Theo Fox: WJC & Prospects Update
A review of Blackhawks prospects who made the cut for the World Junior Championships. Also, a few updates on other prospects in the system.

I sometimes think all indoor stadium in Canada are either “Rogers Place” or “Scotia Bank Arena”.

Let’s hope the tournament goes well without “COVID-interruptus”. It will be nice to see competitive hockey again (and I have watched a college game or two this season).

Wen i read your evaluation of the prospects, Theo, i am always reminded that while we can wax poetic about their skill bright future, the end for all is really a stark lesson about the reality of the business side of the equation.

I mean this: most prospects were among the better players throughout their youthful years....many among the best on their team, in their league when Chicago drafted them. Now you know there are only so many spots on an NHL roster. Whom gets squeezed out

I know the Blackhawks will give the kids a fair opportunity. But after turning pro at some point they will sink or swim. Bowman will keep drafting dmen until a couple stick. Then ideally you would like to see a balance of toughness and new age puck movers on defense. I would be ok with four of the offensive flair and two whom would knock an opponent on their derriere.

Seabrook is the essential veteran whom can provide muscle. I would be a tad surprised, though, if he won the 6th job long term basis.

However I bet both Bowman and Colliton do not want Seabrook to marinate in the press box. He can aid the young kids in their on ice development and be a friend mentor as an example of what it takes to be a pro.. The mental side of life in a new environment, making big dollars, the pressure and the fact they are barely past teenage years yet hanging out with men - that's a lot on the plate. All hockey players are kids at heart playing a game they have been in love with since they were - yes - kids

But these kids aren't looking at mortgages, new sports cars or SUV for the family, and going home to see their kids after home games. They are just excited to have maybe their first expensive sports car. Just wonderin what was that car model Big Buff drove 55 down side streets and Tallon wanted to take a turn behind the wheel?

See kids at heart. But focus upon hockey: you figure unless a Kaylnuk or Beaudin is turning out to be really good, one of them sticks and one will find his way to another NHL city. Only one spot and two or more candidates.

I expect that Mitchell might develop into a top.pair. Boqvist is a second pair albeit could get a lot of TOI. Carlsson will fit in as a complementary dman maybe he is solid in second pair but certainly third pair. Zadorov is really whom you want in third pair but the strategy vs certain opponents may cause some of these guys to move up to 2nd or down to 3rd pair.

I know Vlasic is thought of as a big dman whom would be ideal if he gets a bit more comfotable in his big body and a bit of a mean streak too. He can skate well and may be a surprise contributor with his strong game overall if he develops

So without knowing if a tough dman prospect 2021 lottery pick, we can size up the spot Beaudin and or Kalynuk land. A third pair because you expect or hope Mitchell becomes top pair and Boqvist 2nd pair. Too much ability with Beaudin and Kalynuk so I would want one if them to be a catalyst on third pair. We cannot project them higher right now although it would be fair to say they cound one day be good enough to play on a different pair

I guess Kyrs has his work cut out for him. Rogula too. Rogula might be the third pair guy if he grows into a man body and uses his strength in physical confrontations. Who knows?

Still loving to draft a tough nosed kid in '21 draft but now hearing the Swedish kid in WJC is making a case to be the next first round goaltender

I sometimes think all indoor stadium in Canada are either “Rogers Place” or “Scotia Bank Arena”.

Let’s hope the tournament goes well without “COVID-interruptus”. It will be nice to see competitive hockey again (and I have watched a college game or two this season).
- StLBravesFan

1 word spelling - Scotiabank.

Same little bank that pays Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment $800 million over 10 years for naming rights to their arena.

That pretty much covers the salaries of the entire Maple Leaf NHL roster before they even sell one overpriced ticket to their home games.

1 word spelling - Scotiabank.

Same little bank that pays Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment $800 million over 10 years for naming rights to their arena.

That pretty much covers the salaries of the entire Maple Leaf NHL roster before they even sell one overpriced ticket to their home games.
- RickJ

How Canadian....

I’m always amazed that companies spend so much money on promotion that I see as relatively worthless.

I never think of United Airlines when I hear “United Center” - I don’t even know who “Guaranteed Rate Field” is named after.

