Theo Fox: Just Try Really Hard Thoughts on what the Blackhawks are seeking in prospects to select in the upcoming NHL Draft and even with free agents to sign this offseason.

So we're looking for up-tempo speed players that play high-motor hockey, high compete, and then as people you want players that are driven, that want to improve, that understand what they need to work on or are willing to work on it," Davidson said in early May. 

In other words, Hagel type players.

Taking notice of Davidson's twofold comment about compete level and desire to work to improve, there should be expectation for both Galvas and Crevier to continue their upward trajectory

Galvas adjusted to the pace and ruggedness of AHL hockey as well as a taste of NHL action. He impressed as being a sound player who can handle the competition despite his size. I have not heard if he is working out to become stronger. But as an experienced professional he has shown great progress toward reaching the NHL. He is someone to watch and whom Davidson hopefully will feel is not overmatched or too green for the NHL despite other youngsters on the same blueline crew giving a big dose of rookies/inexperience

Crevier is tall and thin. And pretty good as a shutdown type. He is needing to get stronger but possesses underrated ability to play a responsible overall game. He is not an offensive type but can contribute and I am guessing he will be adequate in puck movement. That stick reach advantage and a bit of nastiness may be on exhibit from time -to -time. His addition could be really nice with Vlasic and Regula too using size to neutralize or pin opponents along the boards.

Crevier may benefit from only one season AHL. At least I hope that is all he needs. I look forward to both Crevier and Galvas making a positive imprint as NHL dmen.

Then the next wave of prospects- who may receive one year AHL apprenticeship- will press for NHL jobs. Davidson will have a pleasant problem Hopefully he may swap out some dmenn proispects down the road for some forward prospects.

Makes the rebuild all the more interesting

And btw what to make of the Swede we just signed Roos?

LA names Marco Sturm the head coach of their Ontario AHL team. Heir apparent to McLellan?

Theo Fox: Just Try Really Hard
- Theo Fox

You sound like my wife

I'm on record for being impressed with Allan. I think he's going to surprise a lot of people with how good he ends up being.

He skates extremely well and has always been good defensively. He has recently started putting up more points and pushing on offense. I see good things coming for him and the Hawks.

Today @ 5:47 PM ET
Theo Fox: Just Try Really Hard
- Theo Fox



You sound like my wife.
-Bingo

That sounds like Janis Joplin.

So we're looking for up-tempo speed players that play high-motor hockey, high compete, and then as people you want players that are driven, that want to improve, that understand what they need to work on or are willing to work on it," Davidson said in early May. 

In other words, Hagel type players.
- boilermaker100

Just better. Unless you believe Hagel is going to shoot at ~22% ever again. I don't. I am not saying he won't be a useful player but imo, KD struck at the right time in dealing Hagel.

Raddysh and Hagel will put up similar numbers. Katchouk is still a bit of an unknown as to where he can slot. I believe the 2 first round picks will closer to 20 than 3, also.

Those picks in drafts which are being touted as deep could be a huge kickstart for the rebuild.

I'm on record for being impressed with Allan. I think he's going to surprise a lot of people with how good he ends up being.

He skates extremely well and has always been good defensively. He has recently started putting up more points and pushing on offense. I see good things coming for him and the Hawks.
- Chunk

Are you going off what you have read about him or have you watched any games or vids of Allan? I am not all that impressed with his skating. He isn't bad but I don't its close to being above average or anything.

You sound like my wife
- BINGO!

She does have to share you with the sheep so who can blame her

I'm on record for being impressed with Allan. I think he's going to surprise a lot of people with how good he ends up being.

He skates extremely well and has always been good defensively. He has recently started putting up more points and pushing on offense. I see good things coming for him and the Hawks.
- Chunk

Right on, Chunk. Have to admit I didn't know Allan except the WJC, and he didn't stand out then, but hunted film on him after the Hawks drafted him and liked him from his first shift. Immediately his balanced skating stands out as well as his size. Watching you see a kid with high defensive IQ, nice reads, nice gaps, rugged with an edge along the walls and crease.

As I watched everything on him man he'd miss by 10 ft on 20 ft passes and that answered my question why he was ranked late 2nd/3rd rd cuz he checked all other boxes for me. And the more I watched his skating as the fancy guys say 4 directional while being balanced and at 6ft 2in 200lb as an 18 yr old he has grown skill wise into his size.

