Tyler Cameron: My choices for the Black Aces for the Blackhawks
There are still details that need to be worked out officially, however, as the NHL goes through the phases with the Return-to-Play committee, one thing is certain, there will be "Black Aces" permitted for each team.


Things could change, but as per Elliotte Friedman's tweet on May 26th, the initial thought was each team will have 28 skaters and an unlimited amount of goaltenders available.

Here are my selections.

Sounds good! I like the write up.

Edit: I'll just add that I wish we didn't have Highmore, KK or Boqvist as regulars going into this. Not much depth if any key players get injured and a lot of unknowns.

That said should be fun to see what happens.

Great blog, Tyler! Your selection of Black Aces is spot on. The nod to the youth movement is great to see and what I would advocate for, too. I bolded my picks for Black Aces.

I would note, though, that I think the reality could be the powers that be may have McCoshen up over one of the rookie forwards (i.e. Entwistle or Kurashev).

CURRENT ROSTER
22 active skaters + 2 goalies

IR/LTIR: (3)
Seabrook
Shaw
Smith

Forwards: (13)
Caggiula
Carpenter
Dach
DeBrincat
Hagel
Highmore
Kampf
Kane
Kubalik
Nylander
Saad
Strome
Toews

Defensemen: (9)
Beaudin
Boqvist
Carlsson
de Haan
Keith
Koekkoek
Maatta
Murphy
Seeler

Goalies: (2)
Crawford
Subban

ROCKFORD CANDIDATES
(for 6 skaters + goalies)

Forwards:
Entwistle
Fortin
Kurashev
Quenneville
Sikura

Defensemen:
Gilbert

Goalies:
Delia
Tomkins

Next Up (if needed):
Krys
McCoshen

I didn't list Mitchell as a Black Ace for the reason you stated about why -- in the larger scheme of the team as far as long-term planning -- it may be good to not burn his first ELC year during the 2020 playoffs.

The defense is deep enough as it is to run with other youth options like Carlsson, Beaudin, and Gilbert.

Not saying the defense is deep enough to be an instant Cup-contender but sufficient to be competitive.

Thanks for the new read TC! Loved the subtle dig at Sikura. Harsh but funny. Only issue I had was calling John Quenneville "Little Q". I can't read that without thinking of Joel being mad at the call and grabbing "little Q" to show his disdain.

Any chance Hossa suits up,,,,for Phoenix?

I just finished watching all of Kubalik's goals from this year. What a great pick up that guy is.

I just finished watching all of Kubalik's goals from this year. What a great pick up that guy is.
- Chunk

Can't be. Uncle Dale didn't trade for him. I am going to add Hagel as a sneaky good pick up, too.

I just finished watching all of Kubalik's goals from this year. What a great pick up that guy is.
- Chunk

Yes I think Kubalik was a great pick up . I like that he not afraid to use the body . Hagel could be a real steal big numbers in WHL, and good numbers in the playoff hockey . Hagel also has some grit to his game .

Any chance Hossa suits up,,,,for Phoenix?
- rpeters01

Umm...No...

Great blog, Tyler! Your selection of Black Aces is spot on. The nod to the youth movement is great to see and what I would advocate for, too. I bolded my picks for Black Aces.

I would note, though, that I think the reality could be the powers that be may have McCoshen up over one of the rookie forwards (i.e. Entwistle or Kurashev).

CURRENT ROSTER
22 active skaters + 2 goalies

IR/LTIR: (3)
Seabrook
Shaw
Smith

Forwards: (13)
Caggiula
Carpenter
Dach
DeBrincat
Hagel
Highmore
Kampf
Kane
Kubalik
Nylander
Saad
Strome
Toews

Defensemen: (9)
Beaudin
Boqvist
Carlsson
de Haan
Keith
Koekkoek
Maatta
Murphy
Seeler

Goalies: (2)
Crawford
Subban

ROCKFORD CANDIDATES
(for 6 skaters + goalies)

Forwards:
Entwistle
Fortin
Kurashev
Quenneville
Sikura

Defensemen:
Gilbert

Goalies:
Delia
Tomkins

Next Up (if needed):
Krys
McCoshen
- AEL_Fox

The aces whom I would use only after the other aces, is due to not wanting to give Edmonton any extra opportunities.

So Gilbert is prone to penalties. Entwhistle has no experience. I love this kid for the future. But him and Kurashev should just soak up the atmosphere and see how proi's prepare for battle. Next year at some point they will dress.

I didn't list Mitchell as a Black Ace for the reason you stated about why -- in the larger scheme of the team as far as long-term planning -- it may be good to not burn his first ELC year during the 2020 playoffs.

The defense is deep enough as it is to run with other youth options like Carlsson, Beaudin, and Gilbert.

Not saying the defense is deep enough to be an instant Cup-contender but sufficient to be competitive.
- AEL_Fox

I wonder if the Hawks choose to not play Mitchell, or list him as a "black ace," if that would affect future signings.