Do Edmontonians really think of Mr. Rogers when they say “the game is at Rogers Place”?

I don’t know - they must know what they’re doing.

How Canadian....

I’m always amazed that companies spend so much money on promotion that I see as relatively worthless.

I never think of United Airlines when I hear “United Center” - I don’t even know who “Guaranteed Rate Field” is named after.

Do Edmontonians really think of Mr. Rogers when they say “the game is at Rogers Place”?

I don’t know - they must know what they’re doing.
- StLBravesFan

Even when I do know of the business or have some connection, I never think once or twice to patronize the business because of the sponsorship.

Bowl games too. Corporations invent ways to blow share-holder value.

I’m always amazed that companies spend so much money on promotion that I see as relatively worthless.

I never think of United Airlines when I hear “United Center” - I don’t even know who “Guaranteed Rate Field” is named after.

Do Edmontonians really think of Mr. Rogers when they say “the game is at Rogers Place”?

I don’t know - they must know what they’re doing.
- StLBravesFan

I can do the Hockey News crossword puzzle successfully if I have to come up with hip chacker and fill with Leo Bovin, but any questions about the stadiums in any sport \, well I have refused to attempt to keep those names as essential in my brain.

When I hear announcers in a sport relate through the areas name, I (if interested ) have to do a search to figure most out...and like you I just call the "new Chicago stadium" unless I have to differentiate between the one that was on Warren and Madison, now a parking lot.

Years ago saw that movie on the two crazy Acid comics creators/brother, simply titled CRUMB, and Robt Crumb went back to film in Haight-Asbury.

He was doing that old peoples thing (we would have never) and while watching the tourists and residents there, he commented about how so many people where wearing t-shirts / jackets / clothes that were basically purchased clothes that were free advertising for the companies whose brands were on the clothes.
He found that as such a radically different change from separating from the corporations, products that the "underground" comic culture can from.

Bowl games too. Corporations invent ways to blow share-holder value.
- Aurora Hawk

as a desperate Bear fan and interested football m oct drafts, I, in the past, used to try and see the prospects that the bears might tag in the first round, after seeing the picks, and the toughest part was trying to figure out which college teams were in the new renamed games.

I think for me, what I take from they building advertisements is that these companies have far to much profit, if they can toss the $ for a name.
Tax 'em.

Thanks about the heads up on Reichel.

I didn't realize he got "it" and may be a asymptomatic, or maybe misdiagnosed.

As I said a week or two back I just rewatch dhim in last years tourney, and I am now disappointed.
The Gerama team would have be fly in the ointment in the tourney with him...maybe they still will be.

Also wondering how long the team Canada decision of playing both Cozens and Dach on right wing and filling the pivot with some of the other 8 pivots on the roster will last, because THE OTHER were less impressive, viable options as wings after the way the OTHERS looked in the two exhibitions.

In the pro game the wing position has be tasked with add3d reads and responsibilities.

Anyway in my opinion unless Russain surpasses with a super secret team loaded with newbies who excel, the Canada entry is really one of the strongest junior teams to go to the tourney.

I sure did like Slavin when I saw him play with the Steel. Your report from Colorado College is great to hear.

How Canadian....

I’m always amazed that companies spend so much money on promotion that I see as relatively worthless.

I never think of United Airlines when I hear “United Center” - I don’t even know who “Guaranteed Rate Field” is named after.

Do Edmontonians really think of Mr. Rogers when they say “the game is at Rogers Place”?

I don’t know - they must know what they’re doing.
- StLBravesFan

It's way more than just advertising. Sponsorship brings all kinds of perks for the sponsor, including the ability to woo large customers and reward clients and employees.

For instance, as a Cubs major sponsor, we had access to Baez for both English & Spanish language commercials. As an employee, I've had the opportunity to be in the Toyota Suite at the Staples Center for both basketball and hockey. I've had access to tickets in the Lexus 200 level at the UC, etc. After our move to Dallas, we have suites at the new Ranger ballpark and the Dallas Mavericks arena.

Hard to place a value on everything the company gets, and every deal is different, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.

Plus it's always fun to see the United logo on the top of the UC when flying into ORD.

Mild flu.

