Theo Fox: Season Review: Centers
Season review of centers. The centers need to define roles, be the 3rd defensemen, and control the faceoffs.

I really like Strome, but with his lack of speed and defensive awareness, I think he would be better on the wing. Of course, then the question comes back to who is going to be their 3C?

Thanks Theo - looks like Strome is a man without an ideal position. There was talk on your previous blog that Jost's name was mentioned in trade talks, in your opinion would he fit 3c? or Danault from Mtl?

Good write up Theo ! What are your thoughts on possibly playing Dach with a winger that can take face offs ? At least in certain situations until the kid improves ? Colliton had Strome playing wing at times and his vision and playmaking does make him better suited at center. Strome is ok on faceoffs but does lack skating ability for
defensive responsibilities. Also, I know it's probably hard to tell. but what NHL player is Piuos Suter's playing style comparable to ?? He is on the smaller side, but it would be encouraging if his playing style would be similar to maybe Brayden Point
Obviously not his talent but just his playing style

Problem with Strome (aside from the defensive issues and slow skating) is that he has looked absolutely horrible at wing.

So moving him to a top 6 wing isn't even an option. He could be 3C if the Hawks have 3 scoring lines but they do not have enough wing depth to put guys on the 3rd line that can score regularly and benefit from Strome's skill set.

In a perfect world Nylander pulls his head out of his backside (maybe his brother and dad can help?). You can then set top 6 and put Strome and Dcat on the 3rd line. Let them rack up points against bottom pairing D.

Saad Toews Kubalik
Nylander Dach Kane
Dcat Strome Suter

Joakim Nordstrom looked really good a s checking line winger who acted as 2nd f-off guy.

I think you did a nice job here breaking it down.

IF there is are addition to the roster at wing, and StanBo sets a salary re-up number with Stromer, I see no reason to panic at this point in his development.
Big guys usually take longer but the emerge.

Unless there is a team with an over-pay, I just wiouyld take the patience route before I launch or overpay.

HERE IS AN IDEA , PACKAGE STROME AND DEBRINCAT TOGETHER AND SHIP THEM TO DETROIT FRO TYLER BERTUZZI . DEBRINCAT IS TOO SMALL AND IF HE DOES AVERAGE 20 GOALS , NOT WORTH 6 MILLION YOU WOULD SAFE IN CAP SPACE . AND IF SHAW IS HEALTHY USE HIM AS A 3RD LINE CENTER SAAD / TOEWS/KUBLICK , 2ND LINE KANE / DACH / BERTUZZI THIED LINE HIGHMORE/ SHAW / SMITH

I think a Strome for Strome swap with the Rangers makes sense. Theirs is a 3C being asked to play 2C; Chicago's is a 2C being asked to play 3C.

Problem with Strome (aside from the defensive issues and slow skating) is that he has looked absolutely horrible at wing.

So moving him to a top 6 wing isn't even an option. He could be 3C if the Hawks have 3 scoring lines but they do not have enough wing depth to put guys on the 3rd line that can score regularly and benefit from Strome's skill set.

In a perfect world Nylander pulls his head out of his backside (maybe his brother and dad can help?). You can then set top 6 and put Strome and Dcat on the 3rd line. Let them rack up points against bottom pairing D.

Saad Toews Kubalik
Nylander Dach Kane
Dcat Strome Suter
- bhawks2241

I know Colliton tried him at wing, but not for long. I think if he went into training camp as a wing, maybe he could adjust to the new position. I'd like to see a line of ADB-Dach-Strome.

Saad Toews Kubalik
Nylander Dach Kane
Dcat Strome Suter

Well your first line is your best defensive line. In the glory years, Q always tried to match Toews against the teams best line, so in this scenario you do the same. The other 2 lines are a disaster defensively, and I do not see that changing, so you gotta hope lines 2 and 3 can outscore who they are put up against.

Theo thanks for the nhl update on the draft and free agency. Strome was a big gamble and the results are mixed. I think what makes everything so interesting is covid created a real financial crisis for all sports leagues . The nhl always had a salary cap that wasn't as forgiving as other leagues and now with a flat cap chicago has a aging score with nmc and high salaries vested into a group of 5 players that eats up a significant portion of the teams salary cap.


Toews is in his twilight years and while he has played well 3 more years left seems like eternity.

Dach is still to early in his career to make a honest assessment of his game.

Strome if he is resigned I feel it's more of a placeholder due to limited options and no real salary available to target a upgrade.

I'd like to see stan move out a couple of players worth any value and their 17th overall pick to a team with either a better draft pick or a young elite center prospect .

