Theo Fox: Market Demand A look how the Blackhawks offseason may play out based on recent comments by GM Stan Bowman.

Plus, predictions on the IceHogs annual end-of-season awards.

Mornin' Theo

Haven’t the first four games of the tournament been terrific? Exciting, well played games, came within a minute and a half of getting to 4 overtime’s.

Boston, Washington, Pittsburgh, Long Island, Vegas, Minnesota, Tampa, Miami - it wouldn’t be a schocker if any of those came out of their divisions after the second round. (Altho i’d be surprised if Minnesota did).

And isn’t it sobering to see how far away the Blackhawks are from approaching the level of play of those eight teams? And we haven’t even seen Toronto, Colorado, or Carolina play yet.

All of the young players we saw this season at the UC - are they big enough, fast enough, talented enough, hockey-smart enough to play at that level? Not now, certainly - but even in two years?

And - yes - changes will be made to this team - new rookies, Europeans, veteran - but who on the current team could develop into a player who could be a major factor on any of the teams we saw over the weekend? Kane, deBrincat…no “locks” amongst the rest.

Some “could” - I don’t see any that “will for sure”.

It may not be “doubtful”, but “I have my doubts”.

Flames needs to win one of their next two regular season games so that the Hawks can move ahead of them in the entry draft order. Tuesday Flames are in Vancouver and Wednesday Canucks are in Calgary. Go Flames!!!

It just seems so natural to root against the Canucks.

I feel that the significance of Bowmans acquisitions depend on whether or not he can move Z, deHaan and Strome. If he can move them I would have no problem with signing a young UFA for larger dollars and some term that would help transition the team into 23/24 after the Toews, Kane and Keith contracts expire. RNH (28), Hamilton (28), Landeskog (28). However I think anyone other than their current team will have to overpay and there is no reason for the Hawks to do that this off season.

Maybe the Hawks target 2nd tier UFA's this off season? Montour (27), Granlund (29), Danault (28), Wenneberg (26) They also will be at will be spendy, but may be a little more more affordable.

I could see also the Hawks standing pat. Having Strome and deHaan on the roster. Signing Z for a year of two at $.35 mil (which I am totally against and think it is an overpay). If that is the case maybe he goes the lower dollar route and signs Okulov and/or Zhafyarov and/or Shalunov.

Haven’t the first four games of the tournament been terrific? Exciting, well played games, came within a minute and a half of getting to 4 overtime’s.

Boston, Washington, Pittsburgh, Long Island, Vegas, Minnesota, Tampa, Miami - it wouldn’t be a schocker if any of those came out of their divisions after the second round. (Altho i’d be surprised if Minnesota did).

And isn’t it sobering to see how far away the Blackhawks are from approaching the level of play of those eight teams? And we haven’t even seen Toronto, Colorado, or Carolina play yet.

All of the young players we saw this season at the UC - are they big enough, fast enough, talented enough, hockey-smart enough to play at that level? Not now, certainly - but even in two years?

And - yes - changes will be made to this team - new rookies, Europeans, veteran - but who on the current team could develop into a player who could be a major factor on any of the teams we saw over the weekend? Kane, deBrincat…no “locks” amongst the rest.

Some “could” - I don’t see any that “will for sure”.

It may not be “doubtful”, but “I have my doubts”.
- StLBravesFan

The gap between the Hawks and the serious cup contenders seems huge. But in reality the difference between winning and losing games every night is usually one or two plays. The Hawks younger players will get better, stronger and more experienced. That will make them playoff contenders. Then either through the draft, a signing or a trade you need to add an impact player or two. It sure would help to be lottery lucky this year (or maybe next year).

Thank you, Theo. As always, a must-read for Blackhawks fans.
It will be very interesting indeed. Who gets added, who gets jettisoned. Big questions needing to be considered.
One thing this year's team had from my far away perch: positivity, indicating plus team chemistry. And the adds and subtracts to next year's team will need to consider the chemistry factor.

STL agree the opening games have been outstanding. That Tampa /Florida was old style nasty with today's speed n skill.
Agree, I think Hawks are far away from competing with these teams. IMHO the Hawks can not have 4 defenceman the size of their top young d men in the line up at the same time and play in games like this regardless how strong they get.
Also Hartman has turned into a good player, never wanted him traded.

STL agree the opening games have been outstanding. That Tampa /Florida was old style nasty with today's speed n skill.
Agree, I think Hawks are far away from competing with these teams. IMHO the Hawks can not have 4 defenceman the size of their top young d men in the line up at the same time and play in games like this regardless how strong they get.
Also Hartman has turned into a good player, never wanted him traded.
- HamiltonHawk

Hamilton raises an interesting question. Hartman is 26 and was drafted in 2013. Forsling will soon be 25 and was drafted in 2014. They are arguably decent NHL players now. The Hawks have many young players from the last few drafts (and signings and trades). How long do you hold onto them waiting for them to be decent NHL players?

