Theo Fox: Premium Pork Products Early thoughts on which Blackhawks prospects could have the inside track for NHL starting jobs next season and what to watch for as the IceHogs push for an AHL playoff berth.

Plus, a summary of the Hawks loss to the Flames where Alec Regula notched his first NHL goal.

First! Lots of bottom 6 forwards on Hogs , besides on Chicago , It will give us fans something to follow when Hawks season is over.

Sending Reichel down gives me one less reason to watch but I'm interested to see how Regula and Vlasic do the rest of the way.

Hopefully Dach's and Entwistle's clipped wing are nothing too serious. I like that Regula isn't skittish about putting the puck on net.

Also, a semi-interesting clip from the Athletic yesterday...

One league source said recently they wouldn’t be shocked if DeBrincat and Kane were shopped this summer, too. There isn’t any indication yet that Davidson has any plans to do that, but those are the types of strategies that usually come with a rebuild. It’s not about what the team looks like today, but how good they can be in the future.

I know Wiz and some others were kicking it around last night. If the return is right, say something like Hagel's deal with better prospects, I'd say go for it.

I am sure some Chicago hockey writers peruse this blog. I really really would like to hear one of them ask Our new GM if McLaughlin will get an opportunity in training camp/exhibition season to show he can play in the NHL. Based upon what I have seen and what Theo has reported/opinion, McLaughlin appears to be an ideal third center. Of course, you have to figure out the role and position for Slavin and Toews - if Toews returns. Eventually Barret should crack the NHL but not necessarily as a center. Reichel eventually will be a center.?

I am sure some Chicago hockey writers peruse this blog. I really really would like to hear one of them ask Our new GM if McLaughlin will get an opportunity in training camp/exhibition season to show he can play in the NHL. Based upon what I have seen and what Theo has reported/opinion, McLaughlin appears to be an ideal third center. Of course, you have to figure out the role and position for Slavin and Toews - if Toews returns. Eventually Barret should crack the NHL but not necessarily as a center. Reichel eventually will be a center.?

I think that for the next two years the Hawks and Hogs need to focus on developing bottom 6 forwards and 2nd and 3rd pair dmen that play the right way. You have to accept Seth Jones being a top pair defender and Debrincat being a top 6 forward. After that you are going to have 2 very high first round picks, 2 late first round picks, 5 second round picks, and 5 third round picks in the next 3 years. And that is if you don’t trade others (Toews, Strome, McCabe, Murphy) for high draft picks. So you have to think the chances of getting additional top 6 forwards and a top pair defender through the draft is pretty good. Then you need to hope Commesso is the real deal. Any current prospects that turn into top 6 forwards or top pair defenders is a bonus. Finally you should have a boatload of cap space to fill in a top defender or a couple of top 6 forwards once you become competitive again (but wait to spend until then).

I think that for the next two years the Hawks and Hogs need to focus on developing bottom 6 forwards and 2nd and 3rd pair dmen that play the right way. You have to accept Seth Jones being a top pair defender and Debrincat being a top 6 forward. After that you are going to have 2 very high first round picks, 2 late first round picks, 5 second round picks, and 5 third round picks in the next 3 years. And that is if you don’t trade others (Toews, Strome, McCabe, Murphy) for high draft picks. So you have to think the chances of getting additional top 6 forwards and a top pair defender through the draft is pretty good. Then you need to hope Commesso is the real deal. Any current prospects that turn into top 6 forwards or top pair defenders is a bonus. Finally you should have a boatload of cap space to fill in a top defender or a couple of top 6 forwards once you become competitive again (but wait to spend until then).
- Ztra

One of those picks is going to the BJs.

I am sure some Chicago hockey writers peruse this blog. I really really would like to hear one of them ask Our new GM if McLaughlin will get an opportunity in training camp/exhibition season to show he can play in the NHL. Based upon what I have seen and what Theo has reported/opinion, McLaughlin appears to be an ideal third center. Of course, you have to figure out the role and position for Slavin and Toews - if Toews returns. Eventually Barret should crack the NHL but not necessarily as a center. Reichel eventually will be a center.?

jhawk

If the Hawks are pinning their hopes on a 27 year old career AHL middle 6 forward as part of the rebuild, the Wirtz's will need to build a new stadium as the United Center will be deemed obsolete by the time the Hawks are ready to be a playoff team let alone a cup contender.

Sending Reichel down gives me one less reason to watch but I'm interested to see how Regula and Vlasic do the rest of the way.

Hopefully Dach's and Entwistle's clipped wing are nothing too serious. I like that Regula isn't skittish about putting the puck on net.

Also, a semi-interesting clip from the Athletic yesterday...

One league source said recently they wouldn’t be shocked if DeBrincat and Kane were shopped this summer, too. There isn’t any indication yet that Davidson has any plans to do that, but those are the types of strategies that usually come with a rebuild. It’s not about what the team looks like today, but how good they can be in the future.

I know Wiz and some others were kicking it around last night. If the return is right, say something like Hagel's deal with better prospects, I'd say go for it.
- HawkintheD

I suppose that to maximize the odds of a successful rebuild, all the best assets need to go. If they were looking at a 2-3 year project, I think Hagel might still be here; so I think everybody is available.

