It's gonna be interesting to see what the defence looks like when the season starts
- BGKarras

They got 2 slots (barring injuries). It seems like it depends on how they decide to use Brodie and Martinez. I know someone (not sure it is the club, or if it was one of the blogger/net journalists running with this) -is claiming Martinez is more of the mentorship role - but technically Brodie's contract seems more structured like the mentorship model (2 years, and an overpay -like 16, 17, and Perry's were).

Anyways, assuming going with 7 D ( and they should - as doing otherwise is not flexible enough), that means 1 slot for a newer guy (2nd year or rookie), or 2. If I had to guess, I would say that the idea ends up being using Brodie/Martinez actually on the ice (I doubt they'd have signed otherwise), meaning that a newer guy ends up as the 7th.

Why would that be? Well, if I had to guess, it could be used as to bring someone that has shown progress, but could benefit by watching the game at the NHL level to reinforce development back at the Rock -and then potentially use both of those slots as a bit of a rotational thing.

I would imagine that Lev and Korch get a lot of playing time together. I also imagine it will be in the AHL, and occasionally bring them both up - possibly nearer the end of the year, particularly if one or both of Martinez/Brodie end up being dealt at the trade deadline. I don't necessarily think they would, automatically, but it sort of depends on progress in the AHL (for any of a number of the younger guys' as KFC mentioned - if they show that they are ready), and it is not necessarily limited to anyone specifically. I wouldn't at all be surprised if Kaiser would make the team, and Korch does not.

And the people. Especially if Mo were to live there.
- HawkintheD

I have been known to cheapen a joint.

Good that means Rockford great for his development send Korchinski down also pair them together and create chemistry between them. Nazar slaggert also go to the rock. Look what it did for vlasic. The rookies will tell management when they are ready.
- Scott1977

Slaggert is ready and proven as such already

Nazar could use 10-20 gp in the AHL with intention to get accustomed to the defensive effort and then back in NHL his well rounded game as L2 matters Richardinson, Nazar lines need to be two way lines since Bedard is more attuned to offense first and foremost

Kauser here and KK progresses as Vlasic did by improving due to the AHL experience

After the dust settles or I think of the duet song by Luther Vondris and Janet Jackson “The Best things in Life” (1992).

The best things are not free and take time to construct. After the dust settles is at least three seasons away if you are looking for a deep roster not only running mates for Bedard but competition for spots on each line + a blueline crew each who can skate and effectively move the puck. I do have doubt whether we have a stud goaltender in the system; Comesso may be just ok but elite meaning among the best in the league is not probably yet in the rear view mirror. Perhaps Gajan will be more than Comesso

I ADD: Big hope KK could develop like Vlasic improved after a year in Rockford. Leveshunov needs minimum two years transition from USHL then Rockford and to be good after one year in AHL is to expect maybe too much too soon. I can imagine Vlasic, KK, Leveshunov and DelMastro if all goes well but a replacement for S Jones could be Allen and a replacement for Kaiser I think should be a really gifted offensive dman. Perhaps Rinzell fills one of those spots. Allen and Crevier could become spares depth
- jhawk59

Why would he go to Rockford when they only have 6 NHL defenders on the roster including him and since he had a good season and improved steadily as it went on last year?

Doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Would be a massive step back to play a full season of NHL hockey then get punted down to the AHL. Unless you really want to mind (frank) the kid.

Slaggert is ready and proven as such already

Nazar could use 10-20 gp in the AHL with intention to get accustomed to the defensive effort and then back in NHL his well rounded game as L2 matters Richardinson, Nazar lines need to be two way lines since Bedard is more attuned to offense first and foremost

Kauser here and KK progresses as Vlasic did by improving due to the AHL experience
- jhawk59

They just need to be entertaining and score goals. They have enough guys that project as defensively responsible blah blah blah.

After a long stretch of dreadful hockey some entertainment would be nice.

Why would he go to Rockford when they only have 6 NHL defenders on the roster including him and since he had a good season and improved steadily as it went on last year?

Doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Would be a massive step back to play a full season of NHL hockey then get punted down to the AHL. Unless you really want to mind (frank) the kid.
- fattybeef

I think it's pretty likely that KK stays up in the NHL. How often do we see a young player finish 3rd in total minutes played for a team and then find themselves demoted to the AHL? I could see if he wasn't improving but as you said, he got better defensively as the year progressed. It's not like we have many offensive dmen on the back end.