Hawks are on the right path but are 2 to 3 years away from being a serious contender for the cup. Hawks need more team and individual speed bigger more physical forwards and defense man. 4 lines that can contribute consistently. Also need to be consistently better in there defensive zone coverage and play.
Pass on Hamilton he can not play defense worth a lick great offensive upside. And when Jones and Barkov become ufa's most likely going to a contender to win a cup. Barkov imo gets resigned by Florida. Jones will be player sought after by 31 other teams besides the hawks. Stay the course for the next couple years and build depth throughout the organisation and get those players that have the attributes the hawks are missing.

What Stan was saying was that the team needs dominant players and they don't have enough of them right now. The playoffs so far have highlighted the importance of having dominant players who can compete and often win against the other team's best players. Guys like Murphy and Z cannot compete against the best players of the other team. Suter and Kubalik, too. Slot them properly and they look much better. They guys who could provide the depth of a good team are present. The studs to compete against the best teams are not.

What Stan was saying was that the team needs dominant players and they don't have enough of them right now. The playoffs so far have highlighted the importance of having dominant players who can compete and often win against the other team's best players. Guys like Murphy and Z cannot compete against the best players of the other team. Suter and Kubalik, too. Slot them properly and they look much better. They guys who could provide the depth of a good team are present. The studs to compete against the best teams are not.
- mohel

really the only 2 guys Difference makers are kane and cat. it was cats first year because his skating and strength improved which allowed him to be better DEF. I think dach can be, Reichel maybe. I do not think any of the D upside is elite. I think all 4 of the young guys are NHL players just 3-6 type guys. funny thing is Isake phillips might have a higher upside then our 4 young guys. he is the biggest and his skating is at or near the best of the 4 probably right with kalynuk.

Playoffs are are much heavier game and obviously the Hawks are not built for that just yet. I believe the key might be to get your 2nd and 3rd lines to be almost equal. Everyone puts good portion of the offense on the 1st line of course, but if you have solid 2nd and 3rd lines that can be both as strong offensively and defensively, there is your balance. The 4th line needs to be line with purpose, not just all the spare parts on that line. Defensively, yes size is needed too and the entire team game has to cut down on the goals against. Improve the forecheck and gummy up the neutral zone and the puck won't be in the defensive end as much

"We relied a lot on the back of young players to do it. And now what we need to do is we need some of them to continue taking a step forward and we need to supplement that group over the next year or two with some probably more experienced or accomplished players. That's the challenge."

Again, acquiring veteran experience is never a bad thing especially during a rebuild. But what does "accomplished" mean exactly? Brett Connolly is accomplished in that he has a Cup ring from 2018.

But is that what Bowman means? Connolly was a role player for the Capitals that season and is very much so in that role with the Hawks. Or does accomplished refer to elite level talent?

Then if such high-octane players are brought in, how does that jive with the team makeup and chemistry? Does that stunt the growth of the youngsters as everyone gets bumped down a peg on the depth chart?

Thanks for another blog Theo!

To the point above, did you really see any "youngsters" this past season you would truly worry about stunting their growth? Mitchell appears destined to spend as much time as needed in the AHL? I think there will be plenty of openings for players who show they belong. In the meantime, strike when you have the opportunity under a favorable scenario.

Playoffs are are much heavier game and obviously the Hawks are not built for that just yet. I believe the key might be to get your 2nd and 3rd lines to be almost equal. Everyone puts good portion of the offense on the 1st line of course, but if you have solid 2nd and 3rd lines that can be both as strong offensively and defensively, there is your balance. The 4th line needs to be line with purpose, not just all the spare parts on that line. Defensively, yes size is needed too and the entire team game has to cut down on the goals against. Improve the forecheck and gummy up the neutral zone and the puck won't be in the defensive end as much
- chuckdahammer

Our 2nd 3rd and 4th lines are all equal we are Stanley Cup ready!

STL agree the opening games have been outstanding. That Tampa /Florida was old style nasty with today's speed n skill.
Agree, I think Hawks are far away from competing with these teams. IMHO the Hawks can not have 4 defenceman the size of their top young d men in the line up at the same time and play in games like this regardless how strong they get.
Also Hartman has turned into a good player, never wanted him traded.
- HamiltonHawk

Why? COL, FLA, and MIN all have D corps that are pretty much the same size.

COL: Makar, Girard, Toews all listed at least 10lbs sub 200
MIN: Anyone complaining about Dumba and Spurgeon, Brodin? Suter, and Cole are their bigger players.
FLA: Nutivaara, Montour, Forsling (The Great), Stralman, Yandle, Gudas is only 208.

If the Hawks D develop into guys that can actually play defense, they will not have a problem competing. If they are still making the same mistakes, they will have several issues.

I get why people like Hartman, but he's still the same guy. Puts up about 25-30 its, is willing to lay a hit, but still is inconsistent and gets lost defensively (from what I've seen).

really the only 2 guys Difference makers are kane and cat. it was cats first year because his skating and strength improved which allowed him to be better DEF. I think dach can be, Reichel maybe. I do not think any of the D upside is elite. I think all 4 of the young guys are NHL players just 3-6 type guys. funny thing is Isake phillips might have a higher upside then our 4 young guys. he is the biggest and his skating is at or near the best of the 4 probably right with kalynuk.
- kmw4631

We have lots of difference makers - just not good difference makers.