I know tanking doesn't guarantee you a first overall pick, but if Chicago can find away to move some salary to teams that are close for elite prospects , picks and a bad contract to build up their teams youth and depth so in 3 or 4 years Chicago is relevant again

I've watched Strome for two years. I don't see him as a wing he's not fast enough. What I think of Strome is another 10 pounds of muscle could go a long way. Not only help him in the corners and win a few board battles but he's always looked weak defensively for his size. A 6'3" body that plays more like 5'10". The beloved Markus Krueger played bigger than Strome. His size is no good if he doesn't use it. There's nobody holding a gun to Stan's head to pay him. I would try 2@$2.5 and if he balks, qualify him at $2.1.

Saad Toews Kubalik
Nylander Dach Kane
Dcat Strome Suter

Well your first line is your best defensive line. In the glory years, Q always tried to match Toews against the teams best line, so in this scenario you do the same. The other 2 lines are a disaster defensively, and I do not see that changing, so you gotta hope lines 2 and 3 can outscore who they are put up against.
- LAHawk

Kane is ok defensively. I'd hope Dach takes another big step forward on the defensive side of things and can make up for some of the defensive deficiencies. The Kane line has always been good even with average or below average defensive forwards. There is also the big assumption that Nylander doesn't suck, which isn't likely, so the entire idea kind of falls apart! Unless the Hawks acquire another top 6 forward to play with Kane and Dach.

The 3rd line would be bad defensively. That is why you use it as the bum slaying line. They should be able to rack up points.....assuming Colliton can actually get favorable match ups for them.

Thank you Theo for the nice write-up and being a worthy successor to Tyler.

One thing about Strome....I really thought his skating had shown improvement from the year before until the ankle injury. I wonder if that injury was one of those really problem ones. We will find out as next season unfolds.
He will be, IMHO, an affordable re-up and it would be great if he can force the 'Hawks to play him more minutes due to performance.

HERE IS AN IDEA , PACKAGE STROME AND DEBRINCAT TOGETHER AND SHIP THEM TO DETROIT FRO TYLER BERTUZZI . DEBRINCAT IS TOO SMALL AND IF HE DOES AVERAGE 20 GOALS , NOT WORTH 6 MILLION YOU WOULD SAFE IN CAP SPACE . AND IF SHAW IS HEALTHY USE HIM AS A 3RD LINE CENTER SAAD / TOEWS/KUBLICK , 2ND LINE KANE / DACH / BERTUZZI THIED LINE HIGHMORE/ SHAW / SMITH
- Ging72

I would listen to offers on dcat but it would have to be overwhelming offer that i could not refuse. As for strome as much as i like him he is not a 3rd line center or winger so shop him to teams looking for a 2nd line center. Detroit buffalo ny rangers ottawa Arizona etc..

Thanks Theo - looks like Strome is a man without an ideal position. There was talk on your previous blog that Jost's name was mentioned in trade talks, in your opinion would he fit 3c? or Danault from Mtl?
- powerenforcer

Jost was drafted as a center and was projected to be a top 6 pivot at the pro level but the Avs have been playing him at LW. He has potential to play the middle but may need to change up his development but he at least has experience at center.

Danault would be ideal but would be a tough acquisition and he would command a raise next season when he becomes a UFA (current salary is $3.083M). Plus, he has expressed wanting to play a larger role beyond 3C.

I'd find a way, though, to see what it takes to lure Danault back to Chicago and convince him that he can have the role he seeks while still being 3C (i.e. give him lots of minutes in all situations, be a go-to player in key times, etc).

Good write up Theo ! What are your thoughts on possibly playing Dach with a winger that can take face offs ? At least in certain situations until the kid improves ? Colliton had Strome playing wing at times and his vision and playmaking does make him better suited at center. Strome is ok on faceoffs but does lack skating ability for
defensive responsibilities. Also, I know it's probably hard to tell. but what NHL player is Piuos Suter's playing style comparable to ?? He is on the smaller side, but it would be encouraging if his playing style would be similar to maybe Brayden Point
Obviously not his talent but just his playing style
- chuckdahammer

That thought has crossed my mind in the past of playing centers who are weak on draws with wingers who are stronger at the dot. Possible but not sure how much stronger Hawks wingers would be so maybe it's better to invest in helping Dach and Strome improve.

As for Suter, a few comparables off the top of my head are Yanni Gourde on the higher end and Carl Soderberg on the lower end. Fearless, relentless, and skilled. Suter is defensively responsible so let's hope that translate well to the NHL.

