Tyler Cameron: Key Remaining Dates for Blackhawks Leading up to 2019-20 Season Most of the fun is over. We've watched the Hawks take Kirby Dach at the 2019 Entry Draft, Sign Lehner and Carpenter on July 1st and host some promising prospects at Developmental Camp.

What's left?

Let's take a look at some key dates/events as the Blackhawks organization finishes up their offseason and pack their bags for Europe in October to kick off the regular season.

Dos

You mentioned Shaw again this morning about keeping it loose and I think it’s hard to overstate the type of impact Shaw will have with the team on and off the ice.

Also agree that it should be an exciting camp with some high end guys pushing for spots and hopefully Nylander is in that conversation as well.

From a purely hypothetical perspective...and I’m getting ahead of myself here so I’m definitely putting the cart before the horse...

But if Dach and Boqvist play well enough this preseason to force the issue and crack the opening night roster, is this the most TALENTED team the Hawks have fielded this decade? Obviously chemistry, defensive system, players buying in, etc. all are prevalent factors that would impact actual results, but in regards to the roster on paper, I can’t think of a single Hawks team that had this much talent in their lineup.

Obviously Keith and Seabrook aren’t in their primes anymore, and Hossa is no longer on the roster, but you’ve got 19 and 88 playing as well as they ever have, two budding stars in Cat and Strome, a breakout offensive weapon in Gus, and you’ve got defensive stalwarts in de Haan, Murphy, and Maatta who while not as good as Hammer, Oduya, etc. still provide a sense of stability.

And a Vezina finalist in Lehner, (with a hopefully healthy albeit limited Crow as well).

Obviously that’s not taking Boqvist and Dach into account either yet. There’s still a loooooong way to go and this team has a LOT to prove, but I can’t help but think that IF this team lives up to the billing and play how they’re capable of (from a talent on the roster perspective), we could be in for an exciting, exciting season.

Thanks Tyler for the post this morning. One thing that hit me as I read your piece was the "hall of fame" coach Q. I think it was easy for Chicago fans to think this as the team was winning 3 Stanley Cups under him, but we also have to see that he wasn't ever considered a HOF coach while in StL or Col. Now, if he was great success in Fla, could it be that Tallon has made him a HOF coach?

Another good blog Tyler. Have a beer.

From a purely hypothetical perspective...and I’m getting ahead of myself here so I’m definitely putting the horse before the cart.....

But if Dach and Boqvist play well enough this preseason to force the issue and crack the opening night roster, is this the most TALENTED team the Hawks have fielded this decade? Obviously chemistry, defensive system, players buying in, etc. all are prevalent factors that would impact actual results, but in regards to the roster on paper, I can’t think of a single Hawks team that had this much talent in their lineup.

Obviously Keith and Seabrook aren’t in their primes anymore, and Hossa is no longer on the roster, but you’ve got 19 and 88 playing as well as they ever have, two budding stars in Cat and Strome, a breakout offensive weapon in Gus, and you’ve got defensive stalwarts in de Haan, Murphy, and Maatta who while not as good as Hammer, Oduya, etc. still provide a sense of stability.

And a Vezina finalist in Lehner, (with a hopefully healthy albeit limited Crow as well).

Obviously that’s not taking Boqvist and Dach into account either yet. There’s still a loooooong way to go and this team has a LOT to prove, but I can’t help but think that IF this team lives up to the billing and play how they’re capable of (from a talent on the roster perspective), we could be in for an exciting, exciting season.
- TommyHawk

Thanks Tyler for the post this morning. One thing that hit me as I read your piece was the "hall of fame" coach Q. I think it was easy for Chicago fans to think this as the team was winning 3 Stanley Cups under him, but we also have to see that he wasn't ever considered a HOF coach while in StL or Col. Now, if he was great success in Fla, could it be that Tallon has made him a HOF coach?
- powerenforcer

How do you think Tallon made him a HOF fame coach by building the team or for another reason?

Great write-up, Tyler.
If their PK alone improves to middle-of-the-pack, they're a playoff team. If enough forwards commit to consistent backchecking, they're a playoff team that makes a run.

- Rota's Rooter

Too early in the morning!

Cart before the horse

Great as always Tyler!!!

