We can debate Colliton's system, in game strategy, personnel/line combination decisions, and whether he is getting the most out of the roster he is given. But here is my main concern. They are such an easy team to play against. No edge to their play. No energy. No physicality. Low compete level. Maybe playing without Shaw, Caggiula, Seabs most of the year was a big factor in that. But somehow Colliton has to motivate this team to put their big boy pants on and play harder for 60 minutes every game. If he cannot do that it is time to move on.

Gerard Gallant your table is ready. (Nah. Not going to happen)

Was wondering your thought Wiz on Lapierre as a sleper pick for the Hawks at #17?
- LAHawk

Concussion history 3 already u stay clear of him might be a real good player but 3 concussions already.

On the Athletic the amount of hate for Stan and J C is so high, and always willing to comment.

I dunno...I am thankful Q and PLAYERS won those Cups.
Change was going to come and drop in the team's quality was unevitable, and it there was robot GN and robot coaching staff, you weren't gonna stop the regression.

I just cannot spend the time on the management.

Concussion history 3 already u stay clear of him might be a real good player but 3 concussions already.
- Scott1977

He did not have 3 concussions, he had a vertabrae issue.

https://www.tsn.ca/hendri...-plagued-season-1.1465456

We can debate Colliton's system, in game strategy, personnel/line combination decisions, and whether he is getting the most out of the roster he is given. But here is my main concern. They are such an easy team to play against. No edge to their play. No energy. No physicality. Low compete level. Maybe playing without Shaw, Caggiula, Seabs most of the year was a big factor in that. But somehow Colliton has to motivate this team to put their big boy pants on and play harder for 60 minutes every game. If he cannot do that it is time to move on.

Gerard Gallant your table is ready. (Nah. Not going to happen)
- -Doh-

Bowman must bring in more of the big boy players and balance them throughout the lineup. Wishful thinking to expect one of those comes via first round 2020?! Perhaps the greatest pain is to not have the resources, or unwilling to pay an exhibiting price to get a top six first line player whom plays this way. Just watch playoff hockey and marvel at the sacrifice from many hard -nosed players. It is not like they are plentiful to draft or trade. But Bowman has to be proactive. I believe he has been trying to add some snarl and size but it is not easy to do. Best player available theory may be an obstacle to drafting larger meaner players.

Concussion history 3 already u stay clear of him might be a real good player but 3 concussions already.
- Scott1977

NO

That was what was thought....


and that is what was the reason Hendrix Lapierre was considered damaged goods.

(Remember Boqvist also has concussions pre-draft)

It was a misdiagnosed issue with vertebrae that was causing a long period that everyone thought he was in a lingering concussion protociol when in fact it was a condition that was operable. (if I understand it correctly.)

I HATE taking an NHL player as using them in prospect examples (especially a guy I have no opinion on as fan) but....imagine he continues growing and fill-in out too, and he over the course of an NHL career is David Krejčí- like...gets hurt over season rarely plays all the games but returns and is unrated when get is in there. making his wings better.
I just realize maybe I NEED TO WRITE more on his profile...(EDITED: and my stupid butt didn't fix the profile as I HASD the 3 concussions and never changed it!)

And yes, he is wild card, but...maybe a real value if he can hold up...and yes, teams in this climate are ls willing to take chances,

....but some one took Adam Boqvist, right?

Wasn't there a stretch of games in 2018-19 after Colliton took over when the players had a chance to develop the PP strategy and it seemed to work for a bit? Maybe I'm making that all up.

Either way, I agree that something needs to change because the current strategies aren't working.
- Theo Fox

Good memory THEO ! YES .... last year the Hawks powerplay was near it's typical "near the bottom" of the league status and got productive, were top ten powerplay then tapered off to around the middle of the pack. I was using the powerplay as an example. But it seems coaches like Trotz and Tortarella, for example, seem to get more out of the group as a whole ..... when on paper, makes you wonder, How did they do that ? Colliton is not one of those coaches. You could also put Gallant in that group .... taking an expansion team to the finals. On paper, Vegas was filled with 2nd and 3rd line forwards and defensemen, yet produced on the ice. And yes, I know the old cliche .... the game is not played on paper On paper, the Hawks power play should be better. You know what I mean ???

Good memory THEO ! YES .... last year the Hawks powerplay was near it's typical "near the bottom" of the league status and got productive, were top ten powerplay then tapered off to around the middle of the pack. I was using the powerplay as an example. But it seems coaches like Trotz and Tortarella, for example, seem to get more out of the group as a whole ..... when on paper, makes you wonder, How did they do that ? Colliton is not one of those coaches. You could also put Gallant in that group .... taking an expansion team to the finals. On paper, Vegas was filled with 2nd and 3rd line forwards and defensemen, yet produced on the ice. And yes, I know the old cliche .... the game is not played on paper On paper, the Hawks power play should be better. You know what I mean ???
- chuckdahammer

Looking at the "good" power plays, like Vegas, Tampa, they play the same diamond the Hawks play, the difference is the point (Hedman and Theodore), you have to respect their shot (you don't Keith). Also they don't force plays when they are not there like the Hawks do (how many back door plays do they try), and except for Kane, their passing is atrocious. Unfortunately the BlackHawks "talent" do not make for a good power play.

