Nazar for Dach i think KD may have won that trade. All over the ice tonight!
- SaskHawkFan

Dach for a pick, that turned into Nazar . Just splitting hairs , I say that looks like a win, time will tell.

Fun game to watch. Nice showing against a Top team. In a long crappy season at least this year for the most part they haven't been hard to watch. Not a fan of the results but you can see the future will be bright. Special teams rank in the top 10. This years trade deadline and this summers UFA season is going to hopefully take this team to the next step and finally out of the basement.

And to all of us Hawks fans that post here be kind to each other. We all come here to talk hockey. Its a nice escape from a crazy arse world. No need to make it anything other then about hockey!
- SaskHawkFan

Dach for a pick, that turned into Nazar . Just splitting hairs , I say that looks like a win, time will tell.
- oldduffman

Nazar and Gavin Hayes

3-1-4-3-1
Trade, trade like the wind GM KFC!

I swore i was done posting on this site.

But I am going to say again what I said a month ago. There is a fundamental issue in this front office. There is no direction and no leadership.

Agents around the league have rated the Blackhawks front office as the worst in the league. And I knew this over a year ago, after talking to an agent that represents several NHL players.

The whole Seth Jones situation has been allowed to fester, especially after Foligno was awarded with the "C". Seth Jones has been nothing but a problem in that locker room. Several veterans are mentally checked out, and some the young players don't know what to think of it.

If they had a G.M. that knew what he was doing, he would have stripped Jones of his "A", and every time he mouths off to the media, he should be sent to the press box for a few games, or call it an "injury" and sit him until they find a trade partner that can absorb his contract.

And contrary to what the hockey geniuses say here, Seth Jones has value in this league. 6"4' Right handed defensemen that can skate and score well are in short supply, no matter his compete level on one of the worst teams in the NHL.

The few people left on this site will be surprised at what comes back in trade for him, without retaining any salary.

I know the people here so far like the drafts Kyle has had, but there is so much more to being a G.M., and he is seriously failing at the big picture.
- dahawks8819

We were the worst organization ever in any league in the 2000s when dollar bill was running the show. By the end of the decade we won a SC.

If you are referring to the agents poll, they always pick a winner except for Carolina, hahaha.

This is what a gut rebuild looks like, it's not that they aren't willing to spend, they don't want to over spend for trash. Went from bottom 3 to top 3 minor league system in 3 years. Developing guys at different pro levels right now. In line for another top 4 pick which is actually a good thing in a rebuild. It's a weird concept but you want to be the worst so you can draft the best players in the world.

Many people have short memories, i remember the days when Toronto, Florida, TB, Edmonton, Dallas were trash franchises.


It'll be interesting to see how Boston, Pittsburgh, Rags do now that their teams have hit the wall age wise. Nashville went on a winning streak last year and that fool went out and signed a bunch of old declining players to stupid contracts and now that franchise is handcuffed.

We were the worst organization ever in any league in the 2000s when dollar bill was running the show. By the end of the decade we won a SC.

If you are referring to the agents poll, they always pick a winner except for Carolina, hahaha.

This is what a gut rebuild looks like, it's not that they aren't willing to spend, they don't want to over spend for trash. Went from bottom 3 to top 3 minor league system in 3 years. Developing guys at different pro levels right now. In line for another top 4 pick which is actually a good thing in a rebuild. It's a weird concept but you want to be the worst so you can draft the best players in the world.

Many people have short memories, i remember the days when Toronto, Florida, TB, Edmonton, Dallas were trash franchises.


It'll be interesting to see how Boston, Pittsburgh, Rags do now that their teams have hit the wall age wise. Nashville went on a winning streak last year and that fool went out and signed a bunch of old declining players to stupid contracts and now that franchise is handcuffed.
- BetweenTheDots

Perhaps but like the Cubs being a big market team and long history, the money is there and this organization should never rebuild. Simply continue to reload and be meticulous with asset management. Hawks need a clean slate with the FO. Keep the new contract guy and bring in the right GM for the job who'll be accountable for bringing in the right coach and system, then never look back. Easier said than done, but at least it's a plan which is a lot more than I can say for anyone in this FO sans the contract guy.