If Cat and Kane do go, I can't wait to see the reaction here to the return.....

On Lukas, I still don't understand why the extra NHL game or two mattered. It's like they were trying to do him a solid by burning the year on his ELC. That extra year was an asset; and I'm not sure what they got for giving up that asset. I know it likely won't matter, but giving up assets without a reason is not a good practice.

I suppose that to maximize the odds of a successful rebuild, all the best assets need to go. If they were looking at a 2-3 year project, I think Hagel might still be here; so I think everybody is available.

If Cat and Kane do go, I can't wait to see the reaction here to the return.....

On Lukas, I still don't understand why the extra NHL game or two mattered. It's like they were trying to do him a solid by burning the year on his ELC. That extra year was an asset; and I'm not sure what they got for giving up that asset. I know it likely won't matter, but giving up assets without a reason is not a good practice.
- mohel

Roumeliotis suggests that burning the first year this season may actually be more beneficial to the Blackhawks from a longer-term planning perspective. When he’s up for a new deal in the 2024 offseason, he’ll have at most only two full NHL seasons under his belt, which should keep the AAV lower, giving Chicago a bit more short-term cap flexibility. Chicago will have some pricey contracts expiring by then — particularly those of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane at $10.5M each — but having a core piece on a cheaper second deal certainly can’t hurt.

It’s worth noting that Chicago will not lose a year of team control by doing this. In order to receive a year of service time, Reichel would have needed to reach 40 games on the active roster, and that’s clearly not going to happen with the Blackhawks already mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. As a result of this, Reichel will need his second contract a year sooner, but Chicago will still have seven years of team control remaining.

Sending Reichel down gives me one less reason to watch but I'm interested to see how Regula and Vlasic do the rest of the way.

Hopefully Dach's and Entwistle's clipped wing are nothing too serious. I like that Regula isn't skittish about putting the puck on net.

Also, a semi-interesting clip from the Athletic yesterday...

One league source said recently they wouldn’t be shocked if DeBrincat and Kane were shopped this summer, too. There isn’t any indication yet that Davidson has any plans to do that, but those are the types of strategies that usually come with a rebuild. It’s not about what the team looks like today, but how good they can be in the future.

I know Wiz and some others were kicking it around last night. If the return is right, say something like Hagel's deal with better prospects, I'd say go for it.
- HawkintheD

A lot of things in play here.

1) Does Kane want to retire a Blackhawk and chase Mikita's franchise point record over the next 3 or 4 years regardless of the fact that this team will not be sniffing the playoffs?

2) Kane realizes that Debrincat is a scoring machine and he has a better chance of accumulating points with 12 as a line mate. Does Kane tell Davidson that he'll stay if Debrincat stays, but if Cat is traded he wants out too?

3) Who else on the roster besides these two are worth 1st round picks and top prospects?

4) How serious is Davidson about this rebuild and will the business end allow him to trade a couple of the faces of the franchise and their top 2 offensive players?

Imagine for a bit, both players traded to the same team where they can continue to rack up points together. Who has cap space to extend Kane for 2-3 years at around 8M and Dcat for several years at 8 or 9M? Where is Kane's hometown? Who has four 1st round picks and four 2nd round picks the next two drafts? You're a winner if you say Buffalo.

Heck, even include Strome in the trade to Buffalo so all three can play together.

Hawks should get at least three 1sts, a couple of 2nds, and two or three prospects in return.

Here's some more excerpts from Powers' recent Athletic story.

https://nhlrumors.com/nhl...go-blackhawks/2022/04/19/

Here's some more excerpts from Powers' recent Athletic story.

https://nhlrumors.com/nhl...go-blackhawks/2022/04/19/
- boilermaker100

Yea i don't think it benefits a franchise to trade top 6 players who haven't hit their prime yet. If you want to trade them do it before they become a UFA. If in 3 years you aren't seeing talent develop in the system then you move on, but i think they have to be open to the possibility that if the talent is there you have some experienced NHL players leading the way.

Added, now if someone wants Cat so bad they offer something ridiculous then you make the deal.

I like Kings model of a rebuild much better than Ottawa. Look how close the Kings are and if they traded everyone away especially Quick they aren't even in a playoff spot. Blackhawks just need to stick to a plan.

the reason I trade CAT if the return is good is by the time this team is even AVG he will be 28 on the 3rd year of a 9 X 8 Contract. you are better off using that cap space acquiring assets and he would also return a few good young players. he is great shooter but you take Kane and PP away and he is not a 9 mil guy. also keeping Kane and CAT beyond the mutiple first round picks you get and prospects is it keeps us in t he middling team. IE 7-10 worst. assuming we do not win this year. we need to draft in the top 5 2 years in a row.

Roumeliotis suggests that burning the first year this season may actually be more beneficial to the Blackhawks from a longer-term planning perspective. When he’s up for a new deal in the 2024 offseason, he’ll have at most only two full NHL seasons under his belt, which should keep the AAV lower, giving Chicago a bit more short-term cap flexibility. Chicago will have some pricey contracts expiring by then — particularly those of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane at $10.5M each — but having a core piece on a cheaper second deal certainly can’t hurt.