Mild flu.
- Jack Straw

Thanks for the update Theo! I'm bummed about Vlasic. I really wanted to see how he held up against some of the WJC talent.

Does anyone know if there is a way to watch the college games if/when they start back up (considering I live in CA)?

Wen i read your evaluation of the prospects, Theo, i am always reminded that while we can wax poetic about their skill bright future, the end for all is really a stark lesson about the reality of the business side of the equation.

I mean this: most prospects were among the better players throughout their youthful years....many among the best on their team, in their league when Chicago drafted them. Now you know there are only so many spots on an NHL roster. Whom gets squeezed out

I know the Blackhawks will give the kids a fair opportunity. But after turning pro at some point they will sink or swim. Bowman will keep drafting dmen until a couple stick. Then ideally you would like to see a balance of toughness and new age puck movers on defense. I would be ok with four of the offensive flair and two whom would knock an opponent on their derriere.

Seabrook is the essential veteran whom can provide muscle. I would be a tad surprised, though, if he won the 6th job long term basis.

However I bet both Bowman and Colliton do not want Seabrook to marinate in the press box. He can aid the young kids in their on ice development and be a friend mentor as an example of what it takes to be a pro.. The mental side of life in a new environment, making big dollars, the pressure and the fact they are barely past teenage years yet hanging out with men - that's a lot on the plate. All hockey players are kids at heart playing a game they have been in love with since they were - yes - kids

But these kids aren't looking at mortgages, new sports cars or SUV for the family, and going home to see their kids after home games. They are just excited to have maybe their first expensive sports car. Just wonderin what was that car model Big Buff drove 55 down side streets and Tallon wanted to take a turn behind the wheel?

See kids at heart. But focus upon hockey: you figure unless a Kaylnuk or Beaudin is turning out to be really good, one of them sticks and one will find his way to another NHL city. Only one spot and two or more candidates.

I expect that Mitchell might develop into a top.pair. Boqvist is a second pair albeit could get a lot of TOI. Carlsson will fit in as a complementary dman maybe he is solid in second pair but certainly third pair. Zadorov is really whom you want in third pair but the strategy vs certain opponents may cause some of these guys to move up to 2nd or down to 3rd pair.

I know Vlasic is thought of as a big dman whom would be ideal if he gets a bit more comfotable in his big body and a bit of a mean streak too. He can skate well and may be a surprise contributor with his strong game overall if he develops

So without knowing if a tough dman prospect 2021 lottery pick, we can size up the spot Beaudin and or Kalynuk land. A third pair because you expect or hope Mitchell becomes top pair and Boqvist 2nd pair. Too much ability with Beaudin and Kalynuk so I would want one if them to be a catalyst on third pair. We cannot project them higher right now although it would be fair to say they cound one day be good enough to play on a different pair

I guess Kyrs has his work cut out for him. Rogula too. Rogula might be the third pair guy if he grows into a man body and uses his strength in physical confrontations. Who knows?

Still loving to draft a tough nosed kid in '21 draft but now hearing the Swedish kid in WJC is making a case to be the next first round goaltender
- jhawk59

Well, actually Stan and co. should be hoping he does. They might be able to work out a deal with Seattle or at least get some of their money's worth making it easier to move another D-man.

On the message boards for the last blog, tvetter asked about the number of Hawks prospects in the WJC compared to other teams. Check out this NHL.com article with a summary of prospects per team and each country's roster.

https://www.nhl.com/news/...4?tcid=tw_news_content_id

Thanks for the update Theo! I'm bummed about Vlasic. I really wanted to see how he held up against some of the WJC talent.

Does anyone know if there is a way to watch the college games if/when they start back up (considering I live in CA)?
- Chunk

I'm sure there are other (better?) sites out there but one that I see recommended a lot is this one. You need ad blockers, though, so ads galore aren't distracting or slowing down the viewing.

http://onhockey.tv/

Thanks for the update Theo! I'm bummed about Vlasic. I really wanted to see how he held up against some of the WJC talent.

Does anyone know if there is a way to watch the college games if/when they start back up (considering I live in CA)?
- Chunk

I saw Ohio State vs. Notre Dame twice this weekend, it was either on ESPN or NBC SportsNet (the national one, not the local NBCSports Chicago). I also recall that the NHL Network carries college games too. NHL Network also shows some random Canadian Junior games.

