Theo Fox: Talent Hawks A look at the need for talent, not just work ethic and compete level, in order for the Blackhawks to rebuild to being a contender again.

Plus, thoughts on rough-and-tumble Russian blueliners Nikita Zadorov and Dmitri Osipov.

Aloha Theo, nice of you to write this blog while visiting Hawaii

Us readers all know about the need for more talent and have varying opinions as to how and when to add these accomplished players to ice a contending team.

Perhaps you could devote a blog to if and when a new coaching staff will be required to lead this contending team. Do you foresee JC as the point A to point B coach? If the team regresses this year or does not improve overall defensively is his job on the line? I would like to hear your thoughts on the coaching situation.

Agree with you on most of this, disagree with you on Mitchell's eventual toping out as a#2.

Have patience, you will see.

Aloha Theo, nice of you to write this blog while visiting Hawaii

Us readers all know about the need for more talent and have varying opinions as to how and when to add these accomplished players to ice a contending team.

Perhaps you could devote a blog to if and when a new coaching staff will be required to lead this contending team. Do you foresee JC as the point A to point B coach? If the team regresses this year or does not improve overall defensively is his job on the line? I would like to hear your thoughts on the coaching situation.
- boilermaker100

I've used that excuse to get out of hanging with the Outlaws, and like Boiler says, "Aloha Theo".

Agree with yours and that annoying troll Mo's premise, in that the team is in need of some more top end talent.

Haven't read the Athletic article yet so interested to hear what they're hearing.

That said, I still hope Stanbo doesn't jump the gun with any splashy moves this summer. I'd rather they see how their hand plays out with the current group of youngsters and keep adding to the talent pool.

Like you said, Dach still has first line potential and so potentially does *cough* Nylander. Reichel might be ready to jump to the NHL this season and maybe Borgstrom turns out to be a top 6 forward.

Same with the dmen...who knows. Some will likely surprise and others falter.

Z? $5.85 for 5 years? He can ask for it but Stan better say

Also, meant to say as far as the abundance of bottom 6 NHL potentials, I'm good with that and the competition it will create.

I'd like to see some of the Yutes step up and push someone like Carpenter to 13th fwd or to RFD.

Mahalo, Theo!
Blackhawks need a couple of the youngsters develop to exceed expectations and bring in/develop more guys too.
Draft well and sign the right free agents.
Use cap space to full advantage against teams that need to shed salary by making them add a blue chipper.
All avenues for improvement should be pursued.
It can happen pretty fast if a couple of these things hit each year for the next couple years. I think only one of the above hitting gets them into the 2022 playoffs.

I see in Wiz' mock draft he has the Swedish goalie Wallstedt falling to the Hawks pick at 12 and the Hawks selecting him.

https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts

Personally, instead of a goalie, I would like to see them take the next best available top forward or defenseman - possibly Lucius, Lysell or Lambos.

THIS TEAM IS NOT TOUGH TO PLAY AGAINST. AND IF ANYBODY GIVE ZADOROV 5 MIL A YEAR FOR 5 YEARS , THAT GM SHOULD BE FIRED. AND WE WILL TAKE THE 1ST AND 3RD ROUND PICKS . SO I EXPECT ZADOROV WILL BE IN THE KHL NEST YEAR

Missed the opportunity to post this last nite, but to follow up on the sexual assault allegations:

There apparently were 5 Blackhawk officials in the San Jose meeting about this - McDonough, MacIsaac, Bowman, Gary (the team’s sports psychologist), and Vincent (skills coach). There was a responsibility in that group - collectively and individually - to take the allegations seriously - not necessarily to automatically believe them, but to investigate further, if not to bring in law enforcement. We don’t know if there was or was not further investigation - perhaps it will come out that they did look into it after the meeting, and determined that there was no basis for the charges (although later events involving Aldrich make that unlikely).

It is not acceptable to dismiss the allegations out of hand, or to try to convince the alleged victims that it was their fault (as Gary supposedly did). There are legal implications, and moral issues.

I don’t know if the statutes of limitations apply to the civil suits in this case - but the five officials would bear a very high moral responsibility for their possible lack of action. You shouldn’t necessarily believe every complaint - but you have to take them seriously.

Had they done the “right thing”, perhaps the future incident involving Aldrich with a high school student in Michigan.

Z? $5.85 for 5 years? He can ask for it but Stan better say
- HawkintheD

Can't believe that Z's agent is wanting him to get paid more than Keith and only $1M less than Seabrook. But if true, I'm sure it's just a negotiating tactic. Stan is probably offering close to the QO offer of 3.2M, maybe a bit more, say 3.4M. Z's probably hoping for somewhere north of $4M.

That said $4M+ is too rich for a 3rd pair D in this flat cap world, 6'-6" and occasionally physical, or not. Z is arbitration available and I'm sure his agent will point out the fancy stats saying he is an effective defenseman. If it goes to arbitration and the arbiter splits the difference between 3.4 and 5.85, that's about 4.65M. Ouch. The Hawks can walk away only if the award is greater than 4.538M.

