Theo Fox: Pick 6: Goalies A look at the Blackhawks goalie prospects headlined by Drew Commesso and Arvid Soderblom with honorable mentions to Dominic Basse and Cale Morris.

Plus, updates on the active roster and on who is supposedly untouchable from a trade perspective.

Game vs Wild tonight. Also, IceHogs vs Stars.

Nice blog Theo. I think you should mention that Lankinen’s status at the end of the season is as a UFA, as is Delia’s. Haven’t seen it written anywhere that the Hawks think it is imperative to sign Lankinen.

Thanks Theo - One has to think that a Goaltender will be traded sometime between now and the TDL. I think ultimately, Drew will be the #1 guy in due time. I would not be opposed to trading MAF at the TDL and signing him next season (until Drew is ready), but I would be afraid Bettman would create a rule against that. The question currently is who has the higher value on this team, Soderblum or Lanks?

Thanks Theo - One has to think that a Goaltender will be traded sometime between now and the TDL. I think ultimately, Drew will be the #1 guy in due time. I would not be opposed to trading MAF at the TDL and signing him next season (until Drew is ready), but I would be afraid Bettman would create a rule against that. The question currently is who has the higher value on this team, Soderblum or Lanks?
- powerenforcer

PE, you are nothing if not consistent. Bettman can't just "create a rule", there is a CBA in place.

Hopefully the Hawks don’t trade ADB until the return is absolutely absurd. 88’s future with the Hawks remains a question beyond next season and 12 is the only other forward who can consistently produce. He’s the cornerstone of the team and possible future captain if/when 19 retires. Almost anyone else can go, but ADB needs to stay (and Kurashev).

Thanks Theo - One has to think that a Goaltender will be traded sometime between now and the TDL. I think ultimately, Drew will be the #1 guy in due time. I would not be opposed to trading MAF at the TDL and signing him next season (until Drew is ready), but I would be afraid Bettman would create a rule against that. The question currently is who has the higher value on this team, Soderblum or Lanks?
- powerenforcer

I think the Hawks will start the season with 2 new goalies who aren’t part of the organization currently. Lankinen has been ok, but is he work a mid or long term deal? No. Maybe Fleury comes back on a 1 year deal but I think that’s unlikely. Maybe Soderblom slots in as the #2, but I see him getting more playing time and quality starts in Rockford as the Hawks #3 goalie in the depth charts.

Hopefully the Hawks don’t trade ADB until the return is absolutely absurd. 88’s future with the Hawks remains a question beyond next season and 12 is the only other forward who can consistently produce. He’s the cornerstone of the team and possible future captain if/when 19 retires. Almost anyone else can go, but ADB needs to stay (and Kurashev).
- DarthKane

Couldn't have said it better myself.

I would not be opposed to trading MAF at the TDL and signing him next season ...
- powerenforcer

If MAF is traded he would never ever resign with Chicago. There is one reason (best jersey in pro sports!) to come back and 1001 not to.

Meat Loaf has reached his expiration date, at 74. RIP Mr. Loaf.

Meat Loaf has reached his expiration date, at 74. RIP Mr. Loaf.
- mohel

I'm starting to think PE is on to something.

Look at the standings. The storied Montreal Canadiens, dead last in the league after a Cinderella Cup run last season. They lose Price, Weber, Danualt, Kotkaniemi. A new GM and Pres of hockey ops, and...

...the 2022 NHL Entry Draft will be the 60th NHL Entry Draft. The draft will be held on July 7–8, 2022, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.

Which team do you think gets the 1st overall pick in 2022?

Hopefully the Hawks don’t trade ADB until the return is absolutely absurd. 88’s future with the Hawks remains a question beyond next season and 12 is the only other forward who can consistently produce. He’s the cornerstone of the team and possible future captain if/when 19 retires. Almost anyone else can go, but ADB needs to stay (and Kurashev).
- DarthKane

The problem is that only ADB can come close to replacing the assets that were given away in what is looking like a pretty funny Seth Jones trade.

