Dots, would you really want a guy like Strome on the team? You’re always on about speed, you always say KD wants speed, Strome is hardly fast. You like effort, Strome didn’t always put in allot of effort. Is he a guy you’d want to build around? I’m happy to see him do well, I’m just happy it’s not with the Blackhawks.
- paulr

No i really don't, but I'm glad he's doing well in DC.

Oh yea fatty another thing about the Sabres it looks like they have 2 very good looking goalies, Lukkonnen and Levi still a bit young at 22 but i can see him backing up next year.

Okay the new GM took over for the Sabres, accumulated draft picks and has been getting rid of the teams dead weight. He's building maybe one of the best blue lines in hockey. He is now creating plenty of cap space to fill in where he needs to.

Honestly how small is that Kings window? And they handcuff themselves by being against the cap. They have a real shot this year considering how good their defense is but can the get over the hump called the Edmonton Oilers if that's who they end up playing in the 1st round. I've seen this story before and it was our very own Blackhawks late 80s and early 90s.

Sure the Blackhawks have been sh!t but here's why

If you are a Chicago Blackhawks fan the most frustrating part about the team’s 12-18-5 record is that the front office actually tried to build a competitive team this offseason. This is not the result of a summer of subtraction, or significant free agent departures, or a complete teardown to kickstart a rebuild. This is the result of real effort. They tried to be good, and they seemed to think they would be.

Along with getting captain and No. 1 center Jonathan Toews back following last season’s absence, the Blackhawks went out and spent major money this offseason. They acquired a top goalie in Marc-Andre Fleury. They added Tyler Johnson from Tampa Bay. Then they made the boldest move of them all by trading Adam Boqvist and a package of draft picks to the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Seth Jones, and then immediately signed him to a stunning eight-year, $76 million contract.

You do not make moves like that if you do not intend to win, and win this season.

https://www.nbcsports.com...sit-columbus-blue-jackets

To Chicago: Seth Jones (eight-year, $76M contract), Nolan Allan (No. 32 overall pick), 2022 sixth-round pick
To Columbus: Adam Boqvist ($867,000 cap hit; RFA after this season), Cole Sillinger (No. 12 overall pick; entry level deal), Jake Bean (three-year, $7M contract), 2022 conditional first-round pick.

Do you recall we had no 1st round picks in 2022, so they decided to trade actual assets to get 2 in the top 15. Just think if we had those other 2 picks we could possibly have Jiricek and Sillinger on this team but Bowman did exactly what everyone here wants KD to do, buy a winning team. Not everyone but many

So it's only been 2 years
- BetweenTheDots

For all the talent on the blue line they still can't defend. Lot of good that is doing them.

Bowman did not do what some of us our asking because it certainly isn't everyone. He made a desperate move to extend a window. Anyone watching the game objectively and who could read a stat sheet should have known that Seth Jones would not have solved a lot of problems for them.

Johnson wasn't an acquisition. Tampa gave the Hawks a second to take him so they could use Seabrook's LTIR money.

They certainly didn't try to be good this summer. Maybe less bad but adding an ok player at the end of his career in Foligno or a frequently injured Hall without a back up plan isn't trying to be competitive.

They've picked 10 times in the first 2 rounds the last two years and another 5 times this year.

They don't need to just throw money around recklessly but they could give Marchessault 20 million over two years and that would be fun. TT and DeBrusk are fine for 5 years and wouldn't cost a fortune and help round out the line up. There's been talk of Necas maybe being available.

And for the term of those guys - unless they pick 1st this year - most of the draft picks they have coming the next 2 years won't need to be paid until those deals are up anyway so then it becomes a matter of reloading for a team with momentum rather than a bunch of losers.

I really can't wait for us to get faster, Avs have the Wild playing on their heels.

For all the talent on the blue line they still can't defend. Lot of good that is doing them.

Bowman did not do what some of us our asking because it certainly isn't everyone. He made a desperate move to extend a window. Anyone watching the game objectively and who could read a stat sheet should have known that Seth Jones would not have solved a lot of problems for them.

Johnson wasn't an acquisition. Tampa gave the Hawks a second to take him so they could use Seabrook's LTIR money.

They certainly didn't try to be good this summer. Maybe less bad but adding an ok player at the end of his career in Foligno or a frequently injured Hall without a back up plan isn't trying to be competitive.

They've picked 10 times in the first 2 rounds the last two years and another 5 times this year.

They don't need to just throw money around recklessly but they could give Marchessault 20 million over two years and that would be fun. TT and DeBrusk are fine for 5 years and wouldn't cost a fortune and help round out the line up. There's been talk of Necas maybe being available.

