Theo Fox: Fuel Up
A look at some form of hockey starting up within the Blackhawks system. While the NHL still decides when to start, the AHL and ECHL have target dates to break the ice.

Following the progress of this league should be very interesting

If the NHL and NHLPA wind up without an agreement and cancel the season - what happens to current contracts that have expiration dates?

What happened after the shutdown in 2004-05?

In the absence of negotiations to solve the question (which I assume there will be) - would all contracts expiring after a 2020-21 non-season expire? Would a year be added to all contracts?

We cannot get a schedule or even when training camp opens.

Disappointing for sure. But then too I am already resigned to the team missing the playoffs. Perhaps a few veterans will get moved and most likely renumeration is not a really good draft choice. Not when they are essentially rentals with the expansion team starting up after this season.

I do not expect Toews or Seabrook to be traded. I would expect Keith could be considered tradeable only after at least two kids develop nicely on the blueline. Then there is the difficulty of where Keith would accept a trade to..i am fine with Keith here for two more seasons THIS SEASON for sure.

I cringe over dealing Murphy but he is the more valuable piece on the roster. He should be appealing as a veteran who is pretty good all around, can even play both sides and provides some muscle.

I have said before how i really would like two 2021 first round picks. Right now just a dream how Murphy could be part of that to happen.

They overpaid RFAs which is not necessary to do.

Let me ask you, do you think it was smart to sign Matthews and Marner for $11 million each and Nylander to $7+ million as RFAs? And do you think because they did this, they are more likely to win a cup (or maybe they should start with a playoff series)?


Reply
I believe signing Tavares was a huge mistake for that franchise. I guess that was the cost for years. They were willing to pay for more years on the 2nd contract where other teams weren't. Avs did the same for Rantanen. I'm curious to see what Barzal signs i imagine either 2 years at $7-8 mil or 5-6 years at $8.5-9.5 per. I still believe you can win, but as a gm you can hardly make any mistakes.

Don't forget Hagel currently on loan to a Swiss team. Last I checked he had 14 points in 10 games.

Don't forget Hagel currently on loan to a Swiss team. Last I checked he had 14 points in 10 games.
- EbonyRaptor

Thanks for catching that! I updated the blog to include Hagel. Don't know how I missed that as I commented on him yesterday in the message boards.

FYI, Hagel and Soderlund are in the non-elite leagues in Europe (2nd tier). Kurashev is in the elite league (1st tier).

A lot of "What does (your team) need to compete/succeed next year?" articles today.

Get on it Theo!!

A lot of "What does (your team) need to compete/succeed next year?" articles today.

Get on it Theo!!
- Chunk

You're not kidding! Whoops, guess I missed the memo on the blog subject to start the week.

This blog from November 16 sort of gets at that topic, just approached from a different angle:

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...ning-the-Stars/284/108339

Slaggert, Vlasic, and Commesso invited to Team USA camp for the WJC.

I expect Commesso to be 3rd string behind Knight and Wolf.

Vlasic needs to step up as a shutdown defender with mobility. That's what his role expectation is at BU and once he goes pro.

Might be tough for Slaggert to make the team as a college freshmen but his role would be as a 4th liner. He plays 3C at Notre Dame which could also be his NHL ceiling.

Where's Darth?

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...e-for-Caufield/266/108500



With this much larger 2-game sample size, we can now confirm that Caufield is a complete bust.

Is Yetman a candidate for the ECHL/AHL or is he eligible to go back to Erie?

Is Yetman a candidate for the ECHL/AHL or is he eligible to go back to Erie?
- totem

Yetman is expected to play again at Erie as one of their top players in all situations.

@NHLRumorsDaily

Things continue to stagnate between the NHL and PA. After talking with a source closely connected to the situation, I get the sense that the only major hurdle remains deferrals. Once that gets solved, though a mighty task at this point, both sides can put out a plan within hours.

@NHLRumorsDaily

Things continue to stagnate between the NHL and PA. After talking with a source closely connected to the situation, I get the sense that the only major hurdle remains deferrals. Once that gets solved, though a mighty task at this point, both sides can put out a plan within hours.
- Theo Fox

This always happens, they need that last minute adrenaline rush to negotiate a deal.

@NHLRumorsDaily

Things continue to stagnate between the NHL and PA. After talking with a source closely connected to the situation, I get the sense that the only major hurdle remains deferrals. Once that gets solved, though a mighty task at this point, both sides can put out a plan within hours.
- Theo Fox

Seems like that’s at least a little progress - “deferrals” is a major issue, but hopefully solveable.

In 2013, the 48 game schedule started on January 19 - the Blackhawkscwon the Cup on June 24.

I’d expect similar this season.

Seems like that’s at least a little progress - “deferrals” is a major issue, but hopefully solveable.

In 2013, the 48 game schedule started on January 19 - the Blackhawkscwon the Cup on June 24.

I’d expect similar this season.
- StLBravesFan

Shut up you lefty wiener. Joking. Sorry

On this date 62 years ago, December 1, 1958, 92 children and 3 Nuns were killed at Our Lady of Angels School in the Humboldt Park / Austin neighborhood of Chicago.

I remember the awful stories lasting for weeks coming out of this disaster.

Alef ha-shalom

EDIT to correct the date.

On this date 62 years ago, December 31, 1958, 92 children and 3 Nuns were killed at Our Lady of Angels School in the Humboldt Park / Austin neighborhood of Chicago.

I remember the awful stories lasting for weeks coming out of this disaster.

Alef ha-shalom
- StLBravesFan

Did I just sleep through December? Was before my time but a fire I’m guessing?

On this date 62 years ago, December 31, 1958, 92 children and 3 Nuns were killed at Our Lady of Angels School in the Humboldt Park / Austin neighborhood of Chicago.

I remember the awful stories lasting for weeks coming out of this disaster.

Alef ha-shalom
- StLBravesFan

I know a survivor. He tries to talk about it once in a while but can't get three sentences out. Bless them all.

Did I just sleep through December? Was before my time but a fire I’m guessing?
- HawkintheD

Should be December 1,1958 - today’s date 62 years ago.

Thanks....

Did I just sleep through December? Was before my time but a fire I’m guessing?
- HawkintheD

Yep. At least they completely changed the building fire codes for the better. Beyond brutal.

Yep. At least they completely changed the building fire codes for the better. Beyond brutal.
- 6628

The building was built in 1910, and remodeled and added to over time - the City had stronger fire codes, including sprinkler requirements and fire escape requirements - but the building was “grandfathered” in and not required to be up to the more modern codes.

Where's Darth?

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...e-for-Caufield/266/108500
With this much larger 2-game sample size, we can now confirm that Caufield is a complete bust.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone knows Darth passed away today - the Force left him once he started pumping Caufield as his new Jedi-in-training
(https://www.westernjourna...can&ff_content=2020-12-01)


Great job Theo on the detailed posts over the last month. Lots of reading to catch up on during the 'no Hockey December'.