Theo Fox: Camp Sights
A primer to Blackhawks training camp after the news of Dylan Strome re-signing with the team to shore up the center depth.

great read.

Happy New Year, everyone.

Thank you, Theo.
Blackhawk hockey, yay!!

With Strome signed, here is hoping he is now 100% recovered from last year's ankle injury. We shall soon see.

You mentioned that Smith is healthy, and talked about him going to the taxi squad or being a leader in Rockford. I commented last blog that I think Bowman should ask him his preference. I think that would go a long way with the players. I remember the internal uproar in Ottawa when they just placed him on waivers, and don't want to see that situation here.
Along the same lines, I was reading that the NHL may allow 20 man rosters this year, with the extra 2 or 3 players being placed on the taxi squad. This could be a way to accrue additional cap space throughout the year. Do you think Bowman could approach Seabrook and tell him that he's probably going to sit every a game every 3 to 5 games while they are evaluating their young players, and ask him if he would accept going to the taxi squad on days when he sits? Seabs has a NMC, so he would have to waive that to be anywhere except the active roster or LTIR. If we stuck with a 20 player roster all season, our current cap space jumps from 1.2M to 3M, freeing up even more space at the TDL to weaponize the cap for futures.

Thank you, Theo.
Blackhawk hockey, yay!!

With Strome signed, here is hoping he is now 100% recovered from last year's ankle injury. We shall soon see.
- 35Tony0

I think that was a good signing, especially getting that 2nd year.

What worries me is that he should have been 100% healed in the playoffs following the long COVID break. He just didn't look that good to me playing playoff hockey. I sure hope he put in a lot of work this off season to get (and play) stronger.

Thanks Theo for another wonderful blog. At this time there is always too many story lines to watch, I am glad you can summarize them for us.

What is your feeling on the taxi squad? Do you think those players will ever see actual NHL game time? I really feel sorry for the goalie that gets assigned there if they don't, that is almost 1 year of lost game experience (either NHL of AHL). Maybe assign Scott Foster to the taxi squad if the chances of that goalie not seeing playing time?

So they’re going to have players on the taxi squad, available to be “promoted” to the on-ice roster to take care of injuries, etc.

In addition to potential cap issues bringing players back and forth to the cab, how do players who may not have played in games for weeks or months move to the on-ice roster and contribute?

I’m not sure I see the value in having a “hack-full” of players who probably can’t really contribute (except for a third goalie).

So they’re going to have players on the taxi squad, available to be “promoted” to the on-ice roster to take care of injuries, etc.

In addition to potential cap issues bringing players back and forth to the cab, how do players who may not have played in games for weeks or months move to the on-ice roster and contribute?

I’m not sure I see the value in having a “hack-full” of players who probably can’t really contribute (except for a third goalie).
- StLBravesFan

With the third goalie on the taxi squad, I assume the NHL is doing away with the emergency goalie for this year, right?

Thank you, Theo.
Blackhawk hockey, yay!!

With Strome signed, here is hoping he is now 100% recovered from last year's ankle injury. We shall soon see.
- 35Tony0

With the Hawks’ luck this year, Strome will likely be injured during training camp.

Thanks Theo for another wonderful blog. At this time there is always too many story lines to watch, I am glad you can summarize them for us.

What is your feeling on the taxi squad? Do you think those players will ever see actual NHL game time? I really feel sorry for the goalie that gets assigned there if they don't, that is almost 1 year of lost game experience (either NHL of AHL). Maybe assign Scott Foster to the taxi squad if the chances of that goalie not seeing playing time?
- powerenforcer

It will be interesting to see how the Hawks and other teams use their taxi squad. Will they use players who are next in line for a call-up or will they want their best “next-in-line” players to spend time in Rockford?