And for the term of those guys - unless they pick 1st this year - most of the draft picks they have coming the next 2 years won't need to be paid until those deals are up anyway so then it becomes a matter of reloading for a team with momentum rather than a bunch of losers.
- fattybeef

Well he finally got rid a lot of dead money so i believe he's going to spend some money this year.

You really have no patience for this.

Dots' nephew, Dylan Strome with a huge goal against the Wings.
- mohel

Always liked that kid. RF

For all the talent on the blue line they still can't defend. Lot of good that is doing them.

Bowman did not do what some of us our asking because it certainly isn't everyone. He made a desperate move to extend a window. Anyone watching the game objectively and who could read a stat sheet should have known that Seth Jones would not have solved a lot of problems for them.

Johnson wasn't an acquisition. Tampa gave the Hawks a second to take him so they could use Seabrook's LTIR money.

They certainly didn't try to be good this summer. Maybe less bad but adding an ok player at the end of his career in Foligno or a frequently injured Hall without a back up plan isn't trying to be competitive.

They've picked 10 times in the first 2 rounds the last two years and another 5 times this year.

They don't need to just throw money around recklessly but they could give Marchessault 20 million over two years and that would be fun. TT and DeBrusk are fine for 5 years and wouldn't cost a fortune and help round out the line up. There's been talk of Necas maybe being available.

And for the term of those guys - unless they pick 1st this year - most of the draft picks they have coming the next 2 years won't need to be paid until those deals are up anyway so then it becomes a matter of reloading for a team with momentum rather than a bunch of losers.
- fattybeef

Seth Jones actually filled a role for the Hawks and checked a lot of boxes. The season before we picked him up, we didn't have a #1 or #2 dman anymore. Keith was running on fumes and was a #3 at best, Boqvist wasn't working out, Murphy was still second pair, De Haan, was a #4-5 guy, then we had Zadorov who sucked, Kalynuk, Mitchell, Beaudin, Stillman, Carlsson, Bowey, Regula. We had arguably the weakest D in the NHL. Then to top it off Keith asked to be traded. It wasn't a big surprise to see the Hawks bring in a Dman, one who actually adds offense, can play the PP and can play big minutes. The only real mistake was Bowman giving him too much $$$ on the extension.

Johnson was both a cap dump for Tampa and an acquisition for the Hawks as they expected him to play more than he was limited to with injuries. It wasn't like a Josh Bailey situation where it was a pure pay to dump.

You are right, this season they weren't trying to be competitive. Nobody should have expected them to try to be competitive. About two years ago when they started a plan to teardown and rebuild via the draft, that sent a pretty clear message that the next 3 years minimum are going to be rough.

Adding vets to the team up to this point hasn't been about "fun" or icing a "competitive" team, it's about providing support to the young players coming up, insulating them a bit, giving them someone to learn the ropes from. You don't need a superstar for that, you need character and experience. We will be starting to become more competitive once those young guys get their feet under them and we have a core to actually build around.

The thing about bringing up and developing young players is there isn't a magic formula or set timeline either and we have to accept that could take longer than fans want at times. We may have key parts that return to college another year, or Jr, or need an extra season or two in Rockford.

Hawks still have a lot of work to do to be competitive. Expect them to take a small step first before any big leap.

LR must've read here the other day as he had Bedard back at center yesterday in practice.

I'm sure he'll continue to find ways in an effort to ruin him but we can all breathe a sigh of relief for at least one day.

LR must've read here the other day as he had Bedard back at center yesterday in practice.

I'm sure he'll continue to find ways in an effort to ruin him but we can all breathe a sigh of relief for at least one day.
- HawkintheD

Bring back Colliton, LR blows arse.

Bring back Colliton, LR blows arse.
- mohel

He does. Remind me, what makes him so bad?

LR must've read here the other day as he had Bedard back at center yesterday in practice.

I'm sure he'll continue to find ways in an effort to ruin him but we can all breathe a sigh of relief for at least one day.
- HawkintheD

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Richardson on Bedard bouncing between wing and center recently:

"He's motivated by ice time. I don't think he cares [about position]. You could put him on defense and he'd be fine with it. I'm not sure about goaltender."

Ducks beat the Kings late last night 3-1. Anaheim in 3rd by 6 points, but the Hawks have two games in hand.

2-2-4-3-3

Top points per game by defenseman in the AHL

https://x.com/JLStoller/status/1773790345576468644

Foligno out tonight, Raddysh back in. Connor Murphy close, just in time to captain team USA to another early exit and be a character guy while being a bender.

Bedard on a line with Kurashev and Reichel.