I've used that excuse to get out of hanging with the Outlaws, and like Boiler says, "Aloha Theo".

Agree with yours and that annoying troll Mo's premise, in that the team is in need of some more top end talent.

Haven't read the Athletic article yet so interested to hear what they're hearing.

That said, I still hope Stanbo doesn't jump the gun with any splashy moves this summer. I'd rather they see how their hand plays out with the current group of youngsters and keep adding to the talent pool.

Like you said, Dach still has first line potential and so potentially does *cough* Nylander. Reichel might be ready to jump to the NHL this season and maybe Borgstrom turns out to be a top 6 forward.

Same with the dmen...who knows. Some will likely surprise and others falter.

Z? $5.85 for 5 years? He can ask for it but Stan better say
- HawkintheD

I also agree with said troll (ice hole).

It is easier to obtain depth players than stars. It is even harder to get the stars after you have a bunch of solid depth players that get you toward the middle of the first round. Not impossible, but harder.

Missed the opportunity to post this last nite, but to follow up on the sexual assault allegations:

There apparently were 5 Blackhawk officials in the San Jose meeting about this - McDonough, MacIsaac, Bowman, Gary (the team’s sports psychologist), and Vincent (skills coach). There was a responsibility in that group - collectively and individually - to take the allegations seriously - not necessarily to automatically believe them, but to investigate further, if not to bring in law enforcement. We don’t know if there was or was not further investigation - perhaps it will come out that they did look into it after the meeting, and determined that there was no basis for the charges (although later events involving Aldrich make that unlikely).

It is not acceptable to dismiss the allegations out of hand, or to try to convince the alleged victims that it was their fault (as Gary supposedly did). There are legal implications, and moral issues.

I don’t know if the statutes of limitations apply to the civil suits in this case - but the five officials would bear a very high moral responsibility for their possible lack of action. You shouldn’t necessarily believe every complaint - but you have to take them seriously.

Had they done the “right thing”, perhaps the future incident involving Aldrich with a high school student in Michigan.
- StLBravesFan

The meeting was during the San Jose series. The perp (aka the cause of the hostile work environment) was gone a few weeks later. What more would this internal investigation have accomplished?

Why do the (adult) players need the team to call police?

I agree that after the allegation, the Hawks should not have given a positive review. I also don't know if they did. Perhaps they just said the guy worked here from this date until that date. Saying "don't hire the guy, he's a pervert" opens the door to a defamation lawsuit, unless you're pretty darn sure of the truth of the statement.

BTW, the statute of limitations is 300 days, and certainly applies. 10-11 years is just a tad over.

Big Z will be gone soon, if reports about his demands are accurate. The return might not be much because the other teams can read, too.

THIS TEAM IS NOT TOUGH TO PLAY AGAINST. AND IF ANYBODY GIVE ZADOROV 5 MIL A YEAR FOR 5 YEARS , THAT GM SHOULD BE FIRED. AND WE WILL TAKE THE 1ST AND 3RD ROUND PICKS . SO I EXPECT ZADOROV WILL BE IN THE KHL NEST YEAR
- Ging72

Way too early for all this yelling......You mad Bro????

I agree that after the allegation, the Hawks should not have given a positive review. I also don't know if they did. Perhaps they just said the guy worked here from this date until that date. Saying "don't hire the guy, he's a pervert" opens the door to a defamation lawsuit, unless you're pretty darn sure of the truth of the statement.

BTW, the statute of limitations is 300 days, and certainly applies. 10-11 years is just a tad over.
- mohel

In many situations, there is often a big difference between what is illegal and what is unethical. The Hawks may be outside of any legal liability, but this is a very bad look, and one that the team should address.

Back to Hockey.. $5m+ is WAY too much for big Z, and I'm a Z apologist. Make an offer and if it doesn't work out, he can be moved at the TDL.

Pass of Dougie Hamilton, and PLEASE let the rumors of Dach for Jones be false. I'm all for making a splash addition (especially a D man) but this is not the way.

I don't think we'll see anything big until after the expansion draft.

In many situations, there is often a big difference between what is illegal and what is unethical. The Hawks may be outside of any legal liability, but this is a very bad look, and one that the team should address.

Back to Hockey.. $5m+ is WAY too much for big Z, and I'm a Z apologist. Make an offer and if it doesn't work out, he can be moved at the TDL.

Pass of Dougie Hamilton, and PLEASE let the rumors of Dach for Jones be false. I'm all for making a splash addition (especially a D man) but this is not the way.

I don't think we'll see anything big until after the expansion draft.
- Q-stache

What should they have done?

Employees go to management and say Authority Figure is doing bad things to us. Authority Figure is gone within a month.

The allegations against the mental skills coach are troubling, if true.

In many situations, there is often a big difference between what is illegal and what is unethical. The Hawks may be outside of any legal liability, but this is a very bad look, and one that the team should address.

Back to Hockey.. $5m+ is WAY too much for big Z, and I'm a Z apologist. Make an offer and if it doesn't work out, he can be moved at the TDL.