You mentioned that Smith is healthy, and talked about him going to the taxi squad or being a leader in Rockford. I commented last blog that I think Bowman should ask him his preference. I think that would go a long way with the players. I remember the internal uproar in Ottawa when they just placed him on waivers, and don't want to see that situation here.
Along the same lines, I was reading that the NHL may allow 20 man rosters this year, with the extra 2 or 3 players being placed on the taxi squad. This could be a way to accrue additional cap space throughout the year. Do you think Bowman could approach Seabrook and tell him that he's probably going to sit every a game every 3 to 5 games while they are evaluating their young players, and ask him if he would accept going to the taxi squad on days when he sits? Seabs has a NMC, so he would have to waive that to be anywhere except the active roster or LTIR. If we stuck with a 20 player roster all season, our current cap space jumps from 1.2M to 3M, freeing up even more space at the TDL to weaponize the cap for futures.

After day 1, when Toews goes on LTIR, the Hawks will have plenty of space at the trade deadline to take on a "bad" contract, that is if Danny and Rocky tell Stan that he could.

Is it really worth it to screw around with Seabrook and put him on the "taxi " squad and only go with a 20 or 21 player roster for $1 mil. in cap savings? I am sure even with a full roster, he is going to sit some games, and he won't be blocking a young defenseman's ice time.

We are talking about veterans setting an example for the youngsters. You want to screw around with a guy who could easily collect his $6.5 mil. on LTIR, but instead went through 3 surgeries because he wants to prove he can still play? I think that sets a great example for a young player. I am sure Dach's development was aided by living with Seabrook last year.

I am sure that in training camp the decision by the brass is that Seabrook cannot play anymore, they will put him on LTIR, and maybe he can be a player development coach for the defense.

It will be interesting to see how the Hawks and other teams use their taxi squad. Will they use players who are next in line for a call-up or will they want their best “next-in-line” players to spend time in Rockford?
- DarthKane

My hope would be that the taxi squad is made up mainly of tweener type guys like Pirri. Guys who aren’t going to develop any further by being in Rockford, and are good enough to slot into the lineup for a game or two at a time.

You mentioned that Smith is healthy, and talked about him going to the taxi squad or being a leader in Rockford. I commented last blog that I think Bowman should ask him his preference. I think that would go a long way with the players. I remember the internal uproar in Ottawa when they just placed him on waivers, and don't want to see that situation here.
Along the same lines, I was reading that the NHL may allow 20 man rosters this year, with the extra 2 or 3 players being placed on the taxi squad. This could be a way to accrue additional cap space throughout the year. Do you think Bowman could approach Seabrook and tell him that he's probably going to sit every a game every 3 to 5 games while they are evaluating their young players, and ask him if he would accept going to the taxi squad on days when he sits? Seabs has a NMC, so he would have to waive that to be anywhere except the active roster or LTIR. If we stuck with a 20 player roster all season, our current cap space jumps from 1.2M to 3M, freeing up even more space at the TDL to weaponize the cap for futures.

After day 1, when Toews goes on LTIR, the Hawks will have plenty of space at the trade deadline to take on a "bad" contract, that is if Danny and Rocky tell Stan that he could.

Is it really worth it to screw around with Seabrook and put him on the "taxi " squad and only go with a 20 or 21 player roster for $1 mil. in cap savings? I am sure even with a full roster, he is going to sit some games, and he won't be blocking a young defenseman's ice time.

We are talking about veterans setting an example for the youngsters. You want to screw around with a guy who could easily collect his $6.5 mil. on LTIR, but instead went through 3 surgeries because he wants to prove he can still play? I think that sets a great example for a young player. I am sure Dach's development was aided by living with Seabrook last year.

I am sure that in training camp the decision by the brass is that Seabrook cannot play anymore, they will put him on LTIR, and maybe he can be a player development coach for the defense.
- LAHawk

As I understand it, LTIR is not a call the player can make (nor management really). LTIR designation is mostly driven by medical evaluation. If Seabrook is fully recovered from his surgeries.injuries and cleared to play, he cannot be put on LTIR. They don't have that luxury if he just isn't good anymore.