Assuming they don't get the 1 or 2 pick (in which case they lose next years anyway...) they are at least 6 years away from putting a good team on the ice again if they have success like they did between 2002 and 2007.

That pipeline and talent pool needs to be completely rebuilt.

And it is so easy to say now but they were 100% better off not trading for Jones, taking Sillinger and certainly getting a top 10 pick this year. Reichel, Sillinger, Dach would have been a nice center by committee group to build around.

Anyway - if they can retain half of Kane's salary, he should be moved as well for as many picks as they can stockpile and go from there.

The only way to accelerate the process is to have more picks stockpiled and ADB and Kane are the two best options to do that. That is also making the assumption they have the people in place to take advantage of their picks but at any rate it would be a lot of crap to throw at the wall and they'd probably at least be decent in 3 or 4 years if they have multiple first and seconds that don't get squandered.

The problem is that only ADB can come close to replacing the assets that were given away in what is looking like a pretty funny Seth Jones trade.

Assuming they don't get the 1 or 2 pick (in which case they lose next years anyway...) they are at least 6 years away from putting a good team on the ice again if they have success like they did between 2002 and 2007.

That pipeline and talent pool needs to be completely rebuilt.

And it is so easy to say now but they were 100% better off not trading for Jones, taking Sillinger and certainly getting a top 10 pick this year. Reichel, Sillinger, Dach would have been a nice center by committee group to build around.

Anyway - if they can retain half of Kane's salary, he should be moved as well for as many picks as they can stockpile and go from there.

The only way to accelerate the process is to have more picks stockpiled and ADB and Kane are the two best options to do that. That is also making the assumption they have the people in place to take advantage of their picks but at any rate it would be a lot of crap to throw at the wall and they'd probably at least be decent in 3 or 4 years if they have multiple first and seconds that don't get squandered.
- fattybeef

I don't dispute the fact that at this point Kane and ADB are the assets that get you the most picks, but you really have to ask yourself what does stockpiling picks really get you.

The reality of the NHL draft is that only about 60% of 1st round picks play 100 NHL games, a much smaller percentage become "stars" and those are found at the top of the round (first 10 picks). Second round picks track at around 25% and 3rd round picks at around 12%.

Stockpile all the picks you want, but while you may be able to fill a roster, you cannot compete. You need to have players like Kane and ADB to build around and to add to. You need to have a few players that have achieved that higher level of play. Trading high end talent to stockpile picks is not a proven path in the NHL as too many of those picks just never achieve more than just "being a guy"

Lankinen is 26 and has only played about 50 games in his NHL career. Most of those played under Colliton’s Chinese Fire Drill defense and horrible personnel. If they trade Fleury he will get a lot of starts with Crawford’s defense and a little better personnel. If they do not trade Fleury I would not mind seeing them resigning Lankinen and Fleury for another year.

https://www.tsn.ca/marc-a...-trade-deadline-1.1748686

It is all up to Fleury

Meat Loaf has reached his expiration date, at 74. RIP Mr. Loaf.
- mohel

His name is Robert Paulsen.

Hopefully the Hawks don’t trade ADB until the return is absolutely absurd. 88’s future with the Hawks remains a question beyond next season and 12 is the only other forward who can consistently produce. He’s the cornerstone of the team and possible future captain if/when 19 retires. Almost anyone else can go, but ADB needs to stay (and Kurashev).
- DarthKane

ADB is a gun for sure. But guns need to be loaded and that's what Kane does best. Ask Patrick Sharp.

I don't dispute the fact that at this point Kane and ADB are the assets that get you the most picks, but you really have to ask yourself what does stockpiling picks really get you.

The reality of the NHL draft is that only about 60% of 1st round picks play 100 NHL games, a much smaller percentage become "stars" and those are found at the top of the round (first 10 picks). Second round picks track at around 25% and 3rd round picks at around 12%.