Bowman must bring in more of the big boy players and balance them throughout the lineup. Wishful thinking to expect one of those comes via first round 2020?!
- jhawk59

In the past two years he has drafted and signed a few larger players.

Morrison
Teply
Regula
Moberg
Chalupa
Entwistle

Its a matter of when they will be ready and if they actually play like big boys.

We all remember Sveddy, and Edjsell (I still don't know if I'm spelling that right). I'm more concerned with finding guys that are good at playing hockey and have the willingness to battle. Can you imagine if you could combine Highmore's brain with Nylander's body and skills?

In the past two years he has drafted and signed a few larger players.

Morrison
Teply
Regula
Moberg
Chalupa
Entwistle

Its a matter of when they will be ready and if they actually play like big boys.

We all remember Sveddy, and Edjsell (I still don't know if I'm spelling that right). I'm more concerned with finding guys that are good at playing hockey and have the willingness to battle. Can you imagine if you could combine Highmore's brain with Nylander's body and skills?
- Chunk

Can you imagine if you could combine Highmore's compete level with Nylander's body and skills?[

fixed

Can you imagine if you could combine Highmore's compete level with Nylander's body and skills?
- LAHawk[

fixed

Well yeah. That is what I was alluding to.

We can debate Colliton's system, in game strategy, personnel/line combination decisions, and whether he is getting the most out of the roster he is given. But here is my main concern. They are such an easy team to play against. No edge to their play. No energy. No physicality. Low compete level. Maybe playing without Shaw, Caggiula, Seabs most of the year was a big factor in that. But somehow Colliton has to motivate this team to put their big boy pants on and play harder for 60 minutes every game. If he cannot do that it is time to move on.

Gerard Gallant your table is ready. (Nah. Not going to happen)
- -Doh-

Exactly my thoughts on this. When you get down to the bare essentials, it is compete level, hustle, relentelessness, and grit that will help the team be competitive especially in the playoffs.

Don't need big guys who hit. It helps but they don't matter if the rest of the team plays passively or gets beat on every play in all zones.

I'd take a Yanni Gourde, Jaden Schwartz, or Jonathan Marchessault on my team and they're not big players. They're smaller guys who just keep coming at you anywhere on the ice.

Host on TSN1200 asks McGuire if the Wild will protect Luke Kunin, Jordan Greenway, Joel Eriksson EK and Ryan Donato. McGuire says no, won't name who, but he doesn't expect all of them to be protected and sees a couple of those names being traded.

Would love Donato as a potential 3rd center option. High motor and gives all.

Good memory THEO ! YES .... last year the Hawks powerplay was near it's typical "near the bottom" of the league status and got productive, were top ten powerplay then tapered off to around the middle of the pack. I was using the powerplay as an example. But it seems coaches like Trotz and Tortarella, for example, seem to get more out of the group as a whole ..... when on paper, makes you wonder, How did they do that ? Colliton is not one of those coaches. You could also put Gallant in that group .... taking an expansion team to the finals. On paper, Vegas was filled with 2nd and 3rd line forwards and defensemen, yet produced on the ice. And yes, I know the old cliche .... the game is not played on paper On paper, the Hawks power play should be better. You know what I mean ???
- chuckdahammer

While I don't think Gallant is the panacea as he's shown he has a shelf life like any other coach, your argument is still on point with getting a team of 2nd and 3rd liners and 3/4/5/6 defensemen to be a contender ever since entering the league.

Gallant did it and now it's DeBoer. Trotz has been doing it for a while. The systems help but it really comes down to players executing and wanting it so much more than the other team.

It boils down to every player giving it their all every shift, attacking in waves and defending in waves. That style is so suffocating and more exciting to watch than say a trap system.

Looking at the "good" power plays, like Vegas, Tampa, they play the same diamond the Hawks play, the difference is the point (Hedman and Theodore), you have to respect their shot (you don't Keith). Also they don't force plays when they are not there like the Hawks do (how many back door plays do they try), and except for Kane, their passing is atrocious. Unfortunately the BlackHawks "talent" do not make for a good power play.
- LAHawk

Part of the reason for the atrocious passing is that the passes are slow and predictable. Any team, even the bad ones, can telegraph them.

He did not have 3 concussions, he had a vertabrae issue.

https://www.tsn.ca/hendri...-plagued-season-1.1465456
- LAHawk

Ok my mistake read somewhere he concussion problems but i must misread thanks for info.

In the past two years he has drafted and signed a few larger players.

