Theo Fox: Marinating Pork
A look at how the Blackhawks could manage the youth movement to optimize development and phase prospects into the lineup over time.

Well Kubalik is a smart and tough hockey player. He creates plays behind the goal line as much as he finds the open soft spots in scoring areas. That was a golden trade. Looking forward to seeing Pius Suter. Cautiously very excited now that I think about it... beyond the other issues that have been taking up a lot of attention

Great blog, better title!

I think it's a different blog and maybe one for another date, but I'd be interested to hear your take on which prospects you feel have real NHL potential and what their ceiling could be.

I know we've seen some scouting on a number of them over time, but like I mentioned it's fairly fluid. Injuries seem to have set back guys like Nordgren and Wise.

A guy who wasn't originally a Hawk pick, and was traded for or signed without much fanfare, Hagel (wasn't he drafted by BUF), has played his way into a bottom 6 opportunity possibly this year or next. Highmore already has...he was undrafted I believe and signed without much fanfare.

To me the good news is the Hawks are finding players that have NHL potential and some possible staying power. I suppose the bad news is that other than say Reichel, Kurashev and maybe Wise, most of our fwd prospects not already with the big club project to be bottom 6'ers.

Need those players too and there was a time during the Cup years where the farm system wasn't even supplying that.

Much of this depends on adequate (at least) development in Rockfish.

On the Capfriendly roster list, only Highmore among the forwards, and only Boqvist on the blue line, plus Delia and Lankinen, have spent any time in Screw Machine City (unless I missed some). And, in the past, not many have made the 90 mile trip east to much success.

Presumably King is better than Dent (Colliton was there for a while, of course) - let’s hope so - much of the future success of this team will depend on King and his assistants.

EDIT TO ADD: Yeah, Shaw (shown as on LTIR in CF) spent some time in Winnebago County.

EDIT TO ADD (2): Much depends on what kind of season the AHL can put together - very little revenue other than what the parents clubs send, I think, and we know the NHL has very little coming in.

Much of this depends on adequate (at least) development in Rockfish.

On the Capfriendly roster list, only Highmore among the forwards, and only Boqvist on the blue line, plus Delia and Lankinen, have spent any time in Screw Machine City (unless I missed some). And, in the past, not many have made the 90 mile trip east to much success.

Presumably King is better than Dent (Colliton was there for a while, of course) - let’s hope so - much of the future success of this team will depend on King and his assistants.

EDIT TO ADD: Yeah, Shaw (shown as on LTIR in CF) spent some time in Winnebago County.

EDIT TO ADD (2): Much depends on what kind of season the AHL can put together - very little revenue other than what the parents clubs send, I think, and we know the NHL has very little coming in.
- StLBravesFan

Kampf spent time in RFD too I believe. I made that same point in my last post and I think the difference, to me anyway, has been that we've gotten more glimpses of some of the farm hands and while the jury is still out they appear to have NHL potential (Carlsson, Beaudin, Hagel).

During the Cup years, I think really only Danault (2016) and later Hartman (after the window shut and no one told us) emerged from the system under Dent.

Edit - Quit editing and adding to your damn post Sage...you're screwing up mine!

I looked up Hagel and answered my own question about him being drafted by BUF. In doing so, I found this interesting snippet in the Athletic (Powers) from Nov. 2018...

It’s that motor the Blackhawks noticed. Although it’s easy to recognize Hagel’s increased production this season — he was third in the WHL with 28 points through 15 games as of Friday — it’s the other aspects of his game that make him an attractive NHL prospect. He might put up some points in the NHL one day, but he’s seen more as someone who can impact a game without having to score.

Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman recently made a trip to see Hagel play in person against the Saskatoon Blades. Bowman didn’t mind Hagel scoring two goals in the overtime win, but he was especially impressed by the defensive effort Hagel put in against Kirby Dach, one of the top 2019 draft prospects, and how relentless he was throughout all zones.

