Tyler Cameron: Fun (and Possibly Far-Fetched) Camping
We all know that in this crazy world of hockey, training camp surprises are bound to happen.

Over the years, there have been some surprises coming out of Blackhawks training camp.

So below, I have players that could surprise this year in how their season plays out.

First

Great blog as usual TC...lets get the season going already!!!

Entwhistle is my dark horse pick.

As Tyler states, versatile, coachable, not afraid to get his nose dirty. On top of that a RH shooting winger who can take face-offs if needed. This fits with the Colliton theory of having multiple players on a line who can take a face-off on their strong side.

He seems to improve his game as he progresses to different leagues. Plus he's a ginger. We need more of those.

Great feedback on Joki. There is always more than meets the eye. Glad we let the management make hockey decisions and not fanboards....

Tyler, you missed the biggest headline:

Patrick Kane traded to Arizona.

Great feedback on Joki. There is always more than meets the eye. Glad we let the management make hockey decisions and not fanboards....
- phantasmo

The fan boards wouldn’t have signed Kunitz, Manning and Ward as the big 2018 pickups, either. No “inside info” needed, we knew it was bad when it happened.

Fun blog. Been thinking the same for Kurashev. The Hawks have compiled more physical type players, but having a bottom 6 that is more physical/less apt to put the puck in the net does not work well. Vegas showed that by having 4 lines that had speed and the ability for offense, and it worked. That's why there could be many surprises either coming out of camp or during the year.

Well guess what? Winco does have Pinot Noir in a box.

Got somewhat lucky with the Winterhawks playing SAS this year but
Nov 27th at 5pm is going to be tough game to make...being that is a Sunday

Great feedback on Joki. There is always more than meets the eye. Glad we let the management make hockey decisions and not fanboards....
- phantasmo

Teenager being a teenager perhaps?

Traded one immature skater problem for another (as you say, at 23, Nylander hasn’t committed to a 200 foot game - and wasn’t very accepting of his demotions to Rochester).

First! Good morning all.

Nice speculations, Tyler!
In my line of thinking, one of the young'ens needs to force his way onto the NHL roster and stick to make it all work. I like the Kurashev speculation for the same reasons you stated.
As it stands, I really think the PK will be worlds better than last year's worst NHL PK in 30 years. If the boys get to middle of the pack or better on the PK, they're a playoff team. Guys like Seabrook, DeHaan and Maatta are not known for their speed but they can excel in PK situations without it.

Tyler, you missed the biggest headline:

Patrick Kane traded to Arizona.
- powerenforcer

Shoot. I missed that. Next time.

Tyler Cameron: Fun (and Possibly Far-Fetched) Camping

We all know that in this crazy world of hockey, training camp surprises are bound to happen.

Over the years, there have been some surprises coming out of Blackhawks training camp.

So below, I have players that could surprise this year in how their season plays out.
- Tyler Cameron

Great piece, TC. I have calm expectations for the prospects too, but it is fun to think about. Kurashev is the guy I'm rooting for, but Carlson has me excited on defense. I don't see him impressing too much, but a guy in the Hjammer-mold will always have my vote.

Sad to hear that about Joki ... I guess that's why we got a problem child in return.

Ahh great to be off work today and see a new blog , great job again Tyler . I think I would go the Kurshev storey line . I just have a feeling he just might make the team and I see a Saad Kurshev Shaw also being a dominant 3rd line.
If I were to choose a second scenario it would be Nylander making one of the top two lines, may be wishful thinking on my part.

Fun blog. Been thinking the same for Kurashev. The Hawks have compiled more physical type players, but having a bottom 6 that is more physical/less apt to put the puck in the net does not work well. Vegas showed that by having 4 lines that had speed and the ability for offense, and it worked. That's why there could be many surprises either coming out of camp or during the year.
- RaleighHawk

I really like this guy. He's a really smart hockey player.

Kurashev is 6'0 / 192 lbs as well... so he's physically there as an NHLer.

I think it's a long-shot to make the team out of camp, however, I wouldn't be shocked to see him at some point next year.