It’s worth noting that Chicago will not lose a year of team control by doing this. In order to receive a year of service time, Reichel would have needed to reach 40 games on the active roster, and that’s clearly not going to happen with the Blackhawks already mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. As a result of this, Reichel will need his second contract a year sooner, but Chicago will still have seven years of team control remaining.
- LAHawk

Thanks for that, LA. Makes more sense now; glad there's a reason.

Yea i don't think it benefits a franchise to trade top 6 players who hasn't hit their prime yet. If you want to trade them do it before they become a UFA. If in 3 years you aren't seeing talent develop in the system then you move on, but i think they have to be open to the possibility that if the talent is there you have some experienced NHL players leading the way.
- BetweenTheDots

I'm with you here. I don't think you can strip the whole thing down to foundation and build completely from scratch. You need something there to guide the way on the ice.

That said - at least looking at the d-men - the rookies looked better than the established players. Regula and Vlasic kept everything simple. Gain possession, take a quick look and either skate or make an accurate pass out of the zone. Both got turnstiled a couple times, but certainly no more than de Haan, McCabe, Jones and Jones.

Regula is pretty dynamic, but I was a bit more impressed with how Vlasic played. He cuts off opponents entering the zone using his size, reach and angles. He wasn't scared to skate the puck into the zone (although the was a bit lost with what to do once he got there), and IMO was by far the best at knowing when to pinch and being effective at it.

It blew my mind how many times de Haan either skated or waited his way into trouble.

I like Kings model of a rebuild much better than Ottawa. Look how close the Kings are and if they traded everyone away especially Quick they aren't even in a playoff spot. Blackhawks just need to stick to a plan.
- BetweenTheDots

Ottawa's plan is to be the feeder team for the rest of the league. They actually draft pretty darn well. They just let all those good players go once they are expected to cost more than $5.

Snark aside, your last sentence is spot on.

I like Kings model of a rebuild much better than Ottawa. Look how close the Kings are and if they traded everyone away especially Quick they aren't even in a playoff spot. Blackhawks just need to stick to a plan.
- BetweenTheDots

How close the Kings are to what?

How close the Kings are to what?
- mohel

How about the Rangers plan? I know their goalie play has been lights out, but they restocked their blue line, acquired some solid forwards and signed one all world player in Panarin. They aren't even relying all that much on their #1 and #3 overall draft picks for much right now.

I think the Hawks could press Kane's hand by trading DeBrincat first. We shall see....have to think that come to jesus meeting between Brisson, Kane/Toews, and Davidson will happen immediately after the season expires (if not sooner) so that Davidson can start working on trade parameters given how large of cap hits 19/88 have.

I get their will be fans irate over 19/88 potentially NOT finishing their careers here but for the best thing for the organization is to maximize both....I don't see how the Hawks would keep 19/88 and readdress trading them in season by the deadline...given those large cap hits. Tough for a contender to squeeze them in and the Hawks can't afford to let either walk and not get anything back.

Also...there was a fantastic article written by an ex Canucks front office guy about the importance of playoff revenue....so for all those posters claiming Wirtz's BS claim of losing money on the Hawks during their glory runs......go fish.

Yea i don't think it benefits a franchise to trade top 6 players who haven't hit their prime yet. If you want to trade them do it before they become a UFA. If in 3 years you aren't seeing talent develop in the system then you move on, but i think they have to be open to the possibility that if the talent is there you have some experienced NHL players leading the way.

Added, now if someone wants Cat so bad they offer something ridiculous then you make the deal.
- BetweenTheDots

Nobody knows what DeBrincat is without Kane.....is he benefiting from Kane, or can he carry a line by himself in a post Kane world? Nobody knows......but the return they could get for him might even be higher than what they can get for Kane given age, etc....

Basically have about 5-1/2 months of speculation left because if 19/88 are both on this roster I would assume at that time they are working on extensions for both to finish off their careers here.

One of those picks is going to the BJs.
- Rota's Rooter

Actually I took that into consideration. In the next 3 years they will have 4 1st round picks. Two of theirs and two of the lightning’s.

How about the Rangers plan? I know their goalie play has been lights out, but they restocked their blue line, acquired some solid forwards and signed one all world player in Panarin. They aren't even relying all that much on their #1 and #3 overall draft picks for much right now.
- Chunk

Great point...Rangers are rolling along and Kappo and LaFreniere...plan on watching a lot of their games in the playoffs as if Kane were to want to leave...this makes a TON of sense.

I like Kings model of a rebuild much better than Ottawa. Look how close the Kings are and if they traded everyone away especially Quick they aren't even in a playoff spot. Blackhawks just need to stick to a plan.
- BetweenTheDots

Was Quick ever tradable? This is the first season he's been healthy in some time. He could be dealt this summer, for all we know, given the extension they gave Petersen. They are finally done with the Dustin Brown contract this summer. There were some pretty lean years during that contract. I don't think they could move Kopitar or Doughty very easily, either. They did move a number of players, though. Muzzin, Martinez, Carter, for example. And they had to buy out or terminate a few others.