Theo Fox: Sticky Notes A look at notes left in Blackhawks player stalls as they clean out for the summer.

Plus, an early look at representation at the World Championships and prospect signings.

First,and thanks Theo.

Adding to the World Championships list: Kurashev will play for Switzerland and Kämpf declined the invitation due to some lingering health issues.

Thank you Theo for your continued excellent work. It helps me appreciate Blackhawk hockey all the more!!

Here's hoping Patrick Kane's injury is one he can completely heal from. And his baby grows happy, healthy and strong.

As a team, they made a lot of progress in a very difficult year, suffering many vital injuries. May they all recover and have fantastic off season training regimens.

And here's hoping Seabrook and Shaw both have long and healthy retirements from playing. And bring their hockey knowledge to coaching.

Figured you'd maybe take a day off after the last blog but you're right back at it with another great one.

Like the sticky notes concept and if they can bottle some of Hagel's super soldier serum, I'll take a vial.

Dots posted a link to a story from Fansided yesterday that described FL's system for prospect development as "broken". Was interesting but not super specific on what the exact issue is. It was more a testament on how many, or few in this case, NHL'ers are being developed within their system.

Either way with the signing of Borgstrom, I'm hoping he can come to camp next year and address a need for center depth.

Lot of if's next season at center. If Toews can come back and if Dach can come back stronger (though I'm not as concerned about him)...

Hawks have a lot of players that played center this year but not too many who really excelled at it.

If a couple of the above "ifs" are answered positively along with some better overall defensive play, I think they'll be at least challenging for a playoff spot again.

I know some day soon I am going to walk into my office and I will not have a "Theo" post to read. But I am glad today is not that day.

Kubalik - Hope you get to play on a line with a decent center and a regular LW all year.

Gaudette - Hope you are protected and resigned.

Strome - I am not sure if you are back next year or not. But if you are put on your big boy pants. You are 6' 3" 200+ lbs. Play like it. (Even his exit interview sounded wimpy / cry baby.)

Kampf - If you are resigned, stay in Chicago and hang out with Kane's posse. See if you can find any offense at all.

Nylander - This team will have many more options for the top six next year. Be ready to fight for a spot on the top two lines. (or be ready to be traded)

Boqvist, Kalynuk, Beaudin, Mitchell, and Regula - Spend time in Chicago this summer getting in peak physical condition and in the tape room with coaches critiqing your play, and learning the system. Also spend a lot of time watching film of other teams that play the same system well. God knows you cannot learn much watching film of the Hawks playing this system.

Colliton - Invite (I know you cannot require) some of the young dman to spend some time in Chicago for regular video sessions with you and the coaching staff. It also gives them a chance to build some camaraderie.

Stan - This summer should be your busy season.
1) Well done signing Borgstrum.
2) Now sign Gaudette, Hagel, Suter and probably Nylander. Maybe Kampf and Hino.
3) Zhafyarov? Okulov? Shalunov?
4) Z, Strome, deHaan is about $11 mil in cap space do not worry so much about players, prospects or picks you get in return. Just think of cap space you can gain.
5) Be lucky at the lottery.
6) The 21/22 season is another developmental year. Keep your eye on the 23/24 season after Toews and Keith contracts are up and many of these younger players are in their prime. Save some cap space flexibility for then.
7) Don't get suckered by the Kraken in the expansion draft.

World Championships - Get great experience, stay healthy (no injuries), and have fun. Also get some down time this summer and come back in peak physical and mental shape ready to fight for playing time.

Some observations and a challenge

First although it is small.potatos Theo I thought you liked Delia heading into the brief training camp.back in January. Apparently you soured on him. I don't want him back. I thought he wasn't ready or in shape and that had a lot to do with his failure down in Florida start of season. Yet when he was up here in previous stints, each time we heard that he has things to work on. Neither Delia or Subban is whom you want as a back up. Both have issues. You mentioned Subban's issue already. If Bowman needs to save $ because he has to re-sign anyone, I would be willing to have Subban as a backup. But not happy about it. However, no on Delia.

The. Challenge is actually a topic for a later blog. I would like to see the review laid out of 5-6 players the Blackhawks might draft with their first round.'21.

I would not expect t a trade up in the draft, but if so, maybe only a couple spots. Because they like a couple players at a certain position much more than whom they predict would be available when their selection comes up. Now that could transpirre.

Well the sage advice is to go with the best player best talent available. Nonetheless after the first few choices if it is a close call on ability, do you want a dman, a forward, or even a goaltender. You could even have the board vote whom they would choose

Gotta give Bowman and Co credit on the ability to trade and sign European players. We might have another steal on our hands.

As much as i don't understand JCs defensive system, one thing i appreciate is how he's willing to play anyone and everyone, i have to imagine that's attractive to rookie free agents

Gotta give Bowman and Co credit on the ability to trade and sign European players. We might have another steal on our hands.

As much as i don't understand JCs defensive system, one thing i appreciate is how he's willing to play anyone and everyone, i have to imagine that's attractive to rookie free agents
- BetweenTheDots

In addition, I appreciate how hard the team played for him.