Tyler,

I, as well, really liked what Kurashev brought to the Swiss team at the WC. He was NOT intimidated in the least and seemed physically able to play with the men. I would be surprised if we broke camp with him on the roster, but he certainly is an option and COULD impress. Will he be at the Prospects tourney. Do we know a roster for that tourney yet??

We should be able to ice a very talented team for that one. Hopefully there is a link or two to be able to watch.

I really like this guy. He's a really smart hockey player.

Kurashev is 6'0 / 192 lbs as well... so he's physically there as an NHLer.

I think it's a long-shot to make the team out of camp, however, I wouldn't be shocked to see him at some point next year.
- Tyler Cameron

I think you may be on to something with Kurashev. It's funny but with all the other moves and the draft Kurashev has hardly been talked about. I also think if Dach makes the team, even though I would prefer he continues his junior career, it will be as a winger to allow him to play with less responsibilities and pressure. Lot's of options for the coaching staff, lots of headaches trying to fit the best players into the lineup but also a coaches dream to have all this depth and potential.

Regarding Joki I also read that he did not take direction when it came to training - that Joki and his Father had a plan and that he didn’t need to listen to the team.

Teams like the Hawks want players who are easy to work with. Don’t want players who swim against the current. Hawks trying to spin it but know they aren’t happy with Mitchell. That is the reason he is not part of post-Prospect Camp intensive training for other young D.

Tyler,

I, as well, really liked what Kurashev brought to the Swiss team at the WC. He was NOT intimidated in the least and seemed physically able to play with the men. I would be surprised if we broke camp with him on the roster, but he certainly is an option and COULD impress. Will he be at the Prospects tourney. Do we know a roster for that tourney yet??

We should be able to ice a very talented team for that one. Hopefully there is a link or two to be able to watch.
- hawk35

I know it starts September 6th. And Hawks in a Division with Detroit, Blues and Leafs. Should be some great action.

Teenager being a teenager perhaps?

Traded one immature skater problem for another (as you say, at 23, Nylander hasn’t committed to a 200 foot game - and wasn’t very accepting of his demotions to Rochester).
- StLBravesFan

He is not 23. He was sent to Rochester when far too young. Should have gone back to Jr.. Youngest or one of youngest ever to play in AHL. Sabres who are a yearly disaster messed with his development.

Teenager being a teenager perhaps?

Traded one immature skater problem for another (as you say, at 23, Nylander hasn’t committed to a 200 foot game - and wasn’t very accepting of his demotions to Rochester).
- StLBravesFan

If he still hasn't committed to a 200 ft game or found his way to the NHL in 2 years, that will be troubling and likely a bad trade...he just turned 21 in March.

If he still hasn't committed to a 200 ft game or found his way to the NHL in 2 years, that will be troubling and likely a bad trade...he just turned 21 in March.
- HawkintheD

Yes - I should have stuck to my usual habit of confirming things like that on hockey-reference or some other site.

My comment remains (to me) valid.

He is not 23. He was sent to Rochester when far too young. Should have gone back to Jr.. Youngest or one of youngest ever to play in AHL. Sabres who are a yearly disaster messed with his development.
- Z3Hawk

Let’s hope the Hawk suits remember that when considering starting Dach or Boqvist in Chicago.

Nine games from either - maybe - counting on them to be productive to a playoff team this season - no.

Regarding Joki I also read that he did not take direction when it came to training - that Joki and his Father had a plan and that he didn’t need to listen to the team.

Teams like the Hawks want players who are easy to work with. Don’t want players who swim against the current. Hawks trying to spin it but know they aren’t happy with Mitchell. That is the reason he is not part of post-Prospect Camp intensive training for other young D.
- Z3Hawk

Z3 - sorry... can you elaborate on this?

Maybe Kurashev, Entwistle, Nylander, Boqvist amd Beaudin get cups of coffee this season, but I think some are more likely to make the team next year. Dach is a given for next year if not this season. Then there will be Mitchell and lesser lights like Carlsson, Saarela, Hagel and Johnson knocking on the door in 20/21 too.

Would Stan and Colliton accept 5 or 6 rookies on the roster in 20/21? Then the next question is who do they replace? Next summer is shaping up as interesting as this summer.