Stockpile all the picks you want, but while you may be able to fill a roster, you cannot compete. You need to have players like Kane and ADB to build around and to add to. You need to have a few players that have achieved that higher level of play. Trading high end talent to stockpile picks is not a proven path in the NHL as too many of those picks just never achieve more than just "being a guy"
- TheTrob

Not really. The Hawks didn't have a franchise player to build around until Toews and Kane showed up. Seabrook was going to be a very good NHL player but Keith was not super impressive when he showed up other than his motor.

I guess maybe Havlat qualifies there?

They can bring in a veteran on the tail end of their prime like they did with Hossa in 10 years if that's what they want to do.

Assuming they don't have a first this year - That's 6 years now until the rebuild takes footing and Kane is 39 and Debrincat is 30. That's just for these kids to arrive and taking into account some misses. Another 2 years for them to be pros and Kane is 41 and El Gato is 32.

I think you have to get what you can for what you have and let the Kyle Calders, Mark Bells and Tyler Arnasons run the team for a few years.

Its taken Detroit 6 years of being awful to finally showing signs of life and it'll probably take another 2-3 years for them to be competitive assuming Yzerman can work some magic.

That unfortunately is the path the Hawks are on because their org depth is that bad - compile assets for whatever is tradable and not nailed down. Revamp the front office. Keep some character guys around to teach the younger guys how to be pros and return to relevance in 8 or so years.

Not really. The Hawks didn't have a franchise player to build around until Toews and Kane showed up. Seabrook was going to be a very good NHL player but Keith was not super impressive when he showed up other than his motor.

I guess maybe Havlat qualifies there?

They can bring in a veteran on the tail end of their prime like they did with Hossa in 10 years if that's what they want to do.

Assuming they don't have a first this year - That's 6 years now until the rebuild takes footing and Kane is 39 and Debrincat is 30. That's just for these kids to arrive and taking into account some misses. Another 2 years for them to be pros and Kane is 41 and El Gato is 32.

I think you have to get what you can for what you have and let the Kyle Calders, Mark Bells and Tyler Arnasons run the team for a few years.

Its taken Detroit 6 years of being awful to finally showing signs of life and it'll probably take another 2-3 years for them to be competitive assuming Yzerman can work some magic.

That unfortunately is the path the Hawks are on because their org depth is that bad - compile assets for whatever is tradable and not nailed down. Revamp the front office. Keep some character guys around to teach the younger guys how to be pros and return to relevance in 8 or so years.
- fattybeef

They can also swing trades for younger players or prospects that are closer to (or already playing in) the NHL than draftees.

There isn't one magic way of building a team. Yes, you certainly need your draft picks to pan out and having higher ones vs lower ones gives a better chance at hitting on them, but the draft is not the only (or always best) means of player acquisition.

Theo Fox: Pick 6: Goalies
A look at the Blackhawks goalie prospects headlined by Drew Commesso and Arvid Soderblom with honorable mentions to Dominic Basse and Cale Morris.

Plus, updates on the active roster and on who is supposedly untouchable from a trade perspective.

Game vs Wild tonight. Also, IceHogs vs Stars.
- Theo Fox

Since Bowman screwed things up with the big trade for S Jones, and if the Blackhawks believe that Commesso is going to be a very good goalie, i would concentrate on signing and developing good dmen so when Commesso is ready for the big stage you have a good defensive core in front of him.

I would also let the young forwards develop, Strome, Dach, Borgstrom, Reichel, which all will or almost be in their prime in 3 years

I keep Cat

More so than anything else does Kyle think he has the key pieces for a pain in the ass 3rd and 4th lines, Hagel, Kurashev, Entwhistle, Slavin that's a very good start

Start a tough stretch of games, hopefully the damage isn't too bad

Many say how much we suck, sure, but the players i mention, none of them have hit their prime years yet.

I'm starting to think PE is on to something.

Look at the standings. The storied Montreal Canadiens, dead last in the league after a Cinderella Cup run last season. They lose Price, Weber, Danualt, Kotkaniemi. A new GM and Pres of hockey ops, and...