Starting with the Capitals-Bruins game, my first thought was if you throw the past year's Blackhawk team in as a replacement for either, that Blackhawk team gets eaten and spit out on the curb.

The puck handling, the direction the on ice players know they want the puck/play to go and the willingness to go in hard, well, I think the current Blackhawk team falls very short.

I think that is why you see Bowman hoping he can secure another difference maker at some point as his current young roster does a little more than thread water.

You have to think there are 31 other teams looking a facelifts and the hawks have many kids who can help promote new looks elsewhere too.
Over the years, I know I have had my jaw drop when I would read an announcement about a "really good" player a team suddenly traded away where you thought he was a fixture. Maybe StanBo is simply saying he is keeping his eyes and ears open to ANY PLAYER that lifts the group closer to contention level.
We don't know how re-signing negotiations in the next couple go in terms extend the euro guys and they have never been shy trading the Euro signed if they thought the return added. I know I ma not breaking the bank to any current Euro hawks.

Maybe the strategy changes depending upon if they win the lottery.

What Stan was saying was that the team needs dominant players and they don't have enough of them right now. The playoffs so far have highlighted the importance of having dominant players who can compete and often win against the other team's best players. Guys like Murphy and Z cannot compete against the best players of the other team. Suter and Kubalik, too. Slot them properly and they look much better. They guys who could provide the depth of a good team are present. The studs to compete against the best teams are not.
- Mohel

So basically we need a 2015 Seabrook, Hammer, Toews, Saad, and Hossa. Go get ‘em Stan!

What Stan was saying was that the team needs dominant players and they don't have enough of them right now. The playoffs so far have highlighted the importance of having dominant players who can compete and often win against the other team's best players. Guys like Murphy and Z cannot compete against the best players of the other team. Suter and Kubalik, too. Slot them properly and they look much better. They guys who could provide the depth of a good team are present. The studs to compete against the best teams are not.
- Mohel

So basically we need a 2015 Seabrook, Hammer, Toews, Saad, and Hossa. Go get ‘em Stan!
- Angotti

We need more than that...

After seeing Fleury put up a Vezina Trophy year, and the way he played in game 1 vs. Minnesota, and Vegas being as tight against the cap that they couldn't even replace an injured player during the year, do you think they regret giving Lehner 5 X $5 mil.?

What Stan was saying was that the team needs dominant players and they don't have enough of them right now. The playoffs so far have highlighted the importance of having dominant players who can compete and often win against the other team's best players. Guys like Murphy and Z cannot compete against the best players of the other team. Suter and Kubalik, too. Slot them properly and they look much better. They guys who could provide the depth of a good team are present. The studs to compete against the best teams are not.
- Mohel

So basically we need a 2015 Seabrook, Hammer, Toews, Saad, and Hossa. Go get ‘em Stan!
- Angotti

And Shaw Sharp, Oduya and Crawford.

What Stan was saying was that the team needs dominant players and they don't have enough of them right now. The playoffs so far have highlighted the importance of having dominant players who can compete and often win against the other team's best players. Guys like Murphy and Z cannot compete against the best players of the other team. Suter and Kubalik, too. Slot them properly and they look much better. They guys who could provide the depth of a good team are present. The studs to compete against the best teams are not.
- Mohel

So basically we need a 2015 Seabrook, Hammer, Toews, Saad, and Hossa. Go get ‘em Stan!
- Angotti

Who out there as far as difference makers is bowman going to get teams that have those type players aren't going give them away and bowman has shown that his blindspot for building a team has been phyiscal nasty willingness type of players. I also think he has recognize that weakness and trying to address that area of need. Hawks need a Brady tkachuk type of player or couple of those type of players. Heard a rumor that his brother has fallen out favor with some of players on Calgary and management also but would love to have on the hawks. Don't what a trade would look like to get him?

I could see one more year of signing a couple of cheap Janmark/Soderland types that could be flipped at the TDL for some draft capital or prospects.

I think this next season will be a further evaluation year for the organization to decide who they want on the team going forward. Maybe the following year Stan starts to add better players via UFA or trading away pieces that aren't in their long term plans.

Surely Stan sees that he does not have the impact/dominant players on the team or in the system that are required for a long playoff run. That "one poster" sees that too which is why he is pining for the likes of Barkhov and Jones, players who will be in their prime at 26 or 27 when they reach free agency, worthy of a 7 year contract, and would add some top level skill talent to the team. Yes, competition will be fierce for that type of player IF they reach free agency so it's a very long shot they would be Hawks in the future.

If the chances of adding these younger dominant players via UFA are slim to none, Stan is going to have to go the trade route.

He'll have to pull off Sharp type trades to get more talented players, or a blockbuster trade to get someone like Jones if CBJ knows they won't extend him.

Trade Kane and tank the next 2 years.