I don't think Asst. GM Nick Foligno approves of this approach. So which 5 forwards from Rockford are called up at the TDL to replace all this draft capital you want to acquire ?
- LAHawk

Donato, Smith and Maroon are pretty easily replaceable. Guys like Joey Anderson should easily step in, and then Slaggert, Guttman, Rolston, Saarela, or even Dach could be given chances in the spring as bottom-six candidates.

Hall and AA are not as easily replaced internally, but maybe Nazar impresses in Rockford and gets called up for good in the spring. Maybe they afford to give one of the bottom-six forwards like Mikheyev or Richardinson a chance to skate higher in the lineup.

They'll have options. I'm sure not all of these guys end up being moved, but it would definitely hurt more to lose them for nothing in the summer instead of trading them should markets develop.

I am not a guy who knows much about prospects other than what I read here on this blog or other news items. I don't do research. Eiserman was brought up and I wonder, what are the comparables to Kyle Beach? I thought when reading about him, (Beach) that he was going to be the next Al Secord. He could score and he could fight. That ended with the video coach and he spiraled down from there. Eiserman appears to be a one trick pony. Maybe that is how the Chicken Man saw him and wanted more of a complete player.

I think KK and Levshunov in Rockford will be the most fascinating storyline to follow for a myriad of reasons, but personally speaking I don't see them being a pair at the NHL level.

I agree with you - I'd want to see Vlasic paired with Levy because he's a bit more aggressive in the offensive zone than KK is, so it'll allow for Vlasic to more easily cover for his defensive deficiencies until he really hones in on the defensive fundamentals he needs to improve on.

Let KK and Arty play together on the PP.

I know you asked Fatty, though
- TommyHawk

As mentioned, I've read all over the internets that Lev and KK will pair up and since Fatty mentioned possible pairing in the Bigs and AHL I tagged him but it was an open question.

Too early to have a solid feel on what pairings will be 3-4 yrs out but there is a chance AA gets sent down, at least for a bit, and a decision will have to be made with both players on the same roster.

Who knows but Lev, Vlasic and Rinzel are puck moving guys with the build to absorb a lotta NHL minutes. ...... I can see KK getting sheltered NHL minutes.

Donato, Smith and Maroon are pretty easily replaceable. Guys like Joey Anderson should easily step in, and then Slaggert, Guttman, Rolston, Saarela, or even Dach could be given chances in the spring as bottom-six candidates.

Hall and AA are not as easily replaced internally, but maybe Nazar impresses in Rockford and gets called up for good in the spring. Maybe they afford to give one of the bottom-six forwards like Mikheyev or Richardinson a chance to skate higher in the lineup.

They'll have options. I'm sure not all of these guys end up being moved, but it would definitely hurt more to lose them for nothing in the summer instead of trading them should markets develop.
- TommyHawk

And how many guys were they able to move at last years deadline ?

And how many guys were they able to move at last years deadline ?
- LAHawk

We’ve been unable to move AA for anything at both of the last two deadlines. Could’ve been injury concerns, but from what I read he generated zero return offers. As fast as he is I’m afraid he’s a roughly replacement level player.

And how many guys were they able to move at last years deadline ?
- LAHawk

Don't think it's fair to compare last year to this year when circumstances were completely different.

D.ickinson and Foligno were re-signed but would have otherwise been moved; Hall had his season-ending injury early on in the season; and AA also missed most of the year before coming back in March after the deadline had already passed.

Not to mention, the 'Hawks were completely void of forward talent. The best option we had available to offer was... Tyler Johnson? And he hasn't even found a team yet so I guess we can see how the league views him.

This year the team should collectively be better, meaning that there will be more to sell from should they choose (health-permitting of course).

What has Phillips done to endear himself to so many here? His analytics were Tinordi level and didn't seem to do much growing on-ice last year. Sure, probably not the best situations that they put him in, but he sure didn't do anything to help himself.
- Chunk

Does the majority of Hawk fans, who are not fan boys, like Phillips? ....... Speaking for myself I see a good skater, maybe a plus skater,, plus size, plus athleticism as a foundation. At the NHL level he got more comfortable and showed some skill in his hands, a willingness to join a rush or pinch all while being paired with a Menga and the highest Dzone starts of all Dmen IIRC.

IQ issues? Maybe, along with other chinks that you'll find in 5th rd picks. But gimme a bunch of 5th rd pick Dmen who can skate, have size, are athletic, showed some decent rush/pinch instincts at the NHL level, are 22 yrs old with 170 AHL games over 4 yrs, 53 NHL games over 3 yrs and we'll find an NHLer who can help.