I wonder if the Hawks choose to not play Mitchell, or list him as a "black ace," if that would affect future signings.
- tvetter

You might liken the Mitchell scenario to the phrase " being stuck behind a rock and a hard place."

I mean sure get him some experience. But first pro game a playoiff contest is fraught with a nightmarish outcome. Definitely expecting too much of a good outcome for Mitchell when he really should be better prepared. A training camp, perhaps some AHL time is best. You can instruct but to get the feel for the speed of playoff hockey after a sports layoff and not really the best traiining for debut......is not prudent.

Ah/Definition of Ah by Merriam - Webster
Intransitive verb: to exclaim in amazement, joy, or surprise oohing and aahing
at the fireworks. AH.

When the Cubs drafted Ed Howard from Mt Carmel high school, who slipped down in the draft to them. He had been called an outstanding young man and had trained in The White Sox Academy

Or how about just to be drafted by the Blackhawks

Ah....to wear one of the nicest looking uniforms!

Add: I like the old Indian Head logo best

I officially herby challenge wiz
To a game: The Bobby Hull tabletop game

I have not played in years
But I was damn good
Never beat until collegiate days
But if you have various models
I do not know if one model is your favorite
To try and beat you

I wonder if the Hawks choose to not play Mitchell, or list him as a "black ace," if that would affect future signings.
- tvetter

I expect Stan to keep his word with regard to whatever promises were made or not made during negotiations because that's the right thing to do and actually anything else is breach of contract.

I officially herby challenge wiz
To a game: The Bobby Hull tabletop game

I have not played in years
But I was damn good
Never beat until collegiate days
But if you have various models
I do not know if one model is your favorite
To try and beat you
- jhawk59

this is one I have except it is customized to United center fans and ice:

https://www.youtube.com/w...GaytsXe8&feature=youtu.be

unfortunately it has been in storage for years

I wonder if the Hawks choose to not play Mitchell, or list him as a "black ace," if that would affect future signings.
- tvetter

That's possible.

However, to keep things in perspective, Mitchell is still a prospect who was drafted in the 2nd round. He wasn't a blue chipper drafted in the top 10. He still has much to prove.

Also, hopefully he lives up to his reputation as being humble by letting those ahead of him get their shot first like Boqvist, Beaudin, Carlsson, Gilbert, and even Krys.

Then again, I'm not going to be upset by any means if Hawks brass adds Mitchell in as a Black Ace and he actually gets playing time!

If every NHL team sis locked in with the Black Aces they choose for their entire run, expect most teams to carry more defensemen and grinding forwards so rotate in when injuries hit.

If every NHL team sis locked in with the Black Aces they choose for their entire run, expect most teams to carry more defensemen and grinding forwards so rotate in when injuries hit.
- wiz1901

Dmen: Would like to have/ expect realisicly to have ten horses in the stable
Forwards: How many play if you go all the way? More or a lesser # this season. Playoffs normally are intense with lots of OT (no shoot outs,,). But maybe games in this unique return to play will not be as intense as past seasons.

That's possible.

However, to keep things in perspective, Mitchell is still a prospect who was drafted in the 2nd round. He wasn't a blue chipper drafted in the top 10. He still has much to prove.

Also, hopefully he lives up to his reputation as being humble by letting those ahead of him get their shot first like Boqvist, Beaudin, Carlsson, Gilbert, and even Krys.

Then again, I'm not going to be upset by any means if Hawks brass adds Mitchell in as a Black Ace and he actually gets playing time!
- AEL_Fox

Honestly I'd rather see Ian play instead of Seeler

That's possible.

However, to keep things in perspective, Mitchell is still a prospect who was drafted in the 2nd round. He wasn't a blue chipper drafted in the top 10. He still has much to prove.

Also, hopefully he lives up to his reputation as being humble by letting those ahead of him get their shot first like Boqvist, Beaudin, Carlsson, Gilbert, and even Krys.

Then again, I'm not going to be upset by any means if Hawks brass adds Mitchell in as a Black Ace and he actually gets playing time!
- AEL_Fox

Has the league said that Mitchell and his ilk are eligible to play in this tournament?

I understand that the NHLPA is negotiating with the league to allow players that have recently signed to play when games resume. Nothing announced yet.

I understand that the NHLPA is negotiating with the league to allow players that have recently signed to play when games resume. Nothing announced yet.
- boilermaker100

I also understand that the PA is pretty firm on the idea that these players be allowed to play IE Makar McAvoy .Otherwise it is consider a concession on the PA part . And I don't believe they are in the mood to be making any concessions at this time .

Thanks for the new read TC! Loved the subtle dig at Sikura. Harsh but funny. Only issue I had was calling John Quenneville "Little Q". I can't read that without thinking of Joel being mad at the call and grabbing "little Q" to show his disdain.
- Chunk

The thing is, I think Dylan Sikura will be an NHLer. I just don't think it'll be in Chicago.

Haha. Touche RE: Little Q.