Perhaps but like the Cubs being a big market team and long history, the money is there and this organization should never rebuild. Simply continue to reload and be meticulous with asset management. Hawks need a clean slate with the FO. Keep the new contract guy and bring in the right GM for the job who'll be accountable for bringing in the right coach and system, then never look back. Easier said than done, but at least it's a plan which is a lot more than I can say for anyone in this FO sans the contract guy.
- Assman22

So are you blaming KD for Bowman missteps? Let's see who KD hires as a coach? Last thing i want is a guy like Trotz coming in here and giving cash and term to a bunch of 30 plus year old hockey players. Remember there's a hard cap.

According to my book on a rebuild, before the next season starts, since there is no prominent top 6 forward than Bedard on this team, trade for a young one who's most likely due for a nice contract.

Draft best available in the top 4, see if any of the forwards takes the next step next season and if not trade for another prominent top 6 forward..... and by that year we should be pushing over 80 points with all the other young talent filling out the roster.

So are you blaming KD for Bowman missteps? Let's see who KD hires as a coach? Last thing i want is a guy like Trotz coming in here and giving cash and term to a bunch of 30 plus year old hockey players. Remember there's a hard cap.
- BetweenTheDots

We haven’t seen KD handle contracts yet. We haven’t seen a good hockey trade (one involving one player for another to make the team better). We haven’t seen a good free agent signing. I said right from the get go that aside from dismantling the team, stockpiling draft picks and making draft selections there is a ton more things KD has to do. So far he hasn’t shown he can do them. If he doesn’t start he will be gone and someone with a completely different vision will be in his place. Maybe he needs an experienced GM to assist him with these things?

Perhaps but like the Cubs being a big market team and long history, the money is there and this organization should never rebuild. Simply continue to reload and be meticulous with asset management. Hawks need a clean slate with the FO. Keep the new contract guy and bring in the right GM for the job who'll be accountable for bringing in the right coach and system, then never look back. Easier said than done, but at least it's a plan which is a lot more than I can say for anyone in this FO sans the contract guy.
- Assman22

KD needs to stay another year, getting rid of him prolongs the rebuild. He has almost completed phase 1(picking top ten)and started phase 2 with the TT and Bertuzzi signings. After this next draft he should be ready to make a large move or two, whether through FA or trades, or both. This summer will determine his GM career.

We haven’t seen KD handle contracts yet. We haven’t seen a good hockey trade (one involving one player for another to make the team better). We haven’t seen a good free agent signing. I said right from the get go that aside from dismantling the team, stockpiling draft picks and making draft selections there is a ton more things KD has to do. So far he hasn’t shown he can do them. If he doesn’t start he will be gone and someone with a completely different vision will be in his place. Maybe he needs an experienced GM to assist him with these things?
- paulr

I think TT and Bertuzzi were good FA signings.

I swore i was done posting on this site.

But I am going to say again what I said a month ago. There is a fundamental issue in this front office. There is no direction and no leadership.

Agents around the league have rated the Blackhawks front office as the worst in the league. And I knew this over a year ago, after talking to an agent that represents several NHL players.

The whole Seth Jones situation has been allowed to fester, especially after Foligno was awarded with the "C". Seth Jones has been nothing but a problem in that locker room. Several veterans are mentally checked out, and some the young players don't know what to think of it.

If they had a G.M. that knew what he was doing, he would have stripped Jones of his "A", and every time he mouths off to the media, he should be sent to the press box for a few games, or call it an "injury" and sit him until they find a trade partner that can absorb his contract.

And contrary to what the hockey geniuses say here, Seth Jones has value in this league. 6"4' Right handed defensemen that can skate and score well are in short supply, no matter his compete level on one of the worst teams in the NHL.