“I think it’s really his style of play,” Bowman said. “He’s got a lot of points this year, but what I like about him, what we like about him, is he’s not just like a pure sniper or goal scorer. Most of the goals he’s scored is because he’s involved in the play. He’s a very active player. He’s like a busy player. He’s always in motion. He forechecks, backchecks. He’s got a quick stick. And he’s able to hold onto the puck, cycle the puck.

“But you’ve seen a lot of players over the years, some guys are just snipers where they don’t touch the puck that much, but they have that gift of getting open and scoring. He’s not really that kind of player. He’s a more involved player, which I think is important because they can play a lot of different roles on your team. He doesn’t have to be scoring every game to be effective. He was killing penalties. The game I went and watched he matched up one of the top kids in this year’s draft and really sort of shut him down that night. I think that’s the thing about him that I like.”

Kampf spent time in RFD too I believe. I made that same point in my last post and I think the difference, to me anyway, has been that we've gotten more glimpses of some of the farm hands and while the jury is still out they appear to have NHL potential (Carlsson, Beaudin, Hagel).

During the Cup years, I think really only Danault (2016) and later Hartman (after the window shut and no one told us) emerged from the system under Dent.

Edit - Quit editing and adding to your damn post Sage...you're screwing up mine!
- HawkintheD

The result of premature ejacu...uhhh...hitting the “submit” button.

Yes on Kampf - needed a third “edit”.

The result of premature ejacu...uhhh...hitting the “submit” button.

Yes on Kampf - needed a third “edit”.
- StLBravesFan

- HawkintheD

You edited your picture after you went after Sage for editing. Hypocrisy.

You edited your picture after you went after Sage for editing. Hypocrisy.
- I Am The Breadman

If you ain’t hypocritin’, you ain’t tryin’....

If you ain’t hypocritin’, you ain’t tryin’....
- StLBravesFan

Eh ... close enough. I guess.

You edited your picture after you went after Sage for editing. Hypocrisy.
- I Am The Breadman

My editing didn't mess up anyone's post and I was having some fun like I hope you are, but...jeez, lighten up Bobby Brady.

During the Covid Times, my internet is painfully slow. A better Gif caught my attention after I posted...so sue me.

My editing didn't mess up anyone's post and I was having some fun like I hope you are, but...jeez, lighten up Bobby Brady.

During the Covid Times, my internet is painfully slow. A better Gif caught my attention after I posted...so sue me.


- HawkintheD

Good one, libeler. Consider yourself sued ...

There may be raised eyebrows how many prospects as rookies dot the Blackhawks roster in the waning games of a non playoff 2020 - '21 season.

I would wager there will be a pony express back and forth to Rockford especially happening after the trade deadline. The sooner we are clearly far behind in the point race, the sooner most everyone will get even a brief look. If at all possible. Players such as Kyrz, Entwhistle and Kurashev are touted and have one season pro experience already. They have made progress and even in a shortened AHL season, they could progress farther in development.

As for some of the recently signed prospects without pro experience, they would have to show quite much good compete and understanding of the pro game. Then they need to show progress on things they were working on. Think of Beaudin as an example from last season.

Bowman should want kids to be hungry and even a one game recall keeps all players hungry and on their toes. Prospects can be told, can receive and apply instructions but a real eye opener is to experience the NHL pace

There is expectation Carlsson makes the roster. Beaudin is first recall but i think Kalynuk might force a trade if he is good and a fast riser.

Could Mitchell, Beaudoin, Kalynuk all play at the same time as Boqvist and Carlsson. Normally three relatively rookie age dmen in the lineup is too much inexperience. But in the final games maybe it happens

Wings fan here, but I live here in Chicago, and follow the Hawks closely, along with the Wings.

I'll say I'm as shocked as anyone with the direction of the Hawks all of a sudden.

But, what I really dropped by to say was the only thing I disagree, with timeline wise, is Drew Commesso. I think he's the starter in 3 years. I know that seems fast, but this kid is just so smart and so good, I dont know that they'll be able to hold him back much longer than that. In my opinion, he's more advanced than John Gibson was at 18, and Gibson saw time starting at 20.