I also understand that the "defensive system" is the one that the Hawks' front office has chosen to run.

Thanks again Theo - I just wish you would have told us (at least us in Chicago area) that you were in town, it would have been nice to meet up with you.

Could you see Stan signing a career backup goaltender, like maybe a Louis Domingue, or maybe if Craig Anderson wants to get back to the area? Or do you think Subban played well enough to have earned another year?

Since they have Subban and Delia signed for another year, I think they will stick with one of them. A better backup would not effect the results too much in a developmental year. However if Subban or Delia expressed dissatisfaction with their playing time, or being a backup, I could see Stan accommodating them by waiving or trading them and then signing an experienced backup.

I do not have faith in him or like watching him play but I’d like to see Nylander re-signed on a one year prove it deal.

Curious as to why Capfriendly hasn’t updated Borgstrom on the Hawks page?

Curious as to why Capfriendly hasn’t updated Borgstrom on the Hawks page?
- Assman22

Lazy bastages.

Curious as to why Capfriendly hasn’t updated Borgstrom on the Hawks page?
- Assman22

https://twitter.com/PuckP.../1392220523296301056?s=01

The D zone scheme needs adjustment. All 3 years JC has been behind the bench, 5 on 5 coverage has been brutal. Even Foley commented on it. Can’t give up 40+ shots a game and hope to win much.

Add to that so so goaltending?

❌

Since they have Subban and Delia signed for another year, I think they will stick with one of them. A better backup would not effect the results too much in a developmental year. However if Subban or Delia expressed dissatisfaction with their playing time, or being a backup, I could see Stan accommodating them by waiving or trading them and then signing an experienced backup.

Doh

I agree, actually looking at "career back-up goaltenders", I don't think there are any that played better than Subban did this year.

I would like to see Delia launched for the bolded above. I do not think he is a good teammate. All the players say what a great teammate Subban is, he works hard, stays after practice if needed to take extra shots etc., and cheers on Lankinen and his teammates

When Delia said he kept "knocking on Colliton's door" to remind him he is still there" He also said he thought it was unfair that he only got 2 games in the beginning before Lankinen got the job. Well Subban had only the first game, not 2. And for the majority of the year, the goaltending was a strength, and the team was overperforming because of the goaltending. My guess is Delia's actions did not sit well with the other 2 goalies, although they would never say it. He looked better at the end of the year, with no pressure, but he didn't prove he is better than Lankinen and Subban.

Theo says: Dylan Strome: "Pssst, I don't think coach values you. Word of advice, though: when you get the opportunity, you need to run with it."

Strome says he can be a big contributor for the team next season:I feel like I proven that and I know I can do that.

Theo says:Nikita Zadorov: "Do you want to be traded to the Bruins, Jets, or Capitals?"

Zadorov said he’d like to stay in Chicago but did not mention whether his agent has had extension talks with Stan Bowman. He also said he believes this season was his best in the NHL, which ... oof.

Curious as to why Capfriendly hasn’t updated Borgstrom on the Hawks page?
- Assman22

Capfriendly has it now. 2 x $1M.

Capfriendly has it now. 2 x $1M.
- boilermaker100

Dangggg CF folks following HB? You’re welcome CF

Stan - This summer should be your busy season.
1) Well done signing Borgstrum.
2) Now sign Gaudette, Hagel, Suter and probably Nylander. Maybe Kampf and Hino.
3) Zhafyarov? Okulov? Shalunov?
4) Z, Strome, deHaan is about $11 mil in cap space do not worry so much about players, prospects or picks you get in return. Just think of cap space you can gain.
5) Be lucky at the lottery.
6) The 21/22 season is another developmental year. Keep your eye on the 23/24 season after Toews and Keith contracts are up and many of these younger players are in their prime. Save some cap space flexibility for then.
7) Don't get suckered by the Kraken in the expansion draft.
- -Doh-

8. Trade Shaw's contract to a cap strapped team that could use his $3.9M to put on LTIR. Maybe get a 3rd round pick from someone.
9. Sign that young UFA Swedish goalie Arvid Soderblum. Bring him over to play at Rockford for a year to get acclimated to North American ice.
10. Sign Reichel. See 9 above, or if he makes the team out of camp, better yet.

Here's sticky note for Stan and Colliton: dump Kampf ! surely you can get somebody for one million to take face offs and score more goals.

Also, get a 4th line bruiser to play with Entwhistle and Hardman. Somebody they can learn from, score goals, and give the Hawks a heavy 4th line that can play

Here's sticky note for Stan and Colliton: dump Kampf ! surely you can get somebody for one million to take face offs and score more goals.

Also, get a 4th line bruiser to play with Entwhistle and Hardman. Somebody they can learn from, score goals, and give the Hawks a heavy 4th line that can play
- chuckdahammer

You answered your own question.

Who gets the sticky "Don't let the door hit you on the arse on the way out'?

Theo, Ill echo the rest of the group that you have been by far the best blogger I have read since i have been on this site ('13). Major cudos to you!!!!