Morrison
Teply
Regula
Moberg
Chalupa
Entwistle

Its a matter of when they will be ready and if they actually play like big boys.

We all remember Sveddy, and Edjsell (I still don't know if I'm spelling that right). I'm more concerned with finding guys that are good at playing hockey and have the willingness to battle. Can you imagine if you could combine Highmore's brain with Nylander's body and skills?
- Chunk

Great post.

On Ejdsell's name, I always have to think about if I'm spelling it right, too. Just remind myself that it's the opposite of what I think it is.

For some reason I have an easier time typing out Altybarmakyan. At least his is phonetic.

NO

That was what was thought....


and that is what was the reason Hendrix Lapierre was considered damaged goods.

(Remember Boqvist also has concussions pre-draft)ver

It was a misdiagnosed issue with vertebrae that was causing a long period that everyone thought he was in a lingering concussion protociol when in fact it was a condition that was operable. (if I understand it correctly.)

I HATE taking an NHL player as using them in prospect examples (especially a guy I have no opinion on as fan) but....imagine he continues growing and fill-in out too, and he over the course of an NHL career is David Krejčí- like...gets hurt over season rarely plays all the games but returns and is unrated when get is in there. making his wings better.
I just realize maybe I NEED TO WRITE more on his profile...(EDITED: and my stupid butt didn't fix the profile as I HASD the 3 concussions and never changed it!)

And yes, he is wild card, but...maybe a real value if he can hold up...and yes, teams in this climate are ls willing to take chances,

....but some one took Adam Boqvist, right?
- wiz1901

Like i said i was misinformed but a vertebra injury is not good.

Exactly my thoughts on this. When you get down to the bare essentials, it is compete level, hustle, relentelessness, and grit that will help the team be competitive especially the playoffs.

Don't need big guys who hit. It helps but they don't matter if the rest of the team plays passively or gets beat on every play in all zones.

I'd take a Yanni Gourde, Jaden Schwartz, or Jonathan Marchessault on my team and they're not big players. They're smaller guys who just keep coming at you anywhere on the ice.
- Theo Fox

This!

Can you imagine if you could combine Highmore's compete level with Nylander's body and skills?
- LAHawk[

fixed

That would great all the tools are there in nylander just question is when does it all come together if it ever does is up to him.

Bowman must bring in more of the big boy players and balance them throughout the lineup. Wishful thinking to expect one of those comes via first round 2020?! Perhaps the greatest pain is to not have the resources, or unwilling to pay an exhibiting price to get a top six first line player whom plays this way. Just watch playoff hockey and marvel at the sacrifice from many hard -nosed players. It is not like they are plentiful to draft or trade. But Bowman has to be proactive. I believe he has been trying to add some snarl and size but it is not easy to do. Best player available theory may be an obstacle to drafting larger meaner players.
- jhawk59

Imo more north America players seem to have more of edge to their game not all compared to European players. Just comes down to the player's makeup and mindset.

That would great all the tools are there in nylander just question is when does it all come together if it ever does is up to him.
- Scott1977

If I'm Hawks management, I give Nylander tape of Brandon Saad's career, and tell him that is how he needs to play. He is pretty strong on his skates, he just doesn't engage all that much. I don't see him getting rubbed off the puck all that often. I hope it turns around for him, because he would be a great piece... in theory.

Host on TSN1200 asks McGuire if the Wild will protect Luke Kunin, Jordan Greenway, Joel Eriksson EK and Ryan Donato. McGuire says no, won't name who, but he doesn't expect all of them to be protected and sees a couple of those names being traded.

Would love Donato as a potential 3rd center option. High motor and gives all.
- ikeane

Kunin or greenway for me i see minn protecting joel erkisson ek and kunin. Strome for greenway as base of trade offer.

Exactly my thoughts on this. When you get down to the bare essentials, it is compete level, hustle, relentelessness, and grit that will help the team be competitive especially the playoffs.

Don't need big guys who hit. It helps but they don't matter if the rest of the team plays passively or gets beat on every play in all zones.

I'd take a Yanni Gourde, Jaden Schwartz, or Jonathan Marchessault on my team and they're not big players. They're smaller guys who just keep coming at you anywhere on the ice.
- Theo Fox

I also think hustle, relentlessness and hard nose play is contagious. You could see when Caggiula was active the rest of the team had more spark. If Shaw and Caggiula were healthy all season it could have been different. People ragged on me when I said Corey Perry would have been a great addition to the Hawks 3rd line. He may be a jerk. But he is a big body with some experience and some nasty and that would be a good thing. He is an UFA again. Contract was 1 yr. $1.5 mil. Hit 1.75 in bonus clauses (games played, playoffs, etc...)

For those who enjoy the World Junior Championships:

@NHL_Watcher

Dreger on Insider Trading reporting the IIHF will announce the WJC will be played in the Edmonton hub and then return to the traditional format in Red Deer and Edmonton the year after.