HERE IS AN IDEA , PACKAGE STROME AND DEBRINCAT TOGETHER AND SHIP THEM TO DETROIT FRO TYLER BERTUZZI . DEBRINCAT IS TOO SMALL AND IF HE DOES AVERAGE 20 GOALS , NOT WORTH 6 MILLION YOU WOULD SAFE IN CAP SPACE . AND IF SHAW IS HEALTHY USE HIM AS A 3RD LINE CENTER SAAD / TOEWS/KUBLICK , 2ND LINE KANE / DACH / BERTUZZI THIED LINE HIGHMORE/ SHAW / SMITH
- Ging72

I like the idea of a Bertuzzi trade but DeBrincat and Strome for him is an overpay for Chicago.

Your 3rd line is too weak offensively so that renders the Hawks to have two 4th lines instead. Plus, it is doubtful Smith ever plays again in a Hawks sweater.

I guess the same could be said for Shaw but rooting for him to be healthy and give it another go.

I would listen to offers on dcat but it would have to be overwhelming offer that i could not refuse. As for strome as much as i like him he is not a 3rd line center or winger so shop him to teams looking for a 2nd line center. Detroit buffalo ny rangers ottawa Arizona etc..
- Scott1977

A bag of pucks and taking the full boat salary would be an overwhelming offer I could not refuse.

Thank you Theo for the nice write-up and being a worthy successor to Tyler.

One thing about Strome....I really thought his skating had shown improvement from the year before until the ankle injury. I wonder if that injury was one of those really problem ones. We will find out as next season unfolds.
He will be, IMHO, an affordable re-up and it would be great if he can force the 'Hawks to play him more minutes due to performance.
- 35Tony0

Thanks, TonyO!

I have a great mentor in Tyler so that's where the mojo comes from. Let's hope it turns into a Quigon Jin + Obiwan Kenobi story rather than Obiwan Kenobi + Anakin Skywalker.

Good call on the ankle injury possibly being a reason for Strome's subpar performance at the end of the regular season and in the bubble. The same logic could also apply to de Haan.

We shall see if both can bounce back and come to camp stronger than ever and ready to level up.

I'd like to see stan move out a couple of players worth any value and their 17th overall pick to a team with either a better draft pick or a young elite center prospect.
- Taylorst1

That's an interesting thought. Just spitballing something that likely has no legs but what if the Hawks offered up their 1st rounder + other assets to the Kings for Turcotte?

Or to the Canes for Ryan Suzuki? He's supposed to be better than older brother Nick who is turning into a gem for the Habs.

Would likely take a lot but you at least have a center who is closer to the NHL than someone they could draft in this year's 1st round.

Besides 1st rounder for 1st rounder (to move up or down), acquiring a top center prospect would be the only other reason I would consider trading the 17th overall pick.

That's an interesting thought. Just spitballing something that likely has no legs but what if the Hawks offered up their 1st rounder + other assets to the Kings for Turcotte?

Or to the Canes for Ryan Suzuki? He's supposed to be better than older brother Nick who is turning into a gem for the Habs.

Would likely take a lot but you at least have a center who is closer to the NHL than someone they could draft in this year's 1st round.

Besides 1st rounder for 1st rounder (to move up or down), acquiring a top center prospect would be the only other reason I would consider trading the 17th overall pick.
- Theo Fox

That's like saying in 2008 somebody would have offered a player and pick for Toews and a better pick. Tough sell.

Looks like Lehner is being offered $5mil. x 5 years, if he takes that, and they can't move Fleury they would buy him out , which cap hit over the next 4 years $3mil, 3mil, 2 mil 2 mil.

Just spit balling on the thought on moving #17 for a center.

Think the Rangers would take #17 and Strome for Howden, Georgiev and #22?

Rags get their #2 center, Hawks get a young #3 center and a goalie who can win some games if Crow goes down

How about a trade of RFA C's between Hawks and Sabres.

Chi needs a 3C to provide that "3Rd D" and flip-the-ice capabilities , while Buffalo needs a 2C to help generate Offense.

Buffalo offers RFA's Johan Larsson and Zemgus Girgenson
for
Dylan Strome.

Larsson and Girgenson served as the 3rd line in Buffalo based on TOI receiving heavy D-zone starts the last 2 - 3 years and was responsible to shut-down top rated lines while flipping the ice through solid possession play to give their 1st line a great chance of starting a majority of shifts in the O-zone. they would be perfect to address that need in Chicago and allow Dach to take the next step.

Buffalo has Dylan Cozens to ink in as their 3C to star his career...much like Dach did and work his way up to 2C eventually. But Sabres real need is Offense at 2C to get Skinner going again

trade made in heaven!