You mentioned that Smith is healthy, and talked about him going to the taxi squad or being a leader in Rockford. I commented last blog that I think Bowman should ask him his preference. I think that would go a long way with the players. I remember the internal uproar in Ottawa when they just placed him on waivers, and don't want to see that situation here.
Along the same lines, I was reading that the NHL may allow 20 man rosters this year, with the extra 2 or 3 players being placed on the taxi squad. This could be a way to accrue additional cap space throughout the year. Do you think Bowman could approach Seabrook and tell him that he's probably going to sit every a game every 3 to 5 games while they are evaluating their young players, and ask him if he would accept going to the taxi squad on days when he sits? Seabs has a NMC, so he would have to waive that to be anywhere except the active roster or LTIR. If we stuck with a 20 player roster all season, our current cap space jumps from 1.2M to 3M, freeing up even more space at the TDL to weaponize the cap for futures.

After day 1, when Toews goes on LTIR, the Hawks will have plenty of space at the trade deadline to take on a "bad" contract, that is if Danny and Rocky tell Stan that he could.

Is it really worth it to screw around with Seabrook and put him on the "taxi " squad and only go with a 20 or 21 player roster for $1 mil. in cap savings? I am sure even with a full roster, he is going to sit some games, and he won't be blocking a young defenseman's ice time.

We are talking about veterans setting an example for the youngsters. You want to screw around with a guy who could easily collect his $6.5 mil. on LTIR, but instead went through 3 surgeries because he wants to prove he can still play? I think that sets a great example for a young player. I am sure Dach's development was aided by living with Seabrook last year.

I am sure that in training camp the decision by the brass is that Seabrook cannot play anymore, they will put him on LTIR, and maybe he can be a player development coach for the defense.
- LAHawk

My understanding is that LTIR only helps with cap space if the player is out for the year, but I'm not 100% sure. If that is the case, then putting Toews on LTIR may not provide any benefits if he comes back halfway through the season.
I don't want to screw around with Seabrook, since he's one of my favorite players. I just think that he may be on board if he is approached privately, they explain the benefits to the team, AND they assure him that he won't be on the taxi squad for more than a game or 2 at a time. Honestly, what's the difference between sitting in the press box as a healthy scratch or being in the taxi squad to the player?

My hope would be that the taxi squad is made up mainly of tweener type guys like Pirri. Guys who aren’t going to develop any further by being in Rockford, and are good enough to slot into the lineup for a game or two at a time.
- Ogilthorpe2

I'm with you on this. Our team is largely made up of bottom six guys as it is. No reason to try and sprinkle in higher end talent that needs minutes when we have a bunch of guys that can likely plug and play with most of the active players.

As I understand it, LTIR is not a call the player can make (nor management really). LTIR designation is mostly driven by medical evaluation. If Seabrook is fully recovered from his surgeries.injuries and cleared to play, he cannot be put on LTIR. They don't have that luxury if he just isn't good anymore.
- Chunk

You are right, I should of said could of gone on LTIR, instead of going thru the surgeries to get healthy.

My understanding is that LTIR only helps with cap space if the player is out for the year, but I'm not 100% sure. If that is the case, then putting Toews on LTIR may not provide any benefits if he comes back halfway through the season.
I don't want to screw around with Seabrook, since he's one of my favorite players. I just think that he may be on board if he is approached privately, they explain the benefits to the team, AND they assure him that he won't be on the taxi squad for more than a game or 2 at a time. Honestly, what's the difference between sitting in the press box as a healthy scratch or being in the taxi squad to the player?
- tvetter

LTIR is accrued by the day. You are eligible to be put on LTIR if you are going to miss 10 games or 24 days, you are eligible to be put on LTIR.

LTIR is accrued by the day. You are eligible to be put on LTIR if you are going to miss 10 games or 24 days, you are eligible to be put on LTIR.
- LAHawk

Interesting, we should be hearing from the Hawks on how long Toews will be out?

2 years, maybe? - Stanbo will leave Strome unprotected at the end of this season for the Seattle draft hoping Ron Francis bites.

Unfortunately for Stan, like Joe Sakic, Francis knows a hockey player when he sees one.