On the message boards for the last blog, tvetter asked about the number of Hawks prospects in the WJC compared to other teams. Check out this NHL.com article with a summary of prospects per team and each country's roster.

https://www.nhl.com/news/...4?tcid=tw_news_content_id
- Theo Fox

The Panthers have 2 goalies playing in WJC. With Bob signed for 9 more years, they should be a trade partner for someone. Go get Spencer Knight Stan.

The Panthers have 2 goalies playing in WJC. With Bob signed for 9 more years, they should be a trade partner for someone. Go get Spencer Knight Stan.
- scottak

In addition to Spencer Knight and Devon Levi, the Panthers also have Samuel Montembeault. Knight is the biggest fish but Levi is rising and Montembeault has pretty good potential as well.

If Florida trades a goaltender, I don't believe it would be "Bob." Too much term & salary

Since they have two descent goaltender prospects behind Knight, they might consider trading Knight if you gave them an equally strong prospect as Knight.

They would want a dman or no trade since defense position is their Achilles heel. The 2021 draft has five dmen likely to go in top fifteen and most if not each one has a physical style in their game.

One strategy is use the 2021 draft to get that type dman unlike 2020 where the dman Chicago wanted was plucked by Montreal at (I believe) #15. So Chicago chasing a netminder would involve having to use (likely) own lottery pick to draft the Swedish kid or see if Florida trades Knight. Those are my scenarios which make the most sense

Logical moves fans conjure rarely happen, even if they make sense. Chicago needs to have some dmen prospects play NHL so that their NHL future becomes more clear. Then maybe they might try a trade scenario: Beaudin and #2 for Knight. Which if I am Florida I say no, forget about the #2 and give me a better dman prospect. Such as Boqvist? A top goaltender prospect is worth much.

I am not recommending any particular trade; I am, however, just giving names as a way to show the parameters of a trade for a goaltender prospect

And who knows whether as far as Bowman's strategy goes, he is content with the college kid Commissaro and instead drafts a different position player with the 2021 draft choice

In response to the idea whereas Seabrook establishes himself as a solid third pair, I would not trade him because we would need to also surrender a top prospect or a #1. Which is out of the trade conversations. Seabrook retires eventually aa Blackhawk. Our #1 draft choices is our lifeline, our blood transfusion so to speak.

Anybody know the best hockey app for a amazon fire stick?

1 word spelling - Scotiabank.

Same little bank that pays Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment $800 million over 10 years for naming rights to their arena.

That pretty much covers the salaries of the entire Maple Leaf NHL roster before they even sell one overpriced ticket to their home games.
- RickJ

That's why i don't really believe many things owners say. They are great at getting money from the city to build their stadium. They tuck these other sport related ventures under another company. Have a parent company to manage them. Cubs came out with their own broadcasting station. Soon the more organized hockey teams will be doing this. These owners are also vetted. They just don't hand over a franchise to someone who is paper rich.

That's why i don't really believe many things owners say. They are great at getting money from the city to build their stadium. They tuck these other sport related ventures under another company. Have a parent company to manage them. Cubs came out with their own broadcasting station. Soon the more organized hockey teams will be doing this. These owners are also vetted. They just don't hand over a franchise to someone who is paper rich.
- BetweenTheDots

The only thing I take issue with is the public funding of stadiums. It is asinine that that ever happens. If you have the backing to own a professional franchise, then you can figure out a way to construct or renovate a stadium and get the money back out of it. I also would, under those conditions, have no issue with owners moving a team in order to maximize both the team and the stadium potential.

How they run their businesses (both related and not related to the teams) is their concern. Without their immense wealth we likely don't have professional sports (at least not on the scale that we have them.

I see your point on the broadcasting station, but I doubt many, if any, hockey teams will be able to pull that off. Maybe Toronto, but outside of that I don't think there is enough of a driver for it. That said, I've been wrong before.

Anybody know the best hockey app for a amazon fire stick?
- Scott1977

Are you looking for something specific, or just a way to watch games? I would think the NHL app would be best, no?