I think he's gonna be a really good one. Doesnt seem to ever give up soft goals and reads plays extremely well. Technique needs some work, but at 18, who doesnt!

Wings fan here, but I live here in Chicago, and follow the Hawks closely, along with the Wings.

I'll say I'm as shocked as anyone with the direction of the Hawks all of a sudden.

But, what I really dropped by to say was the only thing I disagree, with timeline wise, is Drew Commesso. I think he's the starter in 3 years. I know that seems fast, but this kid is just so smart and so good, I dont know that they'll be able to hold him back much longer than that. In my opinion, he's more advanced than John Gibson was at 18, and Gibson saw time starting at 20.

I think he's gonna be a really good one. Doesnt seem to ever give up soft goals and reads plays extremely well. Technique needs some work, but at 18, who doesnt!
- Feury

I would like to to see an improvement on his use of the glove hand high.

I would like to to see an improvement on his use of the glove hand high.
- wiz1901

Yes, He does tend to have that glive a little lower than you'd like to see, I agree. Part of the technique I was talking about!

The other part being his push off his left foot, moving to his right. He doesnt drive as well that way for some reason. And he can at times stand up tonread plays and lift his stick a bit much. But as I said earlier, despite thilese things, he rarely gives away a soft goal.

Wings fan here, but I live here in Chicago, and follow the Hawks closely, along with the Wings.

I'll say I'm as shocked as anyone with the direction of the Hawks all of a sudden.

But, what I really dropped by to say was the only thing I disagree, with timeline wise, is Drew Commesso. I think he's the starter in 3 years. I know that seems fast, but this kid is just so smart and so good, I dont know that they'll be able to hold him back much longer than that. In my opinion, he's more advanced than John Gibson was at 18, and Gibson saw time starting at 20.

I think he's gonna be a really good one. Doesnt seem to ever give up soft goals and reads plays extremely well. Technique needs some work, but at 18, who doesnt!
- Feury

Good to hear on Commesso.

I don't agree that this is really all of a sudden. It might be a deeper commitment to a rebuild, but I think it's been going on for a few years now.

I just think they've put a label on it which is what a number of fans wanted.

Looking forward to Entwistle, and hoping he can get some NHL time at the end of 20-21.

The flat Cap might benefit Stan & the Hawks in the next couple of years, allowing them to fill in holes with more experienced and more talented players, at bargain basement prices.

Good to hear on Commesso.

I don't agree that this is really all of a sudden. It might be a deeper commitment to a rebuild, but I think it's been going on for a few years now.

I just think they've put a label on it which is what a number of fans wanted.
- HawkintheD

I guess I more mean, it seemed like they were making win now moves, and then they just hard stopped. Letting Crawford go I get, but then to not replace him was weird... punting on Saad for a loss, in my opinion, was odd. Especially when you put Janmark and Wallmark with those moves. Janmark and Wallmark, and even Zadarov would have been GREAT moves..... 2 years ago when this team was closer to another Cup. But now... it's just like, why? Maybe that's why it feels "sudden" to me?

im copying somebody else's post on another board. that it was interesting. bascially saying what we all no but what Stan would not say.

Jeremy Colliton on Blackhawks Talk podcast this morning. Similar stuff to what Stan has said with a big focus on building up young players. Couple of interesting points:

-Pinned down on what will he do if everyone is healthy and he has to play a young player or vet, he'll play a young player

-There were some frustrations from vets who always want to win in the moment about some decisions. An example was putting in Kirby for a key faceoff when he's not great at them but Colliton said that's how he's going to learn and if he loses he has to figure out how to handle the situation.

-Said several times he doesn't want to be a bubble team and wants to build up to being a contender and though he didn't say how long at one point he admitted not all the core will be here when that happens

I guess I more mean, it seemed like they were making win now moves, and then they just hard stopped. Letting Crawford go I get, but then to not replace him was weird... punting on Saad for a loss, in my opinion, was odd. Especially when you put Janmark and Wallmark with those moves. Janmark and Wallmark, and even Zadarov would have been GREAT moves..... 2 years ago when this team was closer to another Cup. But now... it's just like, why? Maybe that's why it feels "sudden" to me?

