Tyler Cameron: 5 IceHogs That Could Make an Impact in Chicago
Here are my top 5 players that project as living in the NHL/AHL bubble as the roster stands today that could find themselves on the Hawks roster in October or at some point in the 2019-2020 season due to trades, signings and/or injuries.

For all the Blackhawk smurf haters, from Puckin Hostile:

“The league is changing” -“they” said

The Blues are on the verge of making the conf finals and have only 2 players under 6’ and only 7 of their 24 rostered skaters are under 200lbs.

The Sharks are ALL 5’11” or taller and have 15 rostered skaters over 200 lbs.

For all the Blackhawk smurf haters, from Puckin Hostile:

“The league is changing” -“they” said

The Blues are on the verge of making the conf finals and have only 2 players under 6’ and only 7 of their 24 rostered skaters are under 200lbs.

The Sharks are ALL 5’11” or taller and have 15 rostered skaters over 200 lbs.
- scottak

In many ways the league has changed. It's faster, there's less obstruction, the skill level is higher and I'd argue in many ways the on ice product is better. Arguing about player size is dumb because there are lots of smaller player who excel and lots of bigger player who don't and some smaller players aren't very good and some bigger players are very good.

As for what Rockford players will get called up, as soon as I saw that Versteeg was signed I figured if he had a good training camp he's be on the team.

In the last blog, 6628 said: I'm willing to give Colliton a longer leash because he played internationally for Canada and actually made the show, even if it was brief. I think he has a clue. All he has done is try to crawl out of a hole. I'd like to see things go well for a bit and then hit a losing streak and see how he handles it and pulls out of it. That's when we will know what the hawks have in JC. [/I]

In this blog, I say: the test of Colliton as a coach will be (in addition to your test) to see if he can win when he is SUPPOSED to win - when more of the players are in place and he's had time to implement his "systems".

In your possible line-up and Rockford hopefuls (and I'm not taking your lines as gospel), it seems that there are only 4 top-six forwards for sure: Toews, Kane, DeBrincat, Strome.

The others who will certainly (?) make the team - Saad, Anisimov, Kahun, Caggiula, Kampf - are almost certainly 3rd-4th liners (except, maybe, Saad).

The rest of the hopefuls - Hayden, Perlini, Sakura, Highmore, Nilsson - I don't see a "for sure" top-sixer in the bunch. Maybe Perlini, maybe Sikura, maybe Highmore...maybes "if".

We continually say that defense is a problem with this team - and certainly, at the NHL level it is - but in the system, there seem to be a lot more potential top-4 blue liners than potential top-six forwards.

In the last blog, 6628 said: I'm willing to give Colliton a longer leash because he played internationally for Canada and actually made the show, even if it was brief. I think he has a clue. All he has done is try to crawl out of a hole. I'd like to see things go well for a bit and then hit a losing streak and see how he handles it and pulls out of it. That's when we will know what the hawks have in JC.
- StLBravesFan[/I]

In this blog, I say: the test of Colliton as a coach will be (in addition to your test) to see if he can win when he is SUPPOSED to win - when more of the players are in place and he's had time to implement his "systems".

I agree with you. JC was brought in during one of the lowest points in the recent Hawks history to basically do damage control and start to change the shape of the team. It was an UGLY start to his head coach career, but he moved the needle enough to earn a real shot to prove he can coach an NHL team. Expectations were low last year because of the situation he inherited.

Good writeup Tyler.

X – Toews – Kane
DeBrincat – Strome – Perlini (RFA)
Saad – Anisimov – Kahun
Caggiula – Kampf (RFA) – Hayden

Keith – Gustafsson
X – Jokiharju
Murphy – Seabrook

Crawford
Delia

If Sikura and Forsling sign and slide into the openings above, the Hawks will ice basically the same team as last year. A lot has been said about the benefits of a full training camp to implement JC's system and thus improve the team, but I wouldn't mind seeing some roster changes.

I like your idea about moving AA. I think he would only return a draft choice or lower prospect. EbonyRaptor has mentioned previously about Kahun playing center in the world championship tournament. Maybe he can slide into 3C with Kabulik on his wing. Net savings of $3.5M in cap space which would be needed in 20/21.

And do we want the same 7 defensemen next season?. Bless their souls, but Seabs and Keith will be a year older. And what if Gus doesn't improve his D and Forsling and Dahlstrom are what they are? Let's hope a top 4 D is on Stan's shopping list. Perhaps signing someone like Chiarot (Winnipeg UFA) for $3M or McNabb/Miller trade acquisition from VGK at $2.5M/3.875M. Vegas wouldn't want money back. Maybe trade them the pick obtained from the AA trade or a Koekkoek if they want a body.

If Hayden and or Perlini struggle, give one of the Rockford prospects a chance.

In your possible line-up and Rockford hopefuls (and I'm not taking your lines as gospel), it seems that there are only 4 top-six forwards for sure: Toews, Kane, DeBrincat, Strome.

The others who will certainly (?) make the team - Saad, Anisimov, Kahun, Caggiula, Kampf - are almost certainly 3rd-4th liners (except, maybe, Saad).