Might not be with the Hawks but I think Phillips has an NHL career.

Does the majority of Hawk fans, who are not fan boys, like Phillips? ....... Speaking for myself I see a good skater, maybe a plus skater,, plus size, plus athleticism as a foundation. At the NHL level he got more comfortable and showed some skill in his hands, a willingness to join a rush or pinch all while being paired with a Menga and the highest Dzone starts of all Dmen IIRC.

IQ issues? Maybe, along with other chinks that you'll find in 5th rd picks. But gimme a bunch of 5th rd pick Dmen who can skate, have size, are athletic, showed some decent rush/pinch instincts at the NHL level, are 22 yrs old with 170 AHL games over 4 yrs, 53 NHL games over 3 yrs and we'll find an NHLer who can help.

Might not be with the Hawks but I think Phillips has an NHL career.
- Mr Ricochet

He isn't a KD draft choice, he is from the previous GM, so he automatically has 2 strikes against him, although most forget that Vlasic, and Kaiser was a previous administration's draft choice too.

Funny he is only 22 years old, not 26 like Caleb Jones, only one year older than del mastro, Allen, and Kaiser. I thought the Board dowsn't want to give up on young defenseman?

Interesting when Phillips played last year, he primarily played his offside, because Kaiser was sent down because he couldn't play that side either, plus both being paired with Tinordi. I thought Phillips best games was when he played in place of Vlasic (who was hurt) as a LD. When they brought Kaiser back up, he was put on LD, and when Phillips played, they still played him on the right.

i thought Phillips would be the 6h/7th defenseman, but I don't even think he makes it out of training camp. He is not wiaver exempt, my guess is KD dumps him for a 5th round draft choice before final cutdown. The TJ Brodie contract 2 x $3.75 is still baffling to me, someone tell me how that makes sense?

Let's be honest here, Crevier and Phillips were both called up last year out of necessity. Rather than disrupt the development of Del Mastro/Allan they called up Phillips/Crevier because we were already on the road to the bottom and a good draft pick. They may get called up again if the Hawks want to let the other younger Dmen continue to develop in the AHL.

Neither of them were good by the numbers or the eye test. They might have had a game here or there where they had some good shifts, but overall the performance was underwhelming. Some might have a different opinion than me, which is fine, but to me, I haven't seen much from them that puts them above a 6/7th dman at best.

Crevier is big and Philips is athletic but is there the hockey IQ and talent to be more than organizational depth? I'm not saying I want them to fail or anything, but I just haven't seen a high enough level of play from them. I think Phillips probably has the better chance to stick, but I though his positioning on the ice was questionable at times. I'd love to see them both succeed and prove me wrong.
- breadbag

Phillips "deserved", and earned, a callup before Allan and Del Mastro. And if you were gonna throw a kid to the NHL wolves (3rd pairing with Megna types and 70% Dzone starts) Phillips again was the guy.

Phillips started the yr with 140ish AHL games, Allan and Del Mastro were first yr pros. This even though Phillips is only 22 while the other two kids are 21. The reason being Phillips was drafted then covid hit, the OHL was shut down so they let those kids play AHL. Allan and Del Mastro had to stay all 4 yrs in jrs, Phillips did not.

And Crevier was 23 so better him to take an NHL beating, with Phillips, than 1st yr pros Allan and EDM. ......

He isn't a KD draft choice, he is from the previous GM, so he automatically has 2 strikes against him, although most forget that Vlasic, and Kaiser was a previous administration's draft choice too.

Funny he is only 22 years old, not 26 like Caleb Jones, only one year older than del mastro, Allen, and Kaiser. I thought the Board dowsn't want to give up on young defenseman?

Interesting when Phillips played last year, he primarily played his offside, because Kaiser was sent down because he couldn't play that side either, plus both being paired with Tinordi. I thought Phillips best games was when he played in place of Vlasic (who was hurt) as a LD. When they brought Kaiser back up, he was put on LD, and when Phillips played, they still played him on the right.

i thought Phillips would be the 6h/7th defenseman, but I don't even think he makes it out of training camp. He is not wiaver exempt, my guess is KD dumps him for a 5th round draft choice before final cutdown. The TJ Brodie contract 2 x $3.75 is still baffling to me, someone tell me how that makes sense?
- LAHawk

Maybe, LA....... Phillips will be 23 in September and with loads of pro games he fits the profile of a player who should be getting close "to getting there". If he's not a good bit better in camp he might be a guy who falls thru the cracks in a numbers game.