Think of it this way with the Marks and some of their other "older" players...

Trade bait. Come the deadline, watch for the Marks, Zadorov, Shaw and Smith (if healthy), Carpenter, De Haan, Murphy, to be shipped out for young players who need a change of scenery and or/ draft picks. Maybe even Highmore and Kampf. Not all of them, but some of them.

im copying somebody else's post on another board. that it was interesting. bascially saying what we all no but what Stan would not say.

Jeremy Colliton on Blackhawks Talk podcast this morning. Similar stuff to what Stan has said with a big focus on building up young players. Couple of interesting points:

-Pinned down on what will he do if everyone is healthy and he has to play a young player or vet, he'll play a young player

-There were some frustrations from vets who always want to win in the moment about some decisions. An example was putting in Kirby for a key faceoff when he's not great at them but Colliton said that's how he's going to learn and if he loses he has to figure out how to handle the situation.

-Said several times he doesn't want to be a bubble team and wants to build up to being a contender and though he didn't say how long at one point he admitted not all the core will be here when that happens
- kmw4631

A -> B -> C

We are moving into "B".

Who will be in charge to move into "C"?

I looked up Hagel and answered my own question about him being drafted by BUF. In doing so, I found this interesting snippet in the Athletic (Powers) from Nov. 2018...

It’s that motor the Blackhawks noticed. Although it’s easy to recognize Hagel’s increased production this season — he was third in the WHL with 28 points through 15 games as of Friday — it’s the other aspects of his game that make him an attractive NHL prospect. He might put up some points in the NHL one day, but he’s seen more as someone who can impact a game without having to score.

Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman recently made a trip to see Hagel play in person against the Saskatoon Blades. Bowman didn’t mind Hagel scoring two goals in the overtime win, but he was especially impressed by the defensive effort Hagel put in against Kirby Dach, one of the top 2019 draft prospects, and how relentless he was throughout all zones.

“I think it’s really his style of play,” Bowman said. “He’s got a lot of points this year, but what I like about him, what we like about him, is he’s not just like a pure sniper or goal scorer. Most of the goals he’s scored is because he’s involved in the play. He’s a very active player. He’s like a busy player. He’s always in motion. He forechecks, backchecks. He’s got a quick stick. And he’s able to hold onto the puck, cycle the puck.

“But you’ve seen a lot of players over the years, some guys are just snipers where they don’t touch the puck that much, but they have that gift of getting open and scoring. He’s not really that kind of player. He’s a more involved player, which I think is important because they can play a lot of different roles on your team. He doesn’t have to be scoring every game to be effective. He was killing penalties. The game I went and watched he matched up one of the top kids in this year’s draft and really sort of shut him down that night. I think that’s the thing about him that I like.”
- HawkintheD

Thought the 4th line was best with Highmore and Hagel.

I know I'm not supposed to care about the 4th line, but a few of those nights, that was the most enjoyable time watching the team play.

Not a Kampf fan, so would like to see Entwhistle move into that role in the next year or so.

I guess I more mean, it seemed like they were making win now moves, and then they just hard stopped. Letting Crawford go I get, but then to not replace him was weird... punting on Saad for a loss, in my opinion, was odd. Especially when you put Janmark and Wallmark with those moves. Janmark and Wallmark, and even Zadarov would have been GREAT moves..... 2 years ago when this team was closer to another Cup. But now... it's just like, why? Maybe that's why it feels "sudden" to me?
- Feury

The Hawks still need to put a team out there and not all the prospects are ready. The 2 - Marks are one year, low cost, one year contracts.

Hawks fans would like to think that Saad was worth more in trade then what they got but, rumour is that Bowman had been shopping him since the TDL and this was one of the better offers.

Saad may have been a top 6 player on this Hawk team but remember Torts eventually had him playing 3rd line minutes in Columbus.