The few people left on this site will be surprised at what comes back in trade for him, without retaining any salary.

I know the people here so far like the drafts Kyle has had, but there is so much more to being a G.M., and he is seriously failing at the big picture.
- dahawks8819

Actually agree with this 100% and appreciate you taking the time to vent here, thanks DH!

I think TT and Bertuzzi were good FA signings.
- BetweenTheDots

They were OK signings. Neither are top 6 players. If you could go back in time would you like to see them signed again? I sure wouldn’t. And the Vlasic signing was excellent. If KD wants to keep his job he has to make the team significantly better next season and to do that requires trades and free agent signings. If he doesn’t I’m afraid he’s done.

We haven’t seen KD handle contracts yet. We haven’t seen a good hockey trade (one involving one player for another to make the team better). We haven’t seen a good free agent signing. I said right from the get go that aside from dismantling the team, stockpiling draft picks and making draft selections there is a ton more things KD has to do. So far he hasn’t shown he can do them. If he doesn’t start he will be gone and someone with a completely different vision will be in his place. Maybe he needs an experienced GM to assist him with these things?
- paulr

Agreed, Kyle From Wherever is and has shown he's completely in over his head. didn't do much last deadline and believe the only transaction he made was Beauviller for 5th rounder and the deadline before that he was simply tearing down what was left for picks. This deadline has to be different or he has to go or be demoted.

I assume the poll being discussed is this one, where they polled 19 agents from Nov Nov 19 to Feb 23.

What is the best front office to deal with?

Minnesota - 6
Tampa Bay - 6
Dallas - 4
Colorado - 2
Detroit - 2
NYI - 2
Philly - 2
Vancouver - 2
Anaheim, Boston, Calgary, Chicago, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Montreal, Nashville, New Jersey, N.Y. Rangers, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Vegas, Washington and Winnipeg also received one vote each. Seven teams didn't receive a vote.

What is the most difficult front office to deal with in the league?

Anaheim - 8
Carolina - 4
NYI - 4
Boston - 2
Nashville - 2
Vegas - 2
Chicago, Detroit, Florida, New Jersey, Ottawa, Toronto also received one vote each.

Which is the most unstable or poorly run franchise?
Buffalo - 6
Anaheim - 5
Chicago - 4
SJ - 4
Carolina - 3
Detroit - 2
NYI - 2
Calgary, Nashville, N.Y. Rangers, Ottawa, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh also received one vote each.

Outside the top 2 or 3, this seems like pretty much just a crap shoot of preference from individuals.

The "unstable or poorly run franchise" the complaint against the Hawks was some generic rambling about them not seeming to have a plan. It's about the biggest load of nonsense considering they stated their plan and they are doing exactly what they said they'd do. The results might be a year behind or so, but they've demonstrated patience to stick to their plan.

They were OK signings. Neither are top 6 players. If you could go back in time would you like to see them signed again? I sure wouldn’t. And the Vlasic signing was excellent. If KD wants to keep his job he has to make the team significantly better next season and to do that requires trades and free agent signings. If he doesn’t I’m afraid he’s done.
- paulr

Really?

TT is on pace for 60 points. He is right in line with expectations and playing pretty much on par with his normal game.

Bertuzzi, I've felt he was always a bit overrated but he is on pace to score 24 goals. That's pretty average for a top 6 forward. These guys were 4th and 5th in minutes for their previous team's forward group, securely in the "top 6" with a playoff bound team. Both guys are signed for less than 6Mil AAV.

Both guys would be playing in the top 6 on most NHL teams. They are a little higher up the pecking order in Chicago than they would be, because we are lacking the extra couple star players up front, but these guys weren't paid to be star players either, just guys who play in the top 6.

Really?

TT is on pace for 60 points. He is right in line with expectations and playing pretty much on par with his normal game.