...the 2022 NHL Entry Draft will be the 60th NHL Entry Draft. The draft will be held on July 7–8, 2022, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.

Which team do you think gets the 1st overall pick in 2022?


- Rota's Rooter

The Hawks! They owe us for ‘71 and ‘73, not that I hold any grudges.

https://www.tsn.ca/marc-andre-fleury-chicago-blackhawks-nhl-trade-deadline-1.1748686

It is all up to Fleury
- LAHawk

The article acknowledges the arrangement Flower has with the Hawks.

Also noted this quote....

"Chicago currently sits eight points back of the San Jose Sharks for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference with two games in hand and five teams sandwiched between the two teams."

8 points back, six teams (including SJ) to pass. Just like six weeks ago.

I'm starting to think PE is on to something.

Look at the standings. The storied Montreal Canadiens, dead last in the league after a Cinderella Cup run last season. They lose Price, Weber, Danualt, Kotkaniemi. A new GM and Pres of hockey ops, and...

...the 2022 NHL Entry Draft will be the 60th NHL Entry Draft. The draft will be held on July 7–8, 2022, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.

Which team do you think gets the 1st overall pick in 2022?


- Rota's Rooter

The bigger question is who gets the 2023 first or second pick? Wright, Cooley and Savoie all are decent players but Connor Bedard and Matvei Michkov are expected to be first line star, perhaps generational, players.

They can also swing trades for younger players or prospects that are closer to (or already playing in) the NHL than draftees.

There isn't one magic way of building a team. Yes, you certainly need your draft picks to pan out and having higher ones vs lower ones gives a better chance at hitting on them, but the draft is not the only (or always best) means of player acquisition.
- Chunk

Thanks Chunk, that is kinda my point.

Yes, pre-Kane/Toews the Hawks had no superstars, but they did have a pretty solid roster of young players in Byfuglien, Bolland, Sharp, Ladd, Versteeg, Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson to build around. Then added pieces like Campbell, Madden, Hossa.

We all know BUF and EDM history of how building thru the draft has worked (it hasn't), How about others, NJD has had 6 top 10 picks in the last 10 years and 1 first round playoff exit. DET has had top 10 picks for 5 years and they are maybe starting to turn it around. NYR has had top picks in 4 of the last 5 drafts, and finally looks good this season after a playoff drought, but their draft picks are not the reason why. ARIZ has been a nightmare since they defeated the Hawks back in '11-12 drafting high in a lot of those years.

Since Bowman screwed things up with the big trade for S Jones, and if the Blackhawks believe that Commesso is going to be a very good goalie, i would concentrate on signing and developing good dmen so when Commesso is ready for the big stage you have a good defensive core in front of him.

I would also let the young forwards develop, Strome, Dach, Borgstrom, Reichel, which all will or almost be in their prime in 3 years

I keep Cat

More so than anything else does Kyle think he has the key pieces for a pain in the ass 3rd and 4th lines, Hagel, Kurashev, Entwhistle, Slavin that's a very good start

Start a tough stretch of games, hopefully the damage isn't too bad

Many say how much we suck, sure, but the players i mention, none of them have hit their prime years yet.
- BetweenTheDots

Realistically, what damage can be done? Maybe if they just get run out of the building, sure that doesn't look great. However, the only thing they really gain or lose is ping-pong balls at this point. So they either lose a first this year or next. poop either way.

The S. Jones trade overall was not great. I do believe that having S. Jones on your team is a large benefit. He can play all situations and is playing very well in those situations (especially since the entire team has been playing better).

I'm on board with letting the young forwards develop. The problem that I always have (even more so now) is how do you know when to move on from a player? For every Hartman/Duclair there are several Skille/McNeil types.

I think they actually have a nice stable of young d-men to develop with several different types of players, and thankfully, they've got a number of guys that have both size and mobility that are starting to show well.