Top points per game by defenseman in the AHL

https://x.com/JLStoller/status/1773790345576468644
- LAHawk

Yeah but he couldn’t even crack the Kings line up. Bust!

Joking aside, pretty impressive considering his defensive play is very good too.

Foligno out tonight, Raddysh back in. Connor Murphy close, just in time to captain team USA to another early exit and be a character guy while being a bender.

Bedard on a line with Kurashev and Reichel.
- ObeseOprah

Reichel has had a few good games lately. I’d really love to see him step up and take advantage of being on the line with Kurashev and Bedard.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Richardson on Bedard bouncing between wing and center recently:

"He's motivated by ice time. I don't think he cares
- LAHawk[about position]. You could put him on defense and he'd be fine with it. I'm not sure about goaltender."

The stories about him trying to work his way back on the ice while his jaw were fractured were interesting and kind of funny.

The kid seems to have the right mental makeup to the point I don't see a brief or occasional move to wing as being anything detrimental.

Reichel has had a few good games lately. I’d really love to see him step up and take advantage of being on the line with Kurashev and Bedard.
- paulr

Hopefully he seizes the opportunity and his ups and downs (mostly downs) this season somehow contribute to lasting success. Would be great to see it happen tonite vs the Blows.

Seth Jones actually filled a role for the Hawks and checked a lot of boxes. The season before we picked him up, we didn't have a #1 or #2 dman anymore. Keith was running on fumes and was a #3 at best, Boqvist wasn't working out, Murphy was still second pair, De Haan, was a #4-5 guy, then we had Zadorov who sucked, Kalynuk, Mitchell, Beaudin, Stillman, Carlsson, Bowey, Regula. We had arguably the weakest D in the NHL. Then to top it off Keith asked to be traded. It wasn't a big surprise to see the Hawks bring in a Dman, one who actually adds offense, can play the PP and can play big minutes. The only real mistake was Bowman giving him too much $$$ on the extension.

Johnson was both a cap dump for Tampa and an acquisition for the Hawks as they expected him to play more than he was limited to with injuries. It wasn't like a Josh Bailey situation where it was a pure pay to dump.

You are right, this season they weren't trying to be competitive. Nobody should have expected them to try to be competitive. About two years ago when they started a plan to teardown and rebuild via the draft, that sent a pretty clear message that the next 3 years minimum are going to be rough.

Adding vets to the team up to this point hasn't been about "fun" or icing a "competitive" team, it's about providing support to the young players coming up, insulating them a bit, giving them someone to learn the ropes from. You don't need a superstar for that, you need character and experience. We will be starting to become more competitive once those young guys get their feet under them and we have a core to actually build around.

The thing about bringing up and developing young players is there isn't a magic formula or set timeline either and we have to accept that could take longer than fans want at times. We may have key parts that return to college another year, or Jr, or need an extra season or two in Rockford.

Hawks still have a lot of work to do to be competitive. Expect them to take a small step first before any big leap.
- breadbag

It doesn't have to be. There is no reason for it to be, and I'd argue that it is counter productive to do so. There is nothing in the history of the NHL that says the team has to be hot garbage while the kids learn. I will continue to posit that they would be much better served playing with actual NHL players so that they understand what actually competing looks and feels like. Not only that, but you can leverage the lower costs of ELC contracts instead of trying to fit a team around a few max contracts.

I am not saying go out and try to sign Draisaitl. Far from it. I do think they can trade for and/or sign more competent NHL talent to make them more competitive.

How does it hurt development if they are successful early vs later.

It doesn't have to be. There is no reason for it to be, and I'd argue that it is counter productive to do so. There is nothing in the history of the NHL that says the team has to be hot garbage while the kids learn. I will continue to posit that they would be much better served playing with actual NHL players so that they understand what actually competing looks and feels like. Not only that, but you can leverage the lower costs of ELC contracts instead of trying to fit a team around a few max contracts.

I am not saying go out and try to sign Draisaitl. Far from it. I do think they can trade for and/or sign more competent NHL talent to make them more competitive.

How does it hurt development if they are successful early vs later.
- Chunk

To me that still appears to be what the plan was until injuries happened. They still aren't at a point where many if any of their forward prospects would be eligible to contribute if injuries occurred.

With a couple FA signings and junior and college players potentially matriculating to RFD, they should be more competitive next season.

I'm not anticipating playoffs like some here seem to feel they should be knocking at the door even this year, but I think we'll see them in and winning more games next year.

It doesn't have to be. There is no reason for it to be, and I'd argue that it is counter productive to do so. There is nothing in the history of the NHL that says the team has to be hot garbage while the kids learn. I will continue to posit that they would be much better served playing with actual NHL players so that they understand what actually competing looks and feels like. Not only that, but you can leverage the lower costs of ELC contracts instead of trying to fit a team around a few max contracts.