The rest of the hopefuls - Hayden, Perlini, Sakura, Highmore, Nilsson - I don't see a "for sure" top-sixer in the bunch. Maybe Perlini, maybe Sikura, maybe Highmore...maybes "if".

We continually say that defense is a problem with this team - and certainly, at the NHL level it is - but in the system, there seem to be a lot more potential top-4 blue liners than potential top-six forwards.
- StLBravesFan

A good reason to use the #3 pick on a forward like Cozens instead of a defenseman like Byram.

Also I think Entwhistle and Hagel have the potential to help out the Hawks the year after next. Along with a Cozens type and if Sikura develops, Hawks will have depth at forward and defense. But it's still a year away.

Edit - Add Kurashev as a potential future forward.

From the last blog in response to Breadman:

So I've been away from hawks news for a while ... Soderlund & Hakkarainen, ice hog guarantees or dark horses? What do you guys think?
- I Am The Breadman

Ice Hog regulars for next season, then challenge as dark horse candidates a year later. Of the current prospects, IMO, dark horses may include:

- Kurashev and Entwistle, don't think they make it but will be the last cuts. I think R Johnson will really surprise; loved his game in his brief stint with the Hogs after Red Deer.

- Boqvist will have a strong camp but will be one of the last cuts again back to London (or Rockford if the Hawks decide he is better getting pro experience). Beaudin is a dark horse, too.

- Carlsson and Gilbert are the realistic D prospects to have a chance to possibly make the team out of camp.

- I guess Forsling and Koekkoek (if they're resigned) but they're sort of expected to make the team at this point given how many years they've been in the pros.

-Same goes for L Johnson and Highmore as far as forward prospects go.

Panarin Toews Kane
Cat Strome Caufield
Saad Kahun Kubilik
Caggiula Kampf Perlini/Sikura/Enwhistle

Keith Gus
FA Joki
Murphy Seabrook

In your possible line-up and Rockford hopefuls (and I'm not taking your lines as gospel), it seems that there are only 4 top-six forwards for sure: Toews, Kane, DeBrincat, Strome.

The others who will certainly (?) make the team - Saad, Anisimov, Kahun, Caggiula, Kampf - are almost certainly 3rd-4th liners (except, maybe, Saad).

The rest of the hopefuls - Hayden, Perlini, Sakura, Highmore, Nilsson - I don't see a "for sure" top-sixer in the bunch. Maybe Perlini, maybe Sikura, maybe Highmore...maybes "if".

We continually say that defense is a problem with this team - and certainly, at the NHL level it is - but in the system, there seem to be a lot more potential top-4 blue liners than potential top-six forwards.
- StLBravesFan

I'll make a case for Saad being a top 6 guy. (In my book he is a solid 2nd line player)

-3rd in EV ice-time per game behind Toews/Kane for the Hawks forward group.
-23rd in goals (and 23rd in points) for guys listed as "LW" in the NHL
-Likely his 47 points would be 55+ if he played on PP unit 1 and wasn't deployed to bolster the 3rd line.

To me, Saad is more "for sure" a top 6 guy than Strome is. Strome has potential, but has not proven it over time yet.

You are right, that there are not a lot of "top 6" types at Rockford or waiting in the wings. I don't know if this is just the Hawks issue though, because when I look at the lineups for a lot of NHL teams, I don't see many with more than 4-5 legit top 6 guys. This is just my take, but I think our bottom 6 is still below average at both end of the rink.

A good reason to use the #3 pick on a forward like Cozens instead of a defenseman like Byram.

Also I think Entwhistle and Hagel have the potential to help out the Hawks the year after next. Along with a Cozens type and if Sikura develops, Hawks will have depth at forward and defense. But it's still a year away.

Edit - Add Kurashev as a potential future forward.
- boilermaker100

Good call on Hagel as a prospect who could push for NHL time next season. In his brief stint with the Hogs to close out the year, he was all over the ice. Great forechecking, puck always seems to find him, defensively aware, nose for getting to scoring areas.

Panarin Toews Kane
Cat Strome Caufield
Saad Kahun Kubilik
Caggiula Kampf Perlini/Sikura/Enwhistle

Keith Gus
FA Joki
Murphy Seabrook
- SoftServe

Not a chance in hell. Caufield may be the pick (but I doubt it) but there is no way the sign Panarin

I agree with you. JC was brought in during one of the lowest points in the recent Hawks history to basically do damage control and start to change the shape of the team. It was an UGLY start to his head coach career, but he moved the needle enough to earn a real shot to prove he can coach an NHL team. Expectations were low last year because of the situation he inherited.
- breadbag

One testament to how far the Hawks grew from the pits of the early part of the season to the latter part of the season is seeing the players have fun on the ice. You could see it in their post-game celebrations as they exited the ice and Toews greeting each one. Their celebrations aren't of epic proportions like the Hurricanes but you could tell they were playing for each other.

Also love the "tongue hanging out" moment when Toews scored an OT GWG. Another example of a team that wasn't so wind up tight anymore.

