Out of those teams which rfa's could the Hawks target? Even though their roster is pretty much set there is always ways to improve now and for the future imo. Holloway from Edmonton I would offersheet 3 x 3 you give up a 2nd rounders but I think it would be worth it.
- Scott1977

I'm sure there are a few. Seems people like Holloway. I know he's disappointed thus far, but I think Wahlstrom would be interesting. His draft year comments remind me of Eiserman. Not an RFA, but Rossi was rumored to be available. Heck, maybe even someone like Hendrix Lapierre.

I know there will be more moves before the year starts. Teams need to fill out rosters and still get under the cap.

All this stuff about Phillips to me is not really that important. Its one thing if we didn't have any other LD prospects instead we have plenty. I already like Kaisers game more. Maybe Phillips will get better maybe not, but we finally have prospects pushing him out the door.
- BetweenTheDots

Firstly, this will be the 1st yr KD's draft picks hit RKF the same way EDM, Phillips, Kaiser, Allan did. Add it's really the first yr anyone has to win an NHL spot due to the talent from FA signed and the sheer number, and that will rise, of prospects in the AHL.

Every organIzation's fear is cutting/waiving/losing to a numbers game a Forsling type. Trick is to evaluate properly and move a kid who you don't think will an NHLer and get something for him.

So, I see every bubble player as important and interesting too. ,,,, This board has some who say no way on Phillips others say, wait, he's got some NHL tools/traits. Near 100% sure the Hawk decision makers/evaluators have the same discussions on all the players and they will make decisions on them.

What they end up deciding with their backs to the wall (a kid is outa options) is very very important. ...... Can't keep a Forsling around (this time the player hit) forever while you move other players out unless the organIzation used a lotta draft capital on him and are sure he'll hit.

A couple organIzation's made important decisions on a Forsling and turns out they were wrong........ Same will happen, important decisions, on EDM, Kaiser, Phillips, Crevier, Dach, Ludwinski and on and on.

Phillips isn’t close to Del Mastro in overall ability.


- paulr

Got your flag planted on EDM!! Nice player for sure and if an EDM is heads and shoulders better than Phillips, as you've planted your flag on, it's a damn good thing for the Hawks cuz from my perspective Phillips has a nice foundation and 3-4 NHL traits.

All this stuff about Phillips to me is not really that important. Its one thing if we didn't have any other LD prospects instead we have plenty. I already like Kaisers game more. Maybe Phillips will get better maybe not, but we finally have prospects pushing him out the door.
- BetweenTheDots

Right on, brah.. A damn fun part of the process for a fan. Comparing and contrasting prospects brings out passion in fans.

Isaac Phillips reminds me a lot of Gustav Forsling, young, good size, inexperienced, and most likely soon kicked to the curb. And in 5 years, he will play a prominent role on a contending team, and everyone here will be complaining about how management didn't give him enough time to develop and cut bait too soon.
- dahawks8819

Can't keep em all, 8819. Gotta look at the context of each player who was let go and turns into a Forsling but it's always a numbers game for the organIzation and every organIzation has a Forsling miss at one time or another.

But, I get your point. Phillips is very much in a Forsling like spot in his career and this yr starts KD's decisions on him. First one was to qualify him so you know the Hawks have interest.

.

When Forsling was 22 he wasn’t the same player he is today. Let’s not forget 2 years ago, he was a waiver pick up by the Panthers because of a Panther injury. I believe the Hawks took Tinordi off waivers at the same time. Good on him for making the most of a third opportunity.
- LAHawk

Hawks let Forsling go 6 yrs ago when he was 22 after VAN drafted him in rd 5 in 2014. Phillips is 22 and will turn 23 in September.

I just don't buy into this, I hear it a lot, but do we really think a GM would "throw" away a talent because they were from the previous regime?

I guess you could say they have a bias for their own guys, and i get that, but talent is talent. Coaches wouldn't have the same bias, they see what's happening on the ice and are going to push for the best players.

I believe it is the case with two players that are equal, I just don't see it happening with a more talented player.
- vabeachbear

The cliche that a GM looks at his draft picks differently than all other players has stood the test of time for a reason. If he dumps leftover talent for an inferior in house picks he ain't gonna be around long.

And every fan of any sport has seen this, a GM holds on to a kid too long and more times than not that player was drafted by that GM. That's part of the bias.

But, I think it's absolutely true a GM/regime looks at their own picks thru a different lens, a favorable lens, than non-picks. I think it's natural having spent the time to evaluate, draft, develop a kid they know him well whereas they don't a leftover.