I am not saying go out and try to sign Draisaitl. Far from it. I do think they can trade for and/or sign more competent NHL talent to make them more competitive.

How does it hurt development if they are successful early vs later.
- Chunk

You have to be realistic.

The rebuild starts with selling NHL talent and filling holes, taking on bad salary, under-achieving players for picks, and making draft picks. You aren't going to do those things while maintaining a competitive team that will be in the mix for the post-season. If you want to maintain the team to be competitive, then you aren't rebuilding through the draft, you are retooling more than anything.

Trying to retool on the fly and not committing to the rebuild is the counter-productive part. That is how you end up with a bubble team for years rather than a team that will rise in the standings and be actually dominant. We want long term success not mediocre with a hope for a 1 year flash in the pan.

Go and look at our opening night roster and tell me all the vets we had that aren't actual NHL players. Our lineup had some rookies, yes, and then all NHL players. Probably the only weak link being Tinordi.

We got our star forward really really early in the process and so people think that suddenly we must win now, but the majority of our picks are still working their way up the system or yet to be made.

You have to realize that the team's previous success and then subsequent poor drafting and handling of young players left the system really empty of talent. You aren't going to restock the shelves for long term success in one draft or even two.

If you expect the team to sell assets it can for picks, while also taking on bad contracts for picks, while bringing rookies up into the league, and also fill all their remaining holes with vets who are in their prime so they can stay competitive and beat teams that are in "win now" mode, then you are expecting way too much. The NHL is a very competitive league.

To me that still appears to be what the plan was until injuries happened. They still aren't at a point where many if any of their forward prospects would be eligible to contribute if injuries occurred.

With a couple FA signings and junior and college players potentially matriculating to RFD, they should be more competitive next season.

I'm not anticipating playoffs like some here seem to feel they should be knocking at the door even this year, but I think we'll see them in and winning more games next year.
- HawkintheD

IMO depends on what KD wants to spend as far as FAis concerned. IMO the cap space for a bad contract, I don't see many bad contracts out there that would help, more the Zaitsev. Josh Bailey type. Maybe you get lucky, who thought Mrazek would have a year like this one, and I am skeptical that Richardinson will hit close to 20 goals again next year (partially by hopefully being a third line center than a top 6 he is forced to be now).

UFA's Pesce, Montour, Roy are all poetential RD UFA's under 30 that will probably fetch a minimum 4 year contract to sign. Is KD willing to commit to the term (et alone the dollars) to upgrade a current weakness/lack of depth on the team.

Same scenario for the forwards. Even the mid-tier free agents, the deBrusk's. Monahan's, Dakota Joshua's are going to want multi-year deals. Is KD willing to do that?

Or is he going to do what he did last offseason, and bring in a Van Riemsdyk, Henrique type for 1 or 2 years max as time spacers till the draft picks are hopefully ready?

IMO depends on what KD wants to spend as far as FAis concerned. IMO the cap space for a bad contract, I don't see many bad contracts out there that would help, more the Zaitsev. Josh Bailey type. Maybe you get lucky, who thought Mrazek would have a year like this one, and I am skeptical that Richardinson will hit close to 20 goals again next year (partially by hopefully being a third line center than a top 6 he is forced to be now).

UFA's Pesce, Montour, Roy are all poetential RD UFA's under 30 that will probably fetch a minimum 4 year contract to sign. Is KD willing to commit to the term (et alone the dollars) to upgrade a current weakness/lack of depth on the team.

Same scenario for the forwards. Even the mid-tier free agents, the deBrusk's. Monahan's, Dakota Joshua's are going to want multi-year deals. Is KD willing to do that?

Or is he going to do what he did last offseason, and bring in a Van Riemsdyk, Henrique type for 1 or 2 years max as time spacers till the draft picks are hopefully ready?
- LAHawk

He may pursue some UFAs, but personally I don't know if he will spend much on RD. With Murphy back, that will be two vets on RD with 14 million in salary on them already. I'm not saying they don't need to add some RD depth, but it might be more of a 15 minute a night guy, like Desharnais.

He does. Remind me, what makes him so bad?
- paulr

How about his farging record, Chief?!?!

He may pursue some UFAs, but personally I don't know if he will spend much on RD. With Murphy back, that will be two vets on RD with 14 million in salary on them already. I'm not saying they don't need to add some RD depth, but it might be more of a 15 minute a night guy, like Desharnais.
- breadbag

How many games can you count on Murphy to play based on his injury history?