I hope next season we see less of Crevier and Phillips unless there are some big improvements, because neither one was close to NHL quality. Overall, I hope we can get setup in the offensive zone a little more and get the puck low to high and have the Dmen shoot.

Why would he go to Rockford when they only have 6 NHL defenders on the roster including him and since he had a good season and improved steadily as it went on last year?

- fattybeef

I know that this wasn't directed at something I wrote, necessarily, but I sort of touched on it as well. Ok, the 'why' would be this, so that you pair these guys up (one a LD one a RD) -and give them both a ton of minutes in the AHL environment, and, in particular, so as to give them the primary D assignments on a nightly basis - see how they go under the max amount of AHL level pressure- which can also be scaled back a little easier than at the NHL level. Not least because they wouldn't necessarily be getting those assignments in the NHL.

They got 2 slots (barring injuries). It seems like it depends on how they decide to use Brodie and Martinez. I know someone (not sure it is the club, or if it was one of the blogger/net journalists running with this) -is claiming Martinez is more of the mentorship role - but technically Brodie's contract seems more structured like the mentorship model (2 years, and an overpay -like 16, 17, and Perry's were).

Anyways, assuming going with 7 D ( and they should - as doing otherwise is not flexible enough), that means 1 slot for a newer guy (2nd year or rookie), or 2. If I had to guess, I would say that the idea ends up being using Brodie/Martinez actually on the ice (I doubt they'd have signed otherwise), meaning that a newer guy ends up as the 7th.

Why would that be? Well, if I had to guess, it could be used as to bring someone that has shown progress, but could benefit by watching the game at the NHL level to reinforce development back at the Rock -and then potentially use both of those slots as a bit of a rotational thing.

I would imagine that Lev and Korch get a lot of playing time together. I also imagine it will be in the AHL, and occasionally bring them both up - possibly nearer the end of the year, particularly if one or both of Martinez/Brodie end up being dealt at the trade deadline. I don't necessarily think they would, automatically, but it sort of depends on progress in the AHL (for any of a number of the younger guys' as KFC mentioned - if they show that they are ready), and it is not necessarily limited to anyone specifically. I wouldn't at all be surprised if Kaiser would make the team, and Korch does not.
- SC116

Vlasic - Jones
Martinez - KK?
Murphy - Brodie?/Kaiser?/EDM?/Allan?

Levshunov is going to play the majority if not the entire season in Rockford.

Trade deadline,if Murphy stays healthy they could deal him at 1/2 retained and probably nab a 1st or 2nd round pick depending on how desperate a team is.
Then you've got Brodie as the veteran at the 5 spot.
Or if 2 of the young d men show they are ready,you can trade both Murhpy and Brodie at 1/2 retained and nab some currency.

Unless they totally crap the bag, I think both Korch and Kaiser should be in the NHL to start the season.

Why would he go to Rockford when they only have 6 NHL defenders on the roster including him and since he had a good season and improved steadily as it went on last year?

Doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Would be a massive step back to play a full season of NHL hockey then get punted down to the AHL. Unless you really want to mind (frank) the kid.
- fattybeef

The Blackhawks should be comprised of the best 6 or 7 defenders. If Korchinski is one of the best 6 or 7 coming out of camp he belongs on the Hawks, if not he belongs in Rockford. Simple really.

The Blackhawks should be comprised of the best 6 or 7 defenders. If Korchinski is one of the best 6 or 7 coming out of camp he belongs on the Hawks, if not he belongs in Rockford. Simple really.
- paulr

I agree.
Same thing goes for Kaiser and for Nazar as well. Honestly,I could see all 3 being up in the NHL to start the season

FWIW, Tankathon has them 5th behind San Jose, Cloumbus, Anaheim and Calgary.
6-6-6-6-6

I always look at the GF and GA number to go by how a team performs. GF = GA could get you in the high 80's to low 90's point range.

Last year Hawks had 179 GF and 290 GA. You would think Bertuzzi and TT would account for around 40. Maybe a healthy Hall gets 15 more. Then there's added production from Bedard, maybe 10-15 goals. Kurashev stays about the same at 18. Reichel hopefully up his totals and accounts for T. Johnson's 17 goals. I doubt if D!ckinson or Foligno match their 22 and 17 from last year, but let's say the new bottom 6 and D-men score about the same. So 70 more goals.

Defense should improve with better back up goaltending and better depth in Brodie and Martinez over Megna, Tinnordi and Zaitsev. Call it 30 less goals.