Do you, or any of our posters here, have the expected roster for the Tourney??? Hope most of our top prospects participate. Really looking forward to it. September 6th....getting close!

Thanks Tyler.

Figuring that Toews, Kane, Saad, Shaw, DCat, Strome, Kubalik, and likely Smith are locks, who is left in the mix for the last 4-5 spots?

Perlini (if signed), Kurashev, Dach, Sikura, Quennville, Kampf, Carpenter, Caggiula, Nylander, maybe Saarela, Wedin, and Highmore as darkhorses?

Some strong competition...

How do you think Tallon made him a HOF fame coach by building the team or for another reason?
- paulr

Yes, if he has success in Fla, then I would seriously think that he can only be a successful coach with a certain type of team. Time will tell, it will be interesting watching him in Fla.

I can't wait until training camp opens to see how the final roster shakes out. The competition should bring out the best in all the players. We'll see who is hungry enough and skilled enough to play in the NHL.

A couple of thoughts regarding Perlini. The best case scenario would be for him to sign before camp so he can take part in the competition and earn a spot.

If he continues his semi-lackadaisical effort will Colliton award him a spot based on his potential or bury him in the AHL (if he passes waivers), or do the Hawks just give up on him and trade him? If he signs early in the season after camp is over, he will not benefit from the training camp and learn the system related things Colliton wants to implement. Again, will he be given a job based on his potential, even though he missed out on the competition?

I think by doing that the Hawks will be sending the wrong message to other forward prospects who hustle and want to play the game correctly.

The more I think about it, I say if he isn't signed by the time camp starts and doesn't earn a roster spot, move on from him.

Thanks for another good blog from cottage.

BTW - does every Canadian have a cottage? And how much “cottage time” do you North-of-the-border types get? Seems like you’ve been there since free agent signing day. (And I don’t begrudge you a minute of that time).

Playing in Boston on Saturday afternoon, then having to fly to Berlin for a Sunday afternoon (Chicago time) game - how’s that going to work?

Thanks Tyler.

Figuring that Toews, Kane, Saad, Shaw, DCat, Strome, Kubalik, and likely Smith are locks, who is left in the mix for the last 4-5 spots?

Perlini (if signed), Kurashev, Dach, Sikura, Quennville, Kampf, Carpenter, Caggiula, Nylander, maybe Saarela, Wedin, and Highmore as darkhorses?

Some strong competition...
- RaleighHawk

I think Dach will get at least a 9 game tryout. Kampf,, Carpenter and Caggiula probably make the team. Maybe Wedin or Quenneville for the last spot. If Dach sent back to juniors after his 9 game trial, and if Sikura gets off to a good start in Rockford, I can see him being one of the first call ups.

Thanks Tyler for the post this morning. One thing that hit me as I read your piece was the "hall of fame" coach Q. I think it was easy for Chicago fans to think this as the team was winning 3 Stanley Cups under him, but we also have to see that he wasn't ever considered a HOF coach while in StL or Col. Now, if he was great success in Fla, could it be that Tallon has made him a HOF coach?
- powerenforcer

The Phil Jackson syndrome: a great coach with teams expected to win - not all coaches (perhaps not most coaches) could win in those situations.

But put Jackson with the roundball equivalent of Q’s Blues and Avs and I wonder whether or not he would be more successful than Q.

Yes, if he has success in Fla, then I would seriously think that he can only be a successful coach with a certain type of team. Time will tell, it will be interesting watching him in Fla.
- powerenforcer

Most coaches have specific strengths, whereas Yawney was creditied with the development of Keith and could be classified as a teaching coach, I think Q's strength lay in managing a team of NHL ready players teaching systems and positioning with some minor teaching for young players who were closer to NHL ready. Not sure if Florida has a team that can contend but the success Q had with the hawks, his winning record and longevity is already HOF worthy.

Thanks for another good blog from cottage.

BTW - does every Canadian have a cottage? And how much “cottage time” do you North-of-the-border types get? Seems like you’ve been there since free agent signing day. (And I don’t begrudge you a minute of that time).

Playing in Boston on Saturday afternoon, then having to fly to Berlin for a Sunday afternoon (Chicago time) game - how’s that going to work?
- StLBravesFan

My employer has a branch Chateauguay, and it seems like every week there is some kind of Canadian holiday where the office is closed. So I would say there is much "cottage time" up north.

