When they also needed outfielders, an infielder and at lest one more starting pitcher.

That's really the point is they did not spend on big name players and where they did spend they've spent very poorly and they over valued their system guys too much.
- fattybeef

It's unbelievable when a guy like Tim Anderson, a batting champ, pulls a Jason Heyward. Nobody can plan for that.

Yes, Rantanen is one of the best players in the league, an absolute beast on the puck and off the puck and would be as close as you could get to a literal Hossa type signing.
- fattybeef

We'd need to be at 8x$15M assuming he hits the market.

When they also needed outfielders, an infielder and at lest one more starting pitcher.

That's really the point is they did not spend on big name players and where they did spend they've spent very poorly and they over valued their system guys too much.
- fattybeef

Sorry Fatty. Still apples and oranges. The Hawks are two years into an actual rebuild where the Sox still have absolutely no identity. I don't follow baseball anymore but I don't need to to see a franchise that's completely adrift.

Whether you like it or not, I get the promoting exec from within angle but it's still not the same thing. Reinsdorf promoted a guy overseeing their prospects development that had produced nothing and KFC doesn't sound anything like Getz to me.

He has a plan and he's sticking to it...again whether you like it or not. It's year two of him adding to the roster. He added Teuvo and Bert this year. While they haven't exactly set the world on fire they are about what I'd have hoped he'd add. Maybe this offseason he adds or trades for a bigger name but maybe let's let things play out before we start comparing them to the worst run franchise in the city by a country mile.

As poorly run as the Bears are the WS have surged past them taking incompetence and lack of direction to new heights. They are the Dunder Mifflin of Chicago sports teams.

Nick Lardis’ Brantford Bulldogs play Oshawa tonight. Lardis is on a three game 11 point scoring streak. Let’s see if he can continue his tun and into the discussion to make Canada’s World Junior team.

I don’t believe that Crevier and Phillips will be NHL defensemen, however from what I’ve seen of EDM, I do believe he will be a solid defensive dman in the league, probably not top four, but you never know. One more thing, have not read any negative posts on the BOD in regards to Murphy in weeks, not directed at you. He’s been solid back there, unless you get a very nice offer I’d keep him around, how long depends on Arty.
- Angotti

The talk about the spare dmen prospects currently in Rockford ( Crevier press box NHL until he goes back down) is getting old and there isn't really anything new about them or their performance this season. I will sum it up shortly about each.

Phillips has decision issues and criticized fir not being good in his own end, but has a good tool set and if you want to keep him around ( in AHL) you can hope after enough pro years he turns a.corner and could be somewhat better i.e.his weaknesses are not as constant each game.

Crevier has that reach and is not really bad at anything but he doesn't play aggressive/check hard....so with him he needs to show consistency
since he is not going to become a shutdown defender by smarts experience talent IMHO he might have a chance because he seems smart and isn't making blunders like Phillips

EDM is described well in a post above. He has what it takes to become a solid third pair despite his skating which is average even maybe a bit slow for NHL. Just do your job, smart and efficient, willing to be physical and he has ability to move puck through pass or skating it out just aforementioned a bit slow. He could become a reliable third pair because you can count on him to not make mistakes and play a sound game. He is a leader type too who just needs reps. Maybe another year tjen I expect he eventually becomes a solid third pair in NHL. Wiz echoes this about EDM

I realize I wrote a bit longer about EDM but he is the dman I like best beyond the big time prospects KK and Arty

Allen I don't think is going back to the AHL..In fact he could take Murphys job at trade deadline

Nick Lardis’ Brantford Bulldogs play Oshawa tonight. Lardis is on a three game 11 point scoring streak. Let’s see if he can continue his tun and into the discussion to make Canada’s World Junior team.
- paulr

It looks like Brantford are wearing Cooperalls, if anyone remembers what they are.

Not really.

Forsling looked like a player under Q. JC (frank)ed up a lot of players.

Completely different scenario from someone who may be slightly immature but reads the game well and just needs experience vs someone who has been stewing for a while but still doesn't seem to know where to be on the ice or what to do with the puck.
- fattybeef

Maybe with Florida but not with us. The three kids that are playing the left side on this team today are outplaying Forsling by a country mile when he looked lost for us.
Some players just develop later good for him but let's not act like he was anything more than another sh itty dmen for the Blackhawks back then.

It's unbelievable when a guy like Tim Anderson, a batting champ, pulls a Jason Heyward. Nobody can plan for that.
- rpeters01

That was crazy

Thank you, BM. Anytime you don't have 4-5-6 NTDP kids in the conversation for the 1st rd it's a down yr. .... But, it's still The Program and when these kids see the opponent's colors and crest you're gonna see some spirited hockey... I can't wait.

You gonna tune in, BM?
- Mr Ricochet

Yeah Rico, hope to watch the November 26 game, but family coming over Wednesday for Pre-Thanksgiving festivities so I'll probably miss the 2nd game.
I'm assuming some future Hawks will be on the ice. Personally I'm leaning towards Martone or Misa for the Hawks selection. Them along with Hagens and Schaefer should be in the top 4.

And I always look forward to the WJC beginning December 26.

Nick Lardis’ Brantford Bulldogs play Oshawa tonight. Lardis is on a three game 11 point scoring streak. Let’s see if he can continue his tun and into the discussion to make Canada’s World Junior team.
- paulr

3 minutes into the game and Lardis hasn't scored yet. WTF.

3 minutes into the game and Lardis hasn't scored yet. WTF.
- boilermaker100

Five minutes in and there have been two fights and two scrums. Retro pants and retro play, it looks like the 1970s again.