Bertuzzi, I've felt he was always a bit overrated but he is on pace to score 24 goals. That's pretty average for a top 6 forward. These guys were 4th and 5th in minutes for their previous team's forward group, securely in the "top 6" with a playoff bound team. Both guys are signed for less than 6Mil AAV.

Both guys would be playing in the top 6 on most NHL teams. They are a little higher up the pecking order in Chicago than they would be, because we are lacking the extra couple star players up front, but these guys weren't paid to be star players either, just guys who play in the top 6.
- breadbag

He has 20pts at even strength 5 on 5. 19 on the pp. He’s been ok. His 5 on 5 play has been bad for long stretches.

Perhaps but like the Cubs being a big market team and long history, the money is there and this organization should never rebuild. Simply continue to reload and be meticulous with asset management. Hawks need a clean slate with the FO. Keep the new contract guy and bring in the right GM for the job who'll be accountable for bringing in the right coach and system, then never look back. Easier said than done, but at least it's a plan which is a lot more than I can say for anyone in this FO sans the contract guy.
- Assman22

Just curious, what did we have to give up for these unidentified good young players somebody was wanting to trade us? Baseball has no cap, see LA Dodgers.

Agreed, Kyle From Wherever is and has shown he's completely in over his head. didn't do much last deadline and believe the only transaction he made was Beauviller for 5th rounder and the deadline before that he was simply tearing down what was left for picks. This deadline has to be different or he has to go or be demoted.
- Assman22

Maybe he is but how so? You say it a lot without any actual examples. That’s two deadlines. Last year if you look at the roster what playoff teams out there were champing at the bit to add a Tyler Johnson or a McKenzie Entwistle or whatever other tweener was on the roster.

You’re correct, he should be more active this deadline and probably will be due to the fact they actually have a few players other teams may want as rentals.

Charlie Roumeliotis
@CRoumeliotis

#Blackhawks recall forward Andreas Athanasiou and defenseman Wyatt Kaiser.

Nolan Allan has been assigned to AHL’s Rockford IceHogs.

Not too surprising. Honestly Allan has struggled a fair bit under Sorensen and I thought they would have sent him down in Jan.

I assume the poll being discussed is this one, where they polled 19 agents from Nov Nov 19 to Feb 23.

What is the best front office to deal with?

Minnesota - 6
Tampa Bay - 6
Dallas - 4
Colorado - 2
Detroit - 2
NYI - 2
Philly - 2
Vancouver - 2
Anaheim, Boston, Calgary, Chicago, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Montreal, Nashville, New Jersey, N.Y. Rangers, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Vegas, Washington and Winnipeg also received one vote each. Seven teams didn't receive a vote.

What is the most difficult front office to deal with in the league?

Anaheim - 8
Carolina - 4
NYI - 4
Boston - 2
Nashville - 2
Vegas - 2
Chicago, Detroit, Florida, New Jersey, Ottawa, Toronto also received one vote each.

Which is the most unstable or poorly run franchise?
Buffalo - 6
Anaheim - 5
Chicago - 4
SJ - 4
Carolina - 3
Detroit - 2
NYI - 2
Calgary, Nashville, N.Y. Rangers, Ottawa, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh also received one vote each.

Outside the top 2 or 3, this seems like pretty much just a crap shoot of preference from individuals.

The "unstable or poorly run franchise" the complaint against the Hawks was some generic rambling about them not seeming to have a plan. It's about the biggest load of nonsense considering they stated their plan and they are doing exactly what they said they'd do. The results might be a year behind or so, but they've demonstrated patience to stick to their plan.
- breadbag

These agents just like Scott Boras was when the Cubs torn it down are mad a big $ team with lots of cap space isn't upping the bidding for their players. Even though their players have no plans of coming to Chicago presently.

Maybe he is but how so? You say it a lot without any actual examples. That’s two deadlines. Last year if you look at the roster what playoff teams out there were champing at the bit to add a Tyler Johnson or a McKenzie Entwistle or whatever other tweener was on the roster.