We know the organIzation speaks well of Kaiser so you gotta think they want him to make the big club and with maybe the only other option is to send down KK to keep Phillips, Phillips may be out. Or maybe they try and squeeze him thru waivers but I doubt he makes it........ Posters were asking what Phillips would bring back. I agree he doesn't have pedigree or fancy numbers but a lotta franchises would take a swing on a 22 yr old with 170 AHL and 50ish NHL games who is 6ft 3in 205 lbs, is athletic and can skate.

Does the majority of Hawk fans, who are not fan boys, like Phillips? ....... Speaking for myself I see a good skater, maybe a plus skater,, plus size, plus athleticism as a foundation. At the NHL level he got more comfortable and showed some skill in his hands, a willingness to join a rush or pinch all while being paired with a Menga and the highest Dzone starts of all Dmen IIRC.

IQ issues? Maybe, along with other chinks that you'll find in 5th rd picks. But gimme a bunch of 5th rd pick Dmen who can skate, have size, are athletic, showed some decent rush/pinch instincts at the NHL level, are 22 yrs old with 170 AHL games over 4 yrs, 53 NHL games over 3 yrs and we'll find an NHLer who can help.

Might not be with the Hawks but I think Phillips has an NHL career.
- Mr Ricochet

No clue. I was just commenting on the feel I get on this board. Seems a good number here are quite high on him and I just didn't see the justification. I hope he grabs a spot by the horns and doesn't let go. It only improves the Hawks' position. He seemed so lost to me in his own end and anything that he generated offensively seemed to get lost due to the other end of the ice.

This doesn't look all that great.

https://hockeystatcards.com/skater?id=8482192

No clue. I was just commenting on the feel I get on this board. Seems a good number here are quite high on him and I just didn't see the justification. I hope he grabs a spot by the horns and doesn't let go. It only improves the Hawks' position. He seemed so lost to me in his own end and anything that he generated offensively seemed to get lost due to the other end of the ice.

This doesn't look all that great.

https://hockeystatcards.com/skater?id=8482192
- Chunk

Put Vlasic on his offside primarily with Tinordi, and see how good his fancy stats are.

Put Vlasic on his offside primarily with Tinordi, and see how good his fancy stats are.
- LAHawk

Very true, but I'd be willing to bet the numbers would still look notably better than that.

Phillips "deserved", and earned, a callup before Allan and Del Mastro. And if you were gonna throw a kid to the NHL wolves (3rd pairing with Megna types and 70% Dzone starts) Phillips again was the guy.

Phillips started the yr with 140ish AHL games, Allan and Del Mastro were first yr pros. This even though Phillips is only 22 while the other two kids are 21. The reason being Phillips was drafted then covid hit, the OHL was shut down so they let those kids play AHL. Allan and Del Mastro had to stay all 4 yrs in jrs, Phillips did not.

And Crevier was 23 so better him to take an NHL beating, with Phillips, than 1st yr pros Allan and EDM. ......
- Mr Ricochet

Based on talent, Phillips didn’t deserve to be called up before Del Mastro, Del Mastro was and is the better prospect. His play in junior was far more notable and he was on three International gold medal teams while playing for Canada, plus he was an All Star in his first year in the AHL. Phillips’ only notable award was being the Ice Hog’s Rookie of the year. Phillips was called up, because as you say, he had some time in the AHL and because of that there’s an urgency for the Hawks to see what they have before they lose him. Unfortunately for Phillips he hasn’t separated himself from other Hawk prospects because he doesn’t bring anything better or different. If he played the physical game I saw him play in junior I think he could make a case for himself but for whatever reason he didn’t play that type of game when he was called up.

Where/when did he say this? I must have missed it. (Re: Hall's comment about being open to re-sign)


- TommyHawk

I believe it was an interview (I think posted on the Hawks own site), either in training camp or prior to his initial injury last season. So maybe Sept or Oct 23. I saw it, too and remembered him specifically saying that.

Based on talent, Phillips didn’t deserve to be called up before Del Mastro, Del Mastro was and is the better prospect. His play in junior was far more notable and he was on three International gold medal teams while playing for Canada, plus he was an All Star in his first year in the AHL. Phillips’ only notable award was being the Ice Hog’s Rookie of the year. Phillips was called up, because as you say, he had some time in the AHL and because of that there’s an urgency for the Hawks to see what they have before they lose him. Unfortunately for Phillips he hasn’t separated himself from other Hawk prospects because he doesn’t bring anything better or different. If he played the physical game I saw him play in junior I think he could make a case for himself but for whatever reason he didn’t play that type of game when he was called up.
- paulr

Apropos of nothing, looks like your guy Calum Ritchie signed in COL.