Have to factor in injuries, but in a perfect world maybe 250 GF and 260 GA this season. That probably gets them 80-85 points and around 7-10th from the bottom.
- boilermaker100

That is a pretty good estimation.
If they would have been relatively healthy last season,they probably would have had 10-12 more points.
So probably around 63 points.
I don't think it is ridiculous to expect a 20-25 point increase if they stay relatively healthy this season.

Everything you mentioned, plus Bedard and Korchinski improving should net them around 85 points give or take.
I can see them "in the hunt" into March,which would be a massive improvement.
Playoffs or bust the season after.

That is a pretty good estimation.
If they would have been relatively healthy last season,they probably would have had 10-12 more points.
So probably around 63 points.
I don't think it is ridiculous to expect a 20-25 point increase if they stay relatively healthy this season.

Everything you mentioned, plus Bedard and Korchinski improving should net them around 85 points give or take.
I can see them "in the hunt" into March,which would be a massive improvement.
Playoffs or bust the season after.
- captainserious

I'd add Vlasic to that and possibly Kurashev and hopefully Reichel. Vlasic made great strides last season but I'm wondering if there is a little more offense to his game.

I know he's regarded as more of defensive dman but he had a couple really nice stretch passes and a pretty decent shot.

Obvs Kurashev benefitted from having Bedard on his line but I thought he got better as the season went on and was contributing more to driving play than merely being a recipient.

Reichel started to flash at the end what we saw from him at the end of the prior season. Hopefully he can pick up where he left off and finally cement a roster spot somewhere in the top 6.

Now if someone could please pass me the Kool Aid...

Artie don’t need no education
He don’t need no book patrol
No dark sarcasm in hoc-key buzz
Please Wiz leave politics alone
- paulr

While in college, but in my apartment, I decided to put the first three Pink Floyd albums on afrer a s'hroom lunch.
Those albums contributed to me leaving the house unlocked walking a mile to Wrigleyville to a friends whose motorcycle we rode to the Loop where he told me we were picking up bolt of material to re-uppolster chairs.
On our way to the correct departmnet, he started swiping glass paperweights, and I start thinking is this happening? We get the thhe material, he says here it is! picks it up and we start walking to the inner truck delivery entrance on the south end Washington side, he sttarts his bike hands we the material and before i can say we didn't pay I am holding the bolt of material, as we ride off thieves in the day...don't do drugs!

Vlasic - Jones
Martinez - KK?
Murphy - Brodie?/Kaiser?/EDM?/Allan?

Levshunov is going to play the majority if not the entire season in Rockford.

Trade deadline,if Murphy stays healthy they could deal him at 1/2 retained and probably nab a 1st or 2nd round pick depending on how desperate a team is.
Then you've got Brodie as the veteran at the 5 spot.
Or if 2 of the young d men show they are ready,you can trade both Murhpy and Brodie at 1/2 retained and nab some currency.

Unless they totally crap the bag, I think both Korch and Kaiser should be in the NHL to start the season.
- captainserious

I tend to lean the same way. Some of these vets could be moved for more draft capital. KD showed he has problem moving up the draft. Might see some of that next year if the Hawks stock pile even more picks.

Next time you are in Nashville, go to The Iberian Pig. The food is way past excellent! Oh, and my nephew is the head Chef there.
- bjphawkfan

Will do, love Iberian Pigs, friend of mine gets a leg every Christmas, it is sooooo good!

I saw Wright a few times at Coachella Valley. He is not spectacular but is extremely solid. Very good defensively and makes the right play’s in the offensive zone. especially since his coaches with the Firebirds have been promoted to the big club, IMO Wright is a lock to make the Kracken this year.
- LAHawk

LA, do you see similarities in Wright and Kakko? Two top of the draft guys who aren't producing near the level the majority thought they would. ...... And if you wanna add if you think either one will pop in the bigs?

Kakko has enough NHL games to be a guy the fancy stat crowd really likes. At least a very nice NHL floor.

After being asked, "No goalie?" Kyle said, 2025 is the better crop.





- wiz1901

I asked you in a post about the pipeline goaltending and would the organIzation commit 2nd round capital in 2025, you never answered.......

With 2nd rd picks in 22 yr old Commesso and 20 yr old Gajun in the system but not much after that, I'm not a Soderblom guy but have time for Basse, I do think they should use draft capital on a goalie but not a 2nd rounder. .... IMO they should definitely draft a goalie in the later rounds.

