Any trade talks in the works that maybe you have heard. Nylander and nurse would change the whole complexion of the team. But they are coming here. Still think bowman needs another center.
- Scott1977

I have not heard anything other than the Hawks want to young players to battle out for the final spots up front.

I did hear whispers that they could be looking at adding a D before the season with the Murphy news, along with how ready Jokiharju is looking.

I have not heard anything other than the Hawks want to young players to battle out for the final spots up front.

I did hear whispers that they could be looking at adding a D before the season with the Murphy news, along with how ready Jokiharju is looking.
- Justin Lowe

Justin. Are you saying Hawks don't believe Jokiharju is ready yet,?

Hey Justin, thanks for the question. I've been a Flyers fan for 44 years and started following the Hawks in the 80's during the Dave Manson years. I've always appreciated Manning because he was undrafted, worked hard for a few years in the minors, and finally made it to the big show. He was a scapegoat in Philly, but he wasn't nearly as bad as many folks made him out to be.

The main issue they had with him was pinching at inopportune times and he would usually make one highlight reel mistake during the game(fall down, get caught up ice, etc). Many times it wouldn't lead to anything for the other team, but he caught the wrath of the fans anyway. He is very well respected by his teammates, will stick up for everyone, works hard, and does the little things to help out. He chipped in 19 pts last year, which was the best of his three year NHL career.

I think he will fit in well in Chicago as long as he's not asked to do too much. Coach Hakstol in Philly often had him playing above his skill set, so I hope Q won't do the same. He should be good for 20-25 pts and play a decent physical game.
- boxcar65

Let’s hope you’re right on this, could sure use someone on the back end that could develop into a solid stay at home defenseman . By the way, I like the screen name. Ed Hospadar was one tough SOB In his day.

Justin. Are you saying Hawks don't believe Jokiharju is ready yet,?
- glennjpawlak22

I saw him play in traverse city tournament and he really is not. I could see them keeping him and play him as a 6 or 7. He would be better off playing in Rockford for a year.

I saw him play in traverse city tournament and he really is not. I could see them keeping him and play him as a 6 or 7. He would be better off playing in Rockford for a year.
- Sn1362

If he sticks, I don't think it's to play as a 6/7.

Justin. Are you saying Hawks don't believe Jokiharju is ready yet,?
- glennjpawlak22

Nope I think he's close. ... I just heard if the Hawks don't think he's ready as the evaluate through training camp/preseason they may look at outside help beyond Brandon Davidson.

Nope I think he's close. ... I just heard if the Hawks don't think he's ready as the evaluate through training camp/preseason they may look at outside help beyond Brandon Davidson.
- Justin Lowe

I agree. I see Davidson as a 7/fill in guy when someone is out for a game or two. If you roll with the rookie, I'm not sure they should put him on the first pairing with Keith to start the season. It seems as though Q wants the Manning/Ruuta combo to work, but I may be reading too much into that right now.

Not sure how you would mix the other four spots at this time. Let's see another week or so of camp to shake some things out. I imagine the pairings will be mixed for a bit to obtain the best chemistry.

From the end of the last blog:

My predictions for training camp surprises: Beaudin, Knott, and Tyler Sikura. I don't think that necessarily parlays into a roster spot, though, given the numbers game.

I expect Dylan Sikura, Hayden, Kahun, Kampf, Highmore, Johnson, Fortin, Martinsen, Hillman, and Jokiharju to have strong camps and push for roster spots so not counting them as surprises. The bolded are my prediction to make the team.

Hillman would make the team if Rutta or Gustafsson is able to get traded before the season starts. Otherwise, he's the first call up in case of injuries or other reason.
- AEL_Fox

You expect half the team, some of which haven't really shown all too much at an AHL level, to have good camps and show they may be NHL ready, and 6 players to make the team out of training camp from that?

That's VERY lofty expectations.

*NEW* Blog up: https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=94795

You expect half the team, some of which haven't really shown all too much at an AHL level, to have good camps and show they may be NHL ready, and 6 players to make the team out of training camp from that?

That's VERY lofty expectations.
- prock

Yes those are high expectations yet there's not much options currently for more experienced players outside of Davidson unless Bowman makes trades or has last minute PTOs.