Apropos of nothing, looks like your guy Calum Ritchie signed in COL.
- Chunk

If there’s a way to get Ritchie out of Colorado I’d love to see the Hawks get him. A big, good skating, two way skilled center who plays a heavy game, passes well and gets to the right positions on the ice to defend or score. He could be the perfect second line center.

Fatty, wonder what you think about how the pairings look defensively as we know the young players today, conceding/hoping/praying they will develop at least to some extent defensively. 3 yrs from now:

KK-Lev .... Both offensive minded taking the most minutes and top opponents.
Vlasic-Jones...... Vlasic could anchor any pairing defensively.
Kaiser-Rinzel....... Seems Kaiser would be the defensive guy.

With all the chirping, everywhere you read, about KK and Artie being paired I've been thinking about this a bit. .... If Lev is indeed taking 25 minutes if paired with KK how may minutes would/could KK take? 22-23 minutes? Or would you rather see Lev and Vlasic paired where both could take 25 minutes and the opponents top lines and indeed Lev is free to skate like a 4th forward with Vlasic to cover.

Can KK take the opponents top lines as it would seem he'd have to paired with Levshunov? He'd have to if paired with Lev while neither yet to show defensive prowess.......... Long long way to go but today I'd wanna see Vlasic paired with The Soviet as both are built to take heavy minutes and top competition and you'd move KK away from those toughest matchups lightening his load in his zone and freeing him up to play some rover.

You have a thought, Fatty?
- Mr Ricochet

Depends on if he is killing penalties. Probably in the 20-23 range.

Korch was really good at denying entries and disrupting plays with his stick. Big Arty is supposed to be very good at denying entries, pinching and using his stick to disrupt plays.

Ideally - assuming some kind of positive developmental curve and all that - theyre so good at going the other way that it doesn't matter who theyre against.

With the influx of talent and speed that should maybe arrive a little this year and more so next year - they can play similar to the 2010 Hawks and ruin teams so bad in the neutral zone that it doesn't matter who is in goal since they're only seeing 23 shots \ night.

Other than Jones, the other 3 guys who have signed are all stand up the blue line and deny, not retreat from it. Bill's draft assessment of Rinzel mention good edge work and a good stick.

Potentially 4 guys who can stand up the blue line. Combine that with a bunch of fast heady tenacious players and they could be extremely difficult to play against.

My suspicion for Jones being on the block has less to do with the player himself or the money but more that he wouldn't really fit in that kind of system since he is not good at denying the blue line because he isn't good in any direction but forward.

What has Phillips done to endear himself to so many here? His analytics were Tinordi level and didn't seem to do much growing on-ice last year. Sure, probably not the best situations that they put him in, but he sure didn't do anything to help himself.
- Chunk

Prospect bias plus Chicago factor. Tries hard, hits guys, lunch pail whatever that people get all emotionally attached to.

Not very good on the ice though.

Based on talent, Phillips didn’t deserve to be called up before Del Mastro, Del Mastro was and is the better prospect. His play in junior was far more notable and he was on three International gold medal teams while playing for Canada, plus he was an All Star in his first year in the AHL. Phillips’ only notable award was being the Ice Hog’s Rookie of the year. Phillips was called up, because as you say, he had some time in the AHL and because of that there’s an urgency for the Hawks to see what they have before they lose him. Unfortunately for Phillips he hasn’t separated himself from other Hawk prospects because he doesn’t bring anything better or different. If he played the physical game I saw him play in junior I think he could make a case for himself but for whatever reason he didn’t play that type of game when he was called up.
- paulr

I'm sure the Hawks think these things thru but good bet wanting to see Phillips, Crevier too, in the NHL to indeed see what they have in them was a big factor, and in a lost season nothing to lose. The right move, IMO.

If one conceded EDM was a better prospect than Phillips, and he just might be, I would not say he was the guy to call up over Phillips or was a better pro than Phillips last yr. ..... Phillips earned his call up IMO.

I was both feet in on EDM until I saw him in the NHL. I posted then, and am still concerned, his feet were a deal breaker. Only two NHL games IIRC, and I've been known to be wrong, but the first thing I'll watch for from the very first Hawk hockey next yr will be EDM's skating.

