Zach Jarom: Dust Has Settled on The New Look Hawks

First!

I love the direction the hawks are going. Very excited to see how it all comes together in October.

I have to believe there are 1 or 2 more moves coming. One trade. One additional “value’ signing. I don’t really understand the urgency is signing bottom 6 players (Smith, Maroon) and an old dmen (Brodie). It only makes sense if they are moving Murphy or Jones.

My only real gripe about these moves is that I think they should have done it last year. They brought in a few guys last year, but not to the level they did this year. I'd rather they let guys like Crevier, Phillips, Guttman, Reichel, etc. prove they were ready for primetime instead of needing them to fill spots.

I guess I can excuse them expecting Reichel to be ready considering how he ended the year prior, but I would still want him to have to beat someone for the spot.

I think one of the important differentiators between last year and this year besides the improved depth across the board is the fact that this team - for better or worse - will likely look the exact same for the next two years. It'll be an opportunity for further continuity/chemistry building.

Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 season, the team will likely be looking for a couple bottom-six and at least one spot on the d-line. This is where young guys like Slaggert, Dach, Ludwinski, Hayes, and Greene will be needed to step up. I'd anticipate at least one bigger addition to the top-six as well.

After the 2025-2026 season, it'll be time to make that playoff push.

I have to believe there are 1 or 2 more moves coming. One trade. One additional “value’ signing. I don’t really understand the urgency is signing bottom 6 players (Smith, Maroon) and an old dmen (Brodie). It only makes sense if they are moving Murphy or Jones.
- Ztra

Or they don't want to be in the same spot they were last year when injuries forced them to pick up four extra players (Beauvillier, Megna, Sanford, Pitlick). I get that people want to see the kids start filling spots, but not before they are ready. I'd be willing to bet if you asked the coaches, Nazar and Slaggert aren't ready for full time roles.

Coach Quenneville needs to be brought back.

My only real gripe about these moves is that I think they should have done it last year. They brought in a few guys last year, but not to the level they did this year. I'd rather they let guys like Crevier, Phillips, Guttman, Reichel, etc. prove they were ready for primetime instead of needing them to fill spots.

I guess I can excuse them expecting Reichel to be ready considering how he ended the year prior, but I would still want him to have to beat someone for the spot.
- Chunk

Would have been a really difficult sell to veteran free agents. Foligno and Hall were acquired already under contract, and Perry was given $3m more for the one year deal he signed than he would have received elsewhere.

Plus, it was inevitable that the team was still planning to finish towards the bottom of the standings. Now is where the ascend begins, so it's an easier sell for veterans to come over.

I doubt Korchinski spends little if any time in Rockford

Or they don't want to be in the same spot they were last year when injuries forced them to pick up four extra players (Beauvillier, Megna, Sanford, Pitlick). I get that people want to see the kids start filling spots, but not before they are ready. I'd be willing to bet if you asked the coaches, Nazar and Slaggert aren't ready for full time roles.
- Chunk

Totally agree with younger prospects/players spending time in Rockford. I just would have liked KD to have roster and cap room just in case a better player falls through the cracks and was available.

I have to believe there are 1 or 2 more moves coming. One trade. One additional “value’ signing. I don’t really understand the urgency is signing bottom 6 players (Smith, Maroon) and an old dmen (Brodie). It only makes sense if they are moving Murphy or Jones.
- Ztra

I am wondering if they are still talking to WPG about Ehlers and McGroarty, and what they would have to send to WPG.

I have to believe there are 1 or 2 more moves coming. One trade. One additional “value’ signing. I don’t really understand the urgency is signing bottom 6 players (Smith, Maroon) and an old dmen (Brodie). It only makes sense if they are moving Murphy or Jones.
- Ztra

Seth Jones: 68, 72, 78, 56 GP
Connor Murphy: 46, 80, 57, 50 GP

New guys

Martinez: 55, 77, 26, 53
Brodie: 78, 58, 82, 56

Vlasic played 76 and while Korch wasn't injured he still missed some games due to bereavement leave.

Brodie is almost the most durable which is pretty bonkers.

I think you see some kind of rotation or shuffle from Rockford. Odds are highly against all 4 of the veterans being able to play over 60 games. If they get 2 they're doing OK.

I'd imagine there will be some rotation between Martinez, Brodie and Murphy.

Same for the forwards. Maroon is probably not gonna play over 60 games. Foligno not over 65. Smith I wouldn't imagine playing over 70. If hall gets to 60 that would be a win.