I lived in Texas for two years. But that was back when Jimmy Carter was the President. The happiest moment of my life was when I moved out. I like to read books, so I won't move to Florida.
- bjphawkfan

I like your posts and how you see things that matter. .. You'd never catch me south of the Mason Dixon Line and of course wouldn't risk being in TexAssistan for even a nano second but I know people with common sense, read books and aren't conspirasy theorists not like TexAssistan but like Austin and San Antonio. They have so much land mass that one part of the state is nothing like another.

Kinda like Pennsylvania, where it's described as Pittsburgh to the west and Philadelphia to the east with AlabamaStan in between.

I like your posts and how you see things that matter. .. You'd never catch me south of the Mason Dixon Line and of course wouldn't risk being in TexAssistan for even a nano second but I know people with common sense, read books and aren't conspirasy theorists not like TexAssistan but like Austin and San Antonio. They have so much land mass that one part of the country is nothing like another.

Kinda like Pennsylvania, where it's described as Pittsburgh to the west and Philadelphia to the east with AlabamaStan in between.
- Mr Ricochet

You forgot to mention that this wasn't a political post.

That's what Wiz does after making a political post....

I hear the first question was, "if I come back, do I have to go to class?".
- mohel

I think you're right, Mo. The Soviet has just one goal and that's playing hockey and making money. Michigan St was just a stop in the path to getting there not for education.

I think you're right, Mo. The Soviet has just one goal and that's playing hockey and making money. Michigan St was just a stop in the path to getting there not for education.
- Mr Ricochet

I have no problem with that.

You forgot to mention that this wasn't a political post.
- mohel

What's up with you, Mo? I know you like to observe other's comments, but you seem touchy and overact lately. Hope all is well with you and yours.

If I was making a political thought you'd know it. I'm not a twitter kinda thinker, I've been interested in the world/politics/time clock punching dog of any color/religion for long enough I have enough thoughts where you'd know if I make a political post.

I do concede however that any thought/post I have is subjective but I feel safe saying if I'm talkin politics those listening/reading will know it.

I have no problem with that.
- mohel

Hell yea, know problem with it. ..... Being rooted in jr hockey I love having as many paths as possible for a kid to the Bigs.

I think most every kid in all corners of the earth who accel at hockey want to make lotsa money and play NHL hockey. Lev is no different and IMO he has a damn fine goal of playing NHL hockey where he'll get rich. ....... Glad he's a Hawk. I'm patient with players at my age, but I can't wait to see Lev as a 25 yr old play hockey.

For perspective, I grew up in Chicago (Park Ridge). After college/MBA my company moved me from CHI to KC (5 years), LA/OC (2 years) Boston (6 years) and back to Chicago's NW suburbs.

I spent the last 22 years traveling for business all over the Midwest, from OH to NE/KS and from ND/MN to MO/IN & KY/TN and everything in between. Spent lots of time in Torrance, CA & now Plano, TX where company's HQ has been located. I've been to 46 of the 50 states, missing only Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho and Wyoming.

Retiring in October. My choice of all the places in the USA to live was Boston. Very like Chicago (sports & politics dominate) but run WAY better than CHI/Cook County. Plus easy to get to the ocean, Providence is great, as is coastal Maine, NH & VT, all a short drive away. And NYC is easy to get to as well. Unfortunately, wife wants to stay in Chi's NW suburbs.

But Boston is the place to be, with a vacation home in Hilton Head.
- scottak

I've always been a lover of history and that includes sports history. Since I was a little kid, so of course I had to someday get to Fenway Park and Baaaaaahstan where the majority of US history started.

Fenway delivered, you get the same kinda feeling you do in church. Cape Cod was incredible. On Public transportation zero graffiti. ...... And walking The Freedom Trail was humbling to see places live I only read in books.

Simply said, for me Boston Rocks.

You been around, man. You sound like a great guy to pound some beers and shoot some pool with.

I like your posts and how you see things that matter. .. You'd never catch me south of the Mason Dixon Line and of course wouldn't risk being in TexAssistan for even a nano second but I know people with common sense, read books and aren't conspirasy theorists not like TexAssistan but like Austin and San Antonio. They have so much land mass that one part of the country is nothing like another.

Kinda like Pennsylvania, where it's described as Pittsburgh to the west and Philadelphia to the east with AlabamaStan in between.
- Mr Ricochet

Come on Rico you’ve got to be better than that. Judging people by where they live? Changing the name of their State, trying to be funny? Really? That is just as bad as judging people by the colour of their skin. As Anthony Bourdain said, meet and talk to people you disagree with. Try to understand their point of view. You may still not agree with them but both of you may respect each other.