And I watched all his WJC's where he earned a medal and took some heavy big minutes, and this only after an injury allowed him a roster spot his first WJC. Love these kinda kids/paths... Kid fit the profile of a solid possibility but as you know until they do it in the Bigs he's a question mark.

I feel safe saying Phillips is the better skater by a wide margin.

Where/when did he say this? I must have missed it.

Regardless, there's not really a place for him on the roster unless he proves to be fully healthy and reverts back to his former self. He's not a bottom-six player, and I'd imagine the options look much better in the spring for the 'Hawks who should have a good idea to where they'll be picking in 2025, which of the kids stepped up (or didn't), and what kind of contract Hall would theoretically be looking for.

If Kurashev takes his game up another notch this year, and/or Reichel finds his footing again and looks to be a piece they build with, then I just can't envision him re-signing. He'll probably sign a short-term deal with a contender.
- TommyHawk

I remember reading it last off season or during training camp, something along the lines that he is interested in being a part of the team when it's relevant again and hoping he has a home in Chicago.

Which is exactly it. At this time, they brought in two veterans this offseason that will see prioritized ice time (Martinez and Brodie); they'll be returning three players that are soundly better and have no chance of being scratched (Jones, Vlasic, Murphy). There's only one spot left at the bottom, and it makes sense to use on a kid or two that don't have a defined role in Rockford and have already had ample experience down there. Once Martinez is likely moved at the deadline, that will pave the way for one of Crevier or Phillips to really be given an opportunity at every-day ice time to impress the last 20 or so games before the team has to make a decision on bringing them back the following season or not. Worst case scenario they go back to Rockford in 2025 if KK/Levy are up by then.
- TommyHawk

They won't move anyone at the deadline. I highly doubt Martinez makes it more than 60 games. I wouldn't bet on Brodie making it much further. They got a platoon to account for injuries or some serious regression from Korchinski.

Vlasic - Jones
Korch - Martinez
whoever - Murphy
Brodie

And some kinda rotation between Martinez, Murphy and Brodie to make sure they don't fall completely apart this year. If all three are in the starting line up it shouldn't be seen as a positive thing.

Donato, Smith and Maroon are pretty easily replaceable. Guys like Joey Anderson should easily step in, and then Slaggert, Guttman, Rolston, Saarela, or even Dach could be given chances in the spring as bottom-six candidates.

Hall and AA are not as easily replaced internally, but maybe Nazar impresses in Rockford and gets called up for good in the spring. Maybe they afford to give one of the bottom-six forwards like Mikheyev or Richardinson a chance to skate higher in the lineup.

They'll have options. I'm sure not all of these guys end up being moved, but it would definitely hurt more to lose them for nothing in the summer instead of trading them should markets develop.
- TommyHawk

That doesn't fit the accountability model they've been banging on about.

If theyre not completely out of a playoff spot (like 10th and 9 points away from 8 which is mathematically impossible but mathematically possible to make up) I think theyre going to try to keep as competitive as possible and push to get those points and put a little bit of pressure on some of the younger guys in the line up.

edit: moving on from Donato or Maroon or Smith assuming Nazar is a regular starter by the deadline probably makes sense. def not everyone though.

Very true, but I'd be willing to bet the numbers would still look notably better than that.
- Chunk

Korch also spent a lot of the season skating with those guys.

I'm sure the Hawks think these things thru but good bet wanting to see Phillips, Crevier too, in the NHL to indeed see what they have in them was a big factor, and in a lost season nothing to lose. The right move, IMO.

If one conceded EDM was a better prospect than Phillips, and he just might be, I would not say he was the guy to call up over Phillips or was a better pro than Phillips last yr. ..... Phillips earned his call up IMO.

I was both feet in on EDM until I saw him in the NHL. I posted then, and am still concerned, his feet were a deal breaker. Only two NHL games IIRC, and I've been known to be wrong, but the first thing I'll watch for from the very first Hawk hockey next yr will be EDM's skating.

And I watched all his WJC's where he earned a medal and took some heavy big minutes, and this only after an injury allowed him a roster spot his first WJC. Love these kinda kids/paths... Kid fit the profile of a solid possibility but as you know until they do it in the Bigs he's a question mark.

I feel safe saying Phillips is the better skater by a wide margin.
- Mr Ricochet

I liked EDM on his call up, was at one of the games. Anyone who makes team Canada’s WJC team automatically gets a leg up for me against those who don’t have a pedigree.