Bertuzzi has played more than 75 games once. The Russian once. AA has really bad injury history.

I think theyre just trying not to end up in the same spot as last year where they were fine with what they did if not everyone got injured but then everyone got injured. Even with half the injuries they still would have had big problems.

I think the 35 and older forwards are going to have some kinda rotation going on and the line up will be pretty fluid and they hedged their bets this year instead of doing the minimum and hoping there aren't complications.

If Kane wanted to play meaningful playoff minutes, why did he sign with Detroit?

The Wings going for quantity in goal, instead of quality? As LAHawk noted, their four (4!) netminders are Husso, Talbot, Lyon & Campbell. They are the definition of goalie flotsam and jetsam. The rest of the roster isn't going to have anyone in Motor City lining up for SCF tickets.

So, Patrick's counting on getting flipped to a contender at the deadline?

Entwistle signs 1 year 2-way with FLA. Blackwell signs a 1 year minimum contract with DAL.

I know not many care that they are gone, but I always find it interesting to see where the Hawks discards end up.

Seth Jones: 68, 72, 78, 56 GP
Connor Murphy: 46, 80, 57, 50 GP

New guys

Martinez: 55, 77, 26, 53
Brodie: 78, 58, 82, 56

Vlasic played 76 and while Korch wasn't injured he still missed some games due to bereavement leave.

Brodie is almost the most durable which is pretty bonkers.

I think you see some kind of rotation or shuffle from Rockford. Odds are highly against all 4 of the veterans being able to play over 60 games. If they get 2 they're doing OK.

I'd imagine there will be some rotation between Martinez, Brodie and Murphy.

Same for the forwards. Maroon is probably not gonna play over 60 games. Foligno not over 65. Smith I wouldn't imagine playing over 70. If hall gets to 60 that would be a win.

Bertuzzi has played more than 75 games once. The Russian once. AA has really bad injury history.

I think theyre just trying not to end up in the same spot as last year where they were fine with what they did if not everyone got injured but then everyone got injured. Even with half the injuries they still would have had big problems.

I think the 35 and older forwards are going to have some kinda rotation going on and the line up will be pretty fluid and they hedged their bets this year instead of doing the minimum and hoping there aren't complications.
- fattybeef

You might be able to make the case that the Hawks almost expect there will be guys out enough to give some of the young players a chance with the big club, but mostly develop in the A.

Entwistle signs 1 year 2-way with FLA. Blackwell signs a 1 year minimum contract with DAL.

I know not many care that they are gone, but I always find it interesting to see where the Hawks discards end up.
- Chunk

Tyler Johnson remains unsigned. Can’t say I’m surprised.

Tyler Johnson remains unsigned. Can’t say I’m surprised.
- DarthKane

Mopey little crump.

My only real gripe about these moves is that I think they should have done it last year. They brought in a few guys last year, but not to the level they did this year. I'd rather they let guys like Crevier, Phillips, Guttman, Reichel, etc. prove they were ready for primetime instead of needing them to fill spots.

I guess I can excuse them expecting Reichel to be ready considering how he ended the year prior, but I would still want him to have to beat someone for the spot.
- Chunk

KD might of brought in less talent last year, but he kept himself in a position to financially make a move if something fell into his lap. It was a rough season for sure but i can't stress how valuable it was for him to get out of the contracts and start over.

By doing so he was rewarded winning the ping ball draw, which is huge for his franchise going forward.

I appreciate all the experienced pros that have been brought in now.

I have to believe there are 1 or 2 more moves coming. One trade. One additional “value’ signing. I don’t really understand the urgency is signing bottom 6 players (Smith, Maroon) and an old dmen (Brodie). It only makes sense if they are moving Murphy or Jones.
- Ztra

They realize they needed to bring in another vet because of Murphys durability.

Mopey little crump.
- Chunk

I resemble that remark.

It looks like Ottawa has re-signed Pinto, 2 years @ $3.75 (ish) million.

Am pretty sure Foligno was not going to be under contract by 1 July last season -so it was the same scenario as Perry was in.

Signed Foligno for far more than he was getting on the open market. I think it was even for the same money/term that they gave Perry.

Mopey little crump.
- Chunk

I understand he posts here under an alt.

I understand he posts here under an alt.
- HawkintheD

Was that ArlingtonRob?

Was that ArlingtonRob?
- Chunk

Sure why not?