abilities.

What if the hawks added at the deadline? Not the 9th best prospect on another team's prospect list, but a buy of journey man shooter.
I can see where various teams are gonna throw a Danaut or two to the wayside to get space, for their BIG add at the deadline.

Maybe we will add?

As much as I would love a unicorn like one of the Tkachuk's I doubt there are any "Thachuk-lites" being offered around, and what is on the market now are guys that
teams expect an over pay on from desperate teams in Cup runs before their windows close, willing to overpay, although the Tanev launched didn't get the Flames the first rounder they expected.
Anyone thing Adam Henrique is worth a first rounder? Not me.

I keep hearing how there is gonna be lots of moves but as I do every year, I think not, and there still are!

Because Cayden Lindstom is nit playing, will his talent evaporate with the injury time he is out?
Did Eiserman stop scoring with that big shot?

I have to be more convinced on the two Russians and the RD from Belarus before I think that is my they are my "plug n play" early selections know all don't plug in for a couple seasons. At least the Artyom Levshunov speaks English.

I agree.

I remember listening to faxesfromuncledale podcast at the beginning of the year.
They were basically saying with Perry,Hall and an improvement from Reichel that the Blackhawks would still be bad,but not top 3 bad. They were more worried about the D because outside of Jones they didn't have a good D man. Well Vlasic showed up big time but Hall got injured fairly quickly. Perry was cut,and Reichel took a step back instead of playing at last year'a level or improving.
Basically everything that could go wrong went wrong.

What I don't think KD should do next year is try and run with a similar group and say something like - we can't have bad luck 2 years in a row.
They need to grab a few veterans that can play with #98.
Gambling that Nazar is going to come out of college and be an impact player isn't a good idea in my opinion.
- captainserious

Not to mention Raddysh falling off a cliff, and AA getting injured after 20 goals each last year.

Can you set up a trade where you eat salary for only so many years and not the entire contract? We could probably retain 40 to 50% for 3 more years.
- Dieselhead

I was being facetious.

Sorry, clearly I'm wrong.
The NHL coaches he had are wrong.
The NHL staff who signed/traded for him in his career are wrong.
The scouts/GM who had him as a top 5 pick were wrong.

Jones is an awful player who somehow plays 25-26 minutes a night in the NHL though the prime of his career. It has nothing to do with the fact we are a bad team. Nothing to do with the fact we have too many forwards that lack skill.

Dmen who can put up 40-60 points over an 82 game season obviously are low IQ offensively and don't know how to make a play or shoot a puck.

I'm done. I'm going back to the real world. Cheers!
- breadbag

Not Awful, just not a #1. Salary and minutes do not make him a #1. I would say that Jones at his best is a #2. On most nights he is realistically a #3. Look at the true #1 d-men in the league. Most if not all of them are above average to excellent on offense. Some are excellent defensively or at the worst average defensively. Lots of variables in both of those, but they clearly excel at one end of the ice or the other if not both. Jones does not excel at either end.