It ain't how good a kid is at 19-20-21 it's how good they'll be at 25 and a regime feels more comfotable that they know their own picks better in that regard.

I just don't buy into this, I hear it a lot, but do we really think a GM would "throw" away a talent because they were from the previous regime?

I guess you could say they have a bias for their own guys, and i get that, but talent is talent. Coaches wouldn't have the same bias, they see what's happening on the ice and are going to push for the best players.

I believe it is the case with two players that are equal, I just don't see it happening with a more talented player.
- vabeachbear

The cliche that a GM looks at his draft picks differently than all other players has stood the test of time for a reason. If he dumps leftover talent for an inferior in house picks he ain't gonna be around long.

But, I think it's absolutely true a GM/regime looks at their own picks thru a different lens, a favorable lens, than non-picks. I think it's natural having spent the time to evaluate, draft, develop a kid they know him well whereas they don't a leftover.

It ain't how good a kid is at 19-20-21 it's how good they'll be at 25 and a regime feels more comfotable that they know their own picks better in that regard.

I thought his skating was pretty neutral, was more looking at what he did with the puck and how he broke up plays. A dman’s first couple games in the NHL are usually pretty nerve-y so I have no clue if that’s how he’d play usually. He held the puck in a couple times at the opponent blue line, which was nice. I remember during the cup years it seemed like our D were exceptional at keeping clearing attempts in the offensive zone.
- ObeseOprah

Thanks for responding, Obese....... If you zeroed in on him if his skating was a problem as you watched him play you'd know it. Nice to read.

Watched him a bunch as a jr and really liked him but did think he was a bit heavy footed. Not a deal breaker at the time cuz the kid simply made plays and was very stout. ........ Not getting AHL feeds I lose track of their development but there is a reason he went in rd 4 and those concerns why he wasn't drafted in rd 2 either got fixed or continue to be a concern as they start playing pro.

I will zero in on EDM right away this yr and it will he his skating I'll watch for.

I suspect KK will wind up in Rockford with some NHL stints. While he did progress last season, especially defensively, he was pretty weak in a number of areas. He had allot of trouble physically, he was pretty timid giving up access to the puck instead of pursuing it. He also didn’t distinguish himself offensively, although allot of that can be attributed to poor teammates. Korchinski still has allot to learn and the things he needs to work on should be worked on in the AHL. Hopefully he comes to camp bigger than the scrawny kid he was last year. And if KK is on the Hawk roster and Brodie has to sit now and again it’s not a big deal in any way. I don’t see your concern about the Brodie signing whatsoever.
- paulr

Guess I'm in the minority with prospects here but I was one who thought KK should have been sent to jrs last yr. With any prospect I'm concerned he's slotted a level too high and damage can be done to development... If there is a question in that regard I always default to send him down, whatever that is.

KK always seemed to be hanging on and whatever success he did have last yr was on pure talent, not development. And, when contact of any kind was involved, for sure he was always overwhelmed.

The offseason and camp matters but going on last yrs KK I would send him to RKF.

It's seems like we have 3 Mikal Roszival's.
- rpeters01

So 9 Shopping Cart Wheels in total

Guess I'm in the minority with prospects here but I was one who thought KK should have been sent to jrs last yr. With any prospect I'm concerned he's slotted a level too high and damage can be done to development... If there is a question in that regard I always default to send him down, whatever that is.

KK always seemed to be hanging on and whatever success he did have last yr was on pure talent, not development. And, when contact of any kind was involved, for sure he was always overwhelmed.

The offseason and camp matters but going on last yrs KK I would send him to RKF.
- Mr Ricochet

I was also. In a full blown rebuild, and faced with that decision, I would always go over develop vs. rush a player. That stupid rule hurts good players, and I believe hurt Kirby Dach, and also KK. Both would have benefited to be in Rockford over their Jr team or the NHL. We'll watch to see if they are effected long term.

Its why I would tell every young player not to stay in Canada. Go USHL, College then decide what is best for you career, at least that way, you have a choice and are free.

Arty is the perfect example, even if he isn't Canadian.

Not sure if anyone from the Blackhawks organization reads this website, but if they do, is there any thought of putting the Rockford Icehogs on TV so we fans have a chance to watch them on a regular basis?

I was also. In a full blown rebuild, and faced with that decision, I would always go over develop vs. rush a player. That stupid rule hurts good players, and I believe hurt Kirby Dach, and also KK. Both would have benefited to be in Rockford over their Jr team or the NHL. We'll watch to see if they are effected long term.

Its why I would tell every young player not to stay in Canada. Go USHL, College then decide what is best for you career, at least that way, you have a choice and are free.