You’re correct, he should be more active this deadline and probably will be due to the fact they actually have a few players other teams may want as rentals.
- HawkintheD

There are some parts that could be moving. This is all very much IMO, so feel free to shoot me down.

Almost certainly gone via trade - Donato
Decent chance to be moved - Martinez and Smith
Maybe there is a deal - Murphy, Richardinson, Jones, Mrazek, Kurashev, Reichel.

I think yesterdays game and this season (as a whole) are a good example of just how movable Murphy would be. Out of all the vets on D, he has been arguable the most reliable, physical and arguably the best shot blocker. Health is a concern, but there might be a deal to be made, there were reports of interest that I've heard about.

Jones, who knows what will really happen, but it's possible we get moved, he checks a lot of boxes for teams still, even if his salary is a bit high.

Richardinson - I don't know if they will consider moving him or not but he sounded a bit "checked out" of the rebuild. He might need a change of scenery.

Mrazek has reverted to 22/23 form where he was worse than Soderblom/Stauber/Stalock. This season Soderblom has been a solid step or two ahead of him about 80% of the time. If there is a deal to be had, maybe time to move on, especially if Brossoit will actually return to playing. One good season out of three isn't enough for me to say they have to keep Mrazek.

They missed the boat on moving Kurashev last year, but have to think the rope is running out and maybe they just try to get "something" for him. Otherwise he might end up unqualified RFA going to UFA.

Reichel might be a guy that just ends up not fitting into the Hawks plans considering he can't stay out of the doghouse. There are things to really like about him, but a lot of the criticism seems justified. Maybe he is used in part of a deal to bring back another young player with a different skillset who needs a new opportunity or packaged with a young D? Have to think there are probably a couple GM that would consider him intriguing for the right price.

Charlie Roumeliotis
@CRoumeliotis

#Blackhawks recall forward Andreas Athanasiou and defenseman Wyatt Kaiser.

Nolan Allan has been assigned to AHL’s Rockford IceHogs.

Not too surprising. Honestly Allan has struggled a fair bit under Sorensen and I thought they would have sent him down in Jan.
- breadbag

One last ditch hope to deal AA at the deadline?

Maybe he is but how so? You say it a lot without any actual examples. That’s two deadlines. Last year if you look at the roster what playoff teams out there were champing at the bit to add a Tyler Johnson or a McKenzie Entwistle or whatever other tweener was on the roster.

You’re correct, he should be more active this deadline and probably will be due to the fact they actually have a few players other teams may want as rentals.
- HawkintheD

I think that probably centers around the fact he claimed the team was going to be better this year and win more games. Those were his stated objectives for this year. He has at least 2 times, that we know of, gone and lit into the team for not winning more games/effort.

It appears he significantly overvalued the talent on the roster. Instead of taking any responsibility for that he fired a coach for under performing, along with ripping into the player at least twice. I have not heard him once say we need to do better as a front office. Zero accountability from the front office this season with respect to the on ice product.

Idk about other posters but that would certainly rub me the wrong way if I was a player on the team.

Charlie Roumeliotis
@CRoumeliotis

#Blackhawks recall forward Andreas Athanasiou and defenseman Wyatt Kaiser.

Nolan Allan has been assigned to AHL’s Rockford IceHogs.

Not too surprising. Honestly Allan has struggled a fair bit under Sorensen and I thought they would have sent him down in Jan.
- breadbag

All for Kaiser being called up and indifferent on AA, but why the hell is Allan being sent down while this organization continues to employ TJ Brodie AND play him? What can a kid do that is worse than Brodie? I dont think its possible.

The fact Brodie hasn't been put on waivers to make way to get a young kid NEEDED NHL experience playing 12+ minutes a night is a direct reflection on how inept Davidson is. Waive him, send him down, and wait for his agent to come crying and then terminate his deal.