Pass of Dougie Hamilton, and PLEASE let the rumors of Dach for Jones be false. I'm all for making a splash addition (especially a D man) but this is not the way.

I don't think we'll see anything big until after the expansion draft.
- Q-stache

Agree. I don't think there's any teeth to it at least the way I read it in the Athletic...

Another league source said Kirby Dach likely would have to be part of any deal for Jones. The source believed Jones would be worth it, too. When Jones’ struggles over the past two seasons were brought up, the source pointed to overuse and a weak supporting cast in Columbus.

The big question: Would it really be any different in Chicago?

It appears the Blackhawks alleged sexual assault story Isn't going away, The story appeared on TSN.CA yesterday and FOXNEWS.COM today, I'm shocked there Is nothing about It on the very Disneyish NHL.COM and nothing about this terrible and sad story on this site.

I see in Wiz' mock draft he has the Swedish goalie Wallstedt falling to the Hawks pick at 12 and the Hawks selecting him.

https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts

Personally, instead of a goalie, I would like to see them take the next best available top forward or defenseman - possibly Raty, Raty or Raty.
- boilermaker100

Agreed.

The meeting was during the San Jose series. The perp (aka the cause of the hostile work environment) was gone a few weeks later. What more would this internal investigation have accomplished?

Why do the (adult) players need the team to call police?

I agree that after the allegation, the Hawks should not have given a positive review. I also don't know if they did. Perhaps they just said the guy worked here from this date until that date. Saying "don't hire the guy, he's a pervert" opens the door to a defamation lawsuit, unless you're pretty darn sure of the truth of the statement.

BTW, the statute of limitations is 300 days, and certainly applies. 10-11 years is just a tad over.
-mohel

That is the only information that a previous employer should share with new employer, Mr. X worked here from whatever date to whatever date, if you give any kind of review you are liable and susceptible to a law suit.

What should they have done?

Employees go to management and say Authority Figure is doing bad things to us. Authority Figure is gone within a month.

The allegations against the mental skills coach are troubling, if true.
- mohel

Easy for me to say I would have done something different in the situation, but hindsight is 20/20. I'm sure there's no shortage of people answering this question online.

All I'm saying is that it's damaging to the franchise, and maybe to the lockerroom. I wouldn't want to hear or think that management doesn't have my back.

And all of this is looking at the now. Who knows what impact this had on the victim. Whole thing is not good.

Easy for me to say I would have done something different in the situation, but hindsight is 20/20. I'm sure there's no shortage of people answering this question online.

All I'm saying is that it's damaging to the franchise, and maybe to the lockerroom. I wouldn't want to hear or think that management doesn't have my back.

And all of this is looking at the now. Who knows what impact this had on the victim. Whole thing is not good.

Q-Stache

The whole thing is not good, but what should management have done on May 10th during the Stanley Cup playoffs?. Aldrich denies the allegations. Thus management in fairness to all parties has to investigate the charges in order to determine if they are true? Was the player forced to interact with the video coach after the allegation before the investigation was completed? Maybe at the meeting they decided that Aldrich was gone after the Stanley Cup?

In my sexual harrasment training, we are told to report the incident to Human Resources immediately if an employee make a sexual harrasment claim. HR investigates and recommends course of action, and generally to make sure the parties do not interact until the investigation and recommended course of action is completed There is no requirement to report the incident to police. That would be the pervue of the alleged victim.

Easy for me to say I would have done something different in the situation, but hindsight is 20/20. I'm sure there's no shortage of people answering this question online.

All I'm saying is that it's damaging to the franchise, and maybe to the lockerroom. I wouldn't want to hear or think that management doesn't have my back.

And all of this is looking at the now. Who knows what impact this had on the victim. Whole thing is not good.

Q-Stache

The whole thing is not good, but what should management have done on May 10th during the Stanley Cup playoffs?. Aldrich denies the allegations. Thus management in fairness to all parties has to investigate the charges in order to determine if they are true? Was the player forced to interact with the video coach after the allegation before the investigation was completed? Maybe at the meeting they decided that Aldrich was gone after the Stanley Cup?

In my sexual harrasment training, we are told to report the incident to Human Resources immediately if an employee make a sexual harrasment claim. HR investigates and recommends course of action, and generally to make sure the parties do not interact until the investigation and recommended course of action is completed There is no requirement to report the incident to police. That would be the pervue of the alleged victim.
- LAHawk

To me it's an issue between the Blackhawks org and the people involved. Unfortunately people who are victims have a tendency to lack the ability to take care of or stand up for themselves.

It's like the Toews situation, i don't need to know, just sympathize about his struggle but my heart goes out to Bickell now that i know his situation.

Goes to show deviant (frank)s can infiltrate and effect so many lives in the world and when will businesses realize the information is going to come out eventually.

I hear that during that May, 2010 meeting, Stan was supposed to fax the HR Department to inform them of the situation, but forgot.

ASF

I hear that during that May, 2010 meeting, Stan was supposed to fax the HR Department to inform them of the situation, but forgot.

ASF
- boilermaker100

Hahaha that's great