Good call on Hagel as a prospect who could push for NHL time next season. In his brief stint with the Hogs to close out the year, he was all over the ice. Great forechecking, puck always seems to find him, defensively aware, nose for getting to scoring areas.
- AEL_Fox

The Hawks can use that type of skill this upcoming season. I like his potential, but given that Hagel was an over-ager in the WHL, give him a year's experience at Rockford playing against older and better competition.

Not a chance in hell. Caufield may be the pick (but I doubt it) but there is no way the sign Panarin
- GPHawksfan

If you say no chance, there must be no chance then

One testament to how far the Hawks grew from the pits of the early part of the season to the latter part of the season is seeing the players have fun on the ice. You could see it in their post-game celebrations as they exited the ice and Toews greeting each one. Their celebrations aren't of epic proportions like the Hurricanes but you could tell they were playing for each other.

Also love the "tongue hanging out" moment when Toews scored an OT GWG. Another example of a team that wasn't so wind up tight anymore.
- AEL_Fox

Those are great moments. I liked when Kunitz scored his goal at the last home game and the bench was ecstatic for him. Toews for sure was less visibly frustrated this season.

I'll make a case for Saad being a top 6 guy. (In my book he is a solid 2nd line player)

-3rd in EV ice-time per game behind Toews/Kane for the Hawks forward group.
-23rd in goals (and 23rd in points) for guys listed as "LW" in the NHL
-Likely his 47 points would be 55+ if he played on PP unit 1 and wasn't deployed to bolster the 3rd line.

To me, Saad is more "for sure" a top 6 guy than Strome is. Strome has potential, but has not proven it over time yet.

You are right, that there are not a lot of "top 6" types at Rockford or waiting in the wings. I don't know if this is just the Hawks issue though, because when I look at the lineups for a lot of NHL teams, I don't see many with more than 4-5 legit top 6 guys. This is just my take, but I think our bottom 6 is still below average at both end of the rink.
- breadbag

I think there is the potential for a pretty good bottom-6 in the system - Caggiula, Anisimov, Kampf, Kahun, Sikura, Hayden, some of the Rockfords / juniors whom we haven’t seen yet - I agree that Saad could be 2nd line, but I like him leading the charge on a 3rd....I think the first five I mentioned could be good for 60 goals, Saad for 20....not sure there’s a complete shut-down line there, it Saad, Sikura, Kampf, Caggiula can be pretty good 200 footers.

I think there is the potential for a pretty good bottom-6 in the system - Caggiula, Anisimov, Kampf, Kahun, Sikura, Hayden, some of the Rockfords / juniors whom we haven’t seen yet - I agree that Saad could be 2nd line, but I like him leading the charge on a 3rd....I think the first five I mentioned could be good for 60 goals, Saad for 20....not sure there’s a complete shut-down line there, it Saad, Sikura, Kampf, Caggiula can be pretty good 200 footers.
- StLBravesFan

Caggiula added some depth into the mix that the team was missing and Sikura could do the same if he takes that next step. I like the thought of it with the potential addition of Kubalik (if he can translate some production to the NHL).

I really hope the Hawks can get the shutdown part figured out.

The players (especially the vets) played hard all year. Especially after that stretch when they would fall behind immediately by 2 or 3 (when JC first came in as coach), and it then appeared we were in contention for losing for Hughes the team still played hard. That is a testament to the coach, but especially the veteran leadership of the team.

And there is optimism about the team, whereas I believe last year there wasn't. Q is a great coach, but like 99% of the coaches I believe he got stale. Teams knew how to defend against the Hawks and outside of Q using his blender line shuffle, the strategy, PP and PK were never adjusted.

Not a chance in hell. Caufield may be the pick (but I doubt it) but there is no way the sign Panarin
- GPHawksfan

I can't see them signing Panarin because of his cap hit and because Panarin is an older version of ADB. However if Bowman gets creative and needs to move ADB as part of a deal to get back a defenseman then maybe Panarin becomes someone the team looks at?

Mackenzie Entwistle – This young Canadian could be the jewel of the Marian Hossa deal. As Entwistle continues his quest for the memorial cup, he has been very effective with 19 points in 21 playoff games. He was also voted the top defensive forward in the OHL by his peers.

This excites me.

If you say no chance, there must be no chance then
- SoftServe

Well someone with half a brain and common sense would say no chance. That leaves you out I guess.

I can't see them signing Panarin because of his cap hit and because Panarin is an older version of ADB. However if Bowman gets creative and needs to move ADB as part of a deal to get back a defenseman then maybe Panarin becomes someone the team looks at?
- paulr

I think he'd move other pieces before ADB since scoring goals in the NHL is the hardest part about playing in the league and ADB has blown away any season goal totals Panarin has had.

Mackenzie Entwistle – This young Canadian could be the jewel of the Marian Hossa deal. As Entwistle continues his quest for the memorial cup, he has been very effective with 19 points in 21 playoff games. He was also voted the top defensive forward in the OHL by his peers.

This excites me.
- frafra

Yes, it's not very often a guy comes to the NHL with an understanding and desire to play a two way game. The other thing you may like is that he plays a heavy game, he's not necessarily a banger but he plays hard along the boards, in the corners and in front of the net. He's also a pretty smart player and has decent on ice vision.