Arty is the perfect example, even if he isn't Canadian.
- vabeachbear

Do you think all things being equal, teams will draft prospects in, going to college for the reason you stated, the team (generally, you do have the Gaithier/McGroaty issue of the prospect saying no way I am playing for your team) has more flexibility in the further development of the prospect?

The more I watch TT highlights and read about his time in CAR, the more I think he's one of the best wingers the Hawks could have signed for Bedard. A high skill player, who is a bit smaller, but has learned to play very well defensively.
- Chunk

Pass first, very smart, defensively sound player. Probably Bedards new best friend.

RIP CapFriendly. I'll miss you.

Pass first, very smart, defensively sound player. Probably Bedards new best friend.
- fattybeef

I see Bertuzzi being on Bedard’s line and wouldn’t mind if they loaded up and put Teuvo there too.

Your second line could possibly be AA flanked by Reichel and Kurashev with Hall bumping down to a third line with Davidson and Mikheyev.

I was also. In a full blown rebuild, and faced with that decision, I would always go over develop vs. rush a player. That stupid rule hurts good players, and I believe hurt Kirby Dach, and also KK. Both would have benefited to be in Rockford over their Jr team or the NHL. We'll watch to see if they are effected long term.

Its why I would tell every young player not to stay in Canada. Go USHL, College then decide what is best for you career, at least that way, you have a choice and are free.

Arty is the perfect example, even if he isn't Canadian.
- vabeachbear

What hurt Dach was breaking his wrist.

Korch did a lot of things very well and a lot of things poorly. I think he looked more like a NHL player than Reichel. Both probably benefit from playing with other guys who are where they are supposed to be on the ice and who support the defensive side better.

The benefit just being able to exit the zone will bring should elevate everyone. Vlasic doubling his point total from last year would be a good bet based alone on the fact that there will be guys who can finish and make teams pay for triple teaming Bedard.

I see Bertuzzi being on Bedard’s line and wouldn’t mind if they loaded up and put Teuvo there too.

Your second line could possibly be AA flanked by Reichel and Kurashev with Hall bumping down to a third line with Davidson and Mikheyev.
- HawkintheD

I think that would be ideal. TT to make the final pass and create space with Bertuzzi being able to fetch the puck from behind the goal and finish sitters. Bertuzzi probably has a career year.

Bedard in the +80 point range assuming he keeps his head away from other guys shoulders is pretty likely and if you see some dynamism on the blue line from someone like Korch or big Arty - especially if they can get into the top 15 power play wise - he could break 100.

Lavender fest is next weekend in Denver. 25 different varieties with slightly different scents.

What hurt Dach was breaking his wrist.

Korch did a lot of things very well and a lot of things poorly. I think he looked more like a NHL player than Reichel. Both probably benefit from playing with other guys who are where they are supposed to be on the ice and who support the defensive side better.

The benefit just being able to exit the zone will bring should elevate everyone. Vlasic doubling his point total from last year would be a good bet based alone on the fact that there will be guys who can finish and make teams pay for triple teaming Bedard.
- fattybeef

That's what set Forsling back as well.

What hurt Dach was breaking his wrist.

Korch did a lot of things very well and a lot of things poorly. I think he looked more like a NHL player than Reichel. Both probably benefit from playing with other guys who are where they are supposed to be on the ice and who support the defensive side better.

The benefit just being able to exit the zone will bring should elevate everyone. Vlasic doubling his point total from last year would be a good bet based alone on the fact that there will be guys who can finish and make teams pay for triple teaming Bedard.
- fattybeef

I still think that Dach turns out to be a decent NHL player if he can ever stay healthy. Montreal will have a very good team in the next couple of years.

Not sure if anyone from the Blackhawks organization reads this website, but if they do, is there any thought of putting the Rockford Icehogs on TV so we fans have a chance to watch them on a regular basis?
- powerenforcer

I know they put some games on TV last year, but with Levshunov, Nazar and possibly KK at the Rock, hopefully they'll consider broadcasting more of them. That's quite an exciting group of prospects to watch develop.

I know they put some games on TV last year, but with Levshunov, Nazar and possibly KK at the Rock, hopefully they'll consider broadcasting more of them. That's quite an exciting group of prospects to watch develop.
- Popsghostly

Try AHLTV

I know they put some games on TV last year, but with Levshunov, Nazar and possibly KK at the Rock, hopefully they'll consider broadcasting more of them. That's quite an exciting group of prospects to watch develop.
- Popsghostly

Would be good filler for the new broadcast network (Chicago Sports Network).