Thanks for another good blog from cottage.

BTW - does every Canadian have a cottage? And how much “cottage time” do you North-of-the-border types get? Seems like you’ve been there since free agent signing day. (And I don’t begrudge you a minute of that time).

Playing in Boston on Saturday afternoon, then having to fly to Berlin for a Sunday afternoon (Chicago time) game - how’s that going to work?
- StLBravesFan

Many Canadians have cottages. I remember growing up we spent July to August 31 at the cottage with my Mom. My Dad would come up Friday night and leave for a 3 hour drive for work at 6:00 AM Monday morning. We also would go up every weekend in May, June, September and October when we would close the cottage for the winter. Then in the winter we'd go up to snowmobile and skate and play hockey on the lake where if you missed the net you could skate what seemed like a mile to retrieve the puck. No game boys, ipads or message boards to kill time in those days. We gave up the cottage when my parents died, the drawback to us was we wanted to travel and cottages demand time and money.

Thanks for another good blog from cottage.

BTW - does every Canadian have a cottage? And how much “cottage time” do you North-of-the-border types get? Seems like you’ve been there since free agent signing day. (And I don’t begrudge you a minute of that time).

Playing in Boston on Saturday afternoon, then having to fly to Berlin for a Sunday afternoon (Chicago time) game - how’s that going to work?
- StLBravesFan

That's one heck of a back-to-back. Maybe half the team flies over to Deutschland early and mostly Rockford players take the ice against Boston.

You mentioned Shaw again this morning about keeping it loose and I think it’s hard to overstate the type of impact Shaw will have with the team on and off the ice.

Also agree that it should be an exciting camp with some high end guys pushing for spots and hopefully Nylander is in that conversation as well.
- HawkintheD

Agree, the impact of Shaw, on and off the ice, cannot be overstated. His presence has been sorely missed, but I can't complain too much as the trade landed DeBrincat. Now the Hawks have both.

I also agree that it will be an exciting camp and think there could be a few positive surprises with the rookies.

Nylander will certainly push for a roster spot.... in Rockford.

Many Canadians have cottages. I remember growing up we spent July to August 31 at the cottage with my Mom. My Dad would come up Friday night and leave for a 3 hour drive for work at 6:00 AM Monday morning. We also would go up every weekend in May, June, September and October when we would close the cottage for the winter. Then in the winter we'd go up to snowmobile and skate and play hockey on the lake where if you missed the net you could skate what seemed like a mile to retrieve the puck. No game boys, ipads or message boards to kill time in those days. We gave up the cottage when my parents died, the drawback to us was we wanted to travel and cottages demand time and money.
- paulr

Sounds like a nice way to grow up.

From a purely hypothetical perspective...and I’m getting ahead of myself here so I’m definitely putting the cart before the horse...

But if Dach and Boqvist play well enough this preseason to force the issue and crack the opening night roster, is this the most TALENTED team the Hawks have fielded this decade? Obviously chemistry, defensive system, players buying in, etc. all are prevalent factors that would impact actual results, but in regards to the roster on paper, I can’t think of a single Hawks team that had this much talent in their lineup.

Obviously Keith and Seabrook aren’t in their primes anymore, and Hossa is no longer on the roster, but you’ve got 19 and 88 playing as well as they ever have, two budding stars in Cat and Strome, a breakout offensive weapon in Gus, and you’ve got defensive stalwarts in de Haan, Murphy, and Maatta who while not as good as Hammer, Oduya, etc. still provide a sense of stability.

And a Vezina finalist in Lehner, (with a hopefully healthy albeit limited Crow as well).

Obviously that’s not taking Boqvist and Dach into account either yet. There’s still a loooooong way to go and this team has a LOT to prove, but I can’t help but think that IF this team lives up to the billing and play how they’re capable of (from a talent on the roster perspective), we could be in for an exciting, exciting season.
- TommyHawk

Wait, what?
2012-13 wasn't part of this decade?
President's Cup winner.
Stanley Cup winner.
Longest unbeaten streak in NHL history.
This team is going to be hard pressed to make the playoffs. How can you compare them, talent, or in any other way, to the SC teams in this decade?