Maybe with Florida but not with us. The three kids that are playing the left side on this team today are outplaying Forsling by a country mile when he looked lost for us.
Some players just develop later good for him but let's not act like he was anything more than another sh itty dmen for the Blackhawks back then.
- BetweenTheDots

He had a good shot and could skate but was generally not so great in his own zone as I recall. Like you said, good for him though.

3 minutes into the game and Lardis hasn't scored yet. WTF.
- boilermaker100

Disappointing...[SMH]...maybe a change of scenery trade is needed.

Disappointing...
- HawkintheD[SMH]...maybe a change of scenery trade is needed.

He’s obviously an overrated and overhyped bust.

That was crazy
- BetweenTheDots

He bulked up muscle wise and never was the same hitter again. I personally would not be surprised if he took performance enhancing product but after the batting title he just got slower and appeared to loose his ability Not bouncing back when he had off season and new start in Miami unless he needs a couple years to get back in the form he once possessed. I wouldn’t bet on it. I think he does drugs if not taking sports enhancing product. He is someone I have doubt can make it back

Forsling showed ability to play react high speed and a good shot with Chicago but needed developmental time his game overall. He matured with pro experience. He should have been kept around and allowed to develop in AHL. Blame coaching and GM mistakes with Forsling in Chicago

You have to be able to see if a dman might develop and Forsling was a candidate whereas now I have my doubts about Phillips. But when you have the tool set you can let them play longer in AHL if you can keep his contract among the total number you are allowed - what is it NHL/Minor league pro # of contracts allowed

It looks like Brantford are wearing Cooperalls, if anyone remembers what they are.

- paulr

Is that what the Flyers and Whalers wore?

Rinzel with a goal. Moore with an assist. 2nd period.

Hey Capn, I enjoy and get a lot outa your posts. Keep them and your question coming. .....

McQeen is outa the WHL, plays for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Here is what I know from my eyes. Kid is a beast at 6ft 5in and plays center! Power player with real skill in his hands. This is obvious and will get any NHL types attention, and should.

Don't take this to the bank but I think he battled back issues this yr. Big prospects with bad backs keep GMs up at night with the worry that that will be an issue.

I need to watch more of him to say anything definitive, well as definitive as I can be with a 17-18 yr old hockey player. .... Very very intriguing but with Misa on the board with no apparent health issues as legit top 6 NHL centerman they'll pass on anyone else other than Hagens.

Edit: totem watches the WHL a lot and is a very solid evaluator. I'm positive he knows a bunch more than I do about McQeen.......... Yo totem, you out there? Thoughts on McQueen?
- Mr Ricochet

I only saw McQueen for one period and he scored 3 goals. For his size he is very agile, handles the puck well, gets open, and has a pretty good shot. Did not see any Cayden Lindstrom type physical play from him. Have been checking to find another game to watch him, but he is still out with an "upper body injury" (not sure exactly what that is), and he will miss the prospects game next week, too. Am wondering how it will affect his draft status if there isn't any recent tape on him. Obvious upside but I have no idea about his defense or physical play.

It's interesting, I'm still expecting the Hawks to draft 6-10, even though they are top 4 now. Could be a spot where McQueen has slipped down, and Malcolm Spence is there. Spence looks to me like a Hawks pick, I have to remind myself that they haven't already drafted him. Would make a good debate at about #8 or so. Still like G Ravensbergen for the Toronto pick, even though he is slumping a bit this year.

Each time I watch Erie, Ty Henry is everywhere. There might be some real potential there.

Rinzel with a goal. Moore with an assist. 2nd period.
- rickboardman

Nazar with a goal

Lardis assists on Brantford’s first goal.

I only saw McQueen for one period and he scored 3 goals. For his size he is very agile, handles the puck well, gets open, and has a pretty good shot. Did not see any Cayden Lindstrom type physical play from him. Have been checking to find another game to watch him, but he is still out with an "upper body injury" (not sure exactly what that is), and he will miss the prospects game next week, too. Am wondering how it will affect his draft status if there isn't any recent tape on him. Obvious upside but I have no idea about his defense or physical play.

It's interesting, I'm still expecting the Hawks to draft 6-10, even though they are top 4 now. Could be a spot where McQueen has slipped down, and Malcolm Spence is there. Spence looks to me like a Hawks pick, I have to remind myself that they haven't already drafted him. Would make a good debate at about #8 or so. Still like G Ravensbergen for the Toronto pick, even though he is slumping a bit this year.

Each time I watch Erie, Ty Henry is everywhere. There might be some real potential there.
- totem

Spence is leading the OHL with three short handed goals.

Nazar with a goal
- rickboardman

Oliver Moore with a goal.

Oliver Moore with a goal.
- rickboardman

And he gets a goal and he gets a goal everyone gets a goal.

I know it's not realistic to expect all our draft picks to make the big club, but boy it's fun that many are playing well in their respected leagues.

And he gets a goal and he gets a goal everyone gets a goal.

I know it's not realistic to expect all our draft picks to make the big club, but boy it's fun that many are playing well in their respected leagues.
- BetweenTheDots

So fun to follow the kids. Many have real talent.

Rinzel with another goal.

Maybe with Florida but not with us. The three kids that are playing the left side on this team today are outplaying Forsling by a country mile when he looked lost for us.
Some players just develop later good for him but let's not act like he was anything more than another sh itty dmen for the Blackhawks back then.
- BetweenTheDots

Forsling looked like a NHL player under Q. He looked like ass (like the rest of the team) with JC as the coach.