I don't know about that Rick he did trade then sign Darling to what i recall was a $4 mil per contract for 4 years. New GM came in and started trading players. I have to admit i did admire Barzal in the playoffs mostly due to his skating ability, but when you look at His and Dubois actual stats like FO%, turnovers they are actually pretty bad compared to Strome and he manages to score as much a they do, if he's working on his skating like Kampf did this kid is going to be a solid top 6 forward.

Btw Elbows Dubois has his stretches where he disappears to.

Dubois did not play poorly in the playoffs. He was excellent against the Leafs and the BJ's were beaten in the next round by the eventual Cup champs. He led all forwards in average time on ice and # of shifts in that series. Only their big 3 D men saw the ice more than Dubois vs Tampa.

You are statistically delusional trying to compare Strome favourably to Dubois or Barzal. Watch the games is my suggestion.

LTIR is accrued by the day. You are eligible to be put on LTIR if you are going to miss 10 games or 24 days, you are eligible to be put on LTIR.
- LAHawk

FTF Example Two: The salary cap Upper Limit is $60.0MM, and a team currently has a 20 man roster of $60.0MM. Right at the limit, absolutely no breathing room. In the first day of the regular season, a player making $2.0MM is hit along the boards, injured, and subsequently placed on LTIR. Using the formula in the last paragraph of example one, we know that the team now has $2.0MM to use to exceed the Upper Limit and bring up players.

However, as we've learned, the player on LTIR still counts against the team's year end cap when he's injured. By promoting a player, they will be over the year end cap and not compliant with the CBA. So what gives? Essentially, if this situation were to occur, a team would have to trade a player right before the injured player returns in order to become salary cap compliant.

FTF Example Two: The salary cap Upper Limit is $60.0MM, and a team currently has a 20 man roster of $60.0MM. Right at the limit, absolutely no breathing room. In the first day of the regular season, a player making $2.0MM is hit along the boards, injured, and subsequently placed on LTIR. Using the formula in the last paragraph of example one, we know that the team now has $2.0MM to use to exceed the Upper Limit and bring up players.

However, as we've learned, the player on LTIR still counts against the team's year end cap when he's injured. By promoting a player, they will be over the year end cap and not compliant with the CBA. So what gives? Essentially, if this situation were to occur, a team would have to trade a player right before the injured player returns in order to become salary cap compliant.
- tvetter

After the year end, you can be 10% over the cap limit. Just look at how Toronto managed the cap last year when Marner signed, and they traded I think for Clarkson for LTIR relief.

FTF Example Two: The salary cap Upper Limit is $60.0MM, and a team currently has a 20 man roster of $60.0MM. Right at the limit, absolutely no breathing room. In the first day of the regular season, a player making $2.0MM is hit along the boards, injured, and subsequently placed on LTIR. Using the formula in the last paragraph of example one, we know that the team now has $2.0MM to use to exceed the Upper Limit and bring up players.

However, as we've learned, the player on LTIR still counts against the team's year end cap when he's injured. By promoting a player, they will be over the year end cap and not compliant with the CBA. So what gives? Essentially, if this situation were to occur, a team would have to trade a player right before the injured player returns in order to become salary cap compliant.
- tvetter

I think whatever cap space the Hawks have at the trade deadline is moot, cause I do not see the Hawks spending the actual cash to take on a dead contract.

Dubois did not play poorly in the playoffs. He was excellent against the Leafs and the BJ's were beaten in the next round by the eventual Cup champs. He led all forwards in average time on ice and # of shifts in that series. Only their big 3 D men saw the ice more than Dubois vs Tampa.

You are statistically delusional trying to compare Strome favourably to Dubois or Barzal. Watch the games is my suggestion.
- RickJ

Sure he did but he had more playoff experience than Strome, if you compare their first 9 games in the playoffs the stats are eerily similar. I know i know you formed a concrete opinion about him but let's compare apples to apples

Good signing, especially with Dach and Toews on the shelf. Those unfortunate cases probably saved Strome a spot on this team. If he has a great year, then 3.0M will seem like a bargain. If he doesn't, then I assume he can be left unprotected in the expansion draft. He may have to be left unprotected anyway. If he excels, then he will have used this bridge contract well and will get a bigger payday in 2 years, likely from another team.