When I finished up I thought maybe they get him later but if the scouts say this kid has the foundation of a 2nd rotation floor and ceiling of a nasty shutdown minute muncher (averages about a PIM per game in Jrs) I'm ok taking him 25 picks early than taking a chance on not getting him at all.

He's been highly thought of for a long time in Canada. Before the Hlinka the first tournament for higher prospects is the Brick Invitational for 10 yr olds. All the biggies played there as kids and Allan did too. Pick a yr but this is Allan's yr. https://www.eliteprospect...itational/stats/2012-2013


He was also drafted 3rd overall in the WHL Bantam Draft (15 yr olds). Played in regional Canadian tournaments followed up by making the U-18 WJC squad.

Point is the kid has been playing top Canadian hockey since he was a 10 yr old. He has plenty of back class. This yr in his draft +1 yr the kid pops for 41 pts. Saw him twice this yr, that ain't enough, but the numbers show this kid is working to improve, is in no hurry and trusts the developmental process.

For this fan of all D prospects in the system I am most intrigued by Allan. I see a high floor and a ceiling of a better skating Seabrook, although I doubt he matches Seabs' offensive prowess, with loads of intangibles. https://www.eliteprospect...player/482413/nolan-allan

Are you going off what you have read about him or have you watched any games or vids of Allan? I am not all that impressed with his skating. He isn't bad but I don't its close to being above average or anything.
- Elbows15

Watched. He gets going quickly, stops/starts well, and seems to stay with faster skaters while defending.

Granted, I'm no skating, or Hockey coach, but I've been impressed with how well he keeps plays in front of him.

Right on, Chunk. Have to admit I didn't know Allan except the WJC, and he didn't stand out then, but hunted film on him after the Hawks drafted him and liked him from his first shift. Immediately his balanced skating stands out as well as his size. Watching you see a kid with high defensive IQ, nice reads, nice gaps, rugged with an edge along the walls and crease.

As I watched everything on him man he'd miss by 10 ft on 20 ft passes and that answered my question why he was ranked late 2nd/3rd rd cuz he checked all other boxes for me. And the more I watched his skating as the fancy guys say 4 directional while being balanced and at 6ft 2in 200lb as an 18 yr old he has grown skill wise into his size.

When I finished up I thought maybe they get him later but if the scouts say this kid has the foundation of a 2nd rotation floor and ceiling of a nasty shutdown minute muncher (averages about a PIM per game in Jrs) I'm ok taking him 25 picks early than taking a chance on not getting him at all.

He's been highly thought of for a long time in Canada. Before the Hlinka the first tournament for higher prospects is the Brick Invitational for 10 yr olds. All the biggies played there as kids and Allan did too. Pick a yr but this is Allan's yr. https://www.eliteprospect...itational/stats/2012-2013


He was also drafted 3rd overall in the WHL Bantam Draft (15 yr olds). Played in regional Canadian tournaments followed up by making the U-18 WJC squad.

Point is the kid has been playing top Canadian hockey since he was a 10 yr old. He has plenty of back class. This yr in his draft +1 yr the kid pops for 41 pts. Saw him twice this yr, that ain't enough, but the numbers show this kid is working to improve, is in no hurry and trusts the developmental process.

For this fan of all D prospects in the system I am most intrigued by Allan. I see a high floor and a ceiling of a better skating Seabrook, although I doubt he matches Seabs' offensive prowess, with loads of intangibles. https://www.eliteprospect...player/482413/nolan-allan
- Mr Ricochet

The passing was the thing that I was most concerned with. I couldn't tell if it was just being indecisive, or if he was plain inaccurate. I would think that is something you can work on, but again, what do I know.

I just really like his approach to defending (play in front of him, willing to use his size to move guys off pucks and out of the crease, etc), and the fact that he seemingly added a new dimension (point production) the season after he was drafted.

Watched. He gets going quickly, stops/starts well, and seems to stay with faster skaters while defending.

Granted, I'm no skating, or Hockey coach, but I've been impressed with how well he keeps plays in front of him.
- Chunk

Ah. I am not sure he is even in the top 5 for d prospects for the Hawks for me. I didn't like reaching across 2 rounds to get for one. We will see but I think his draft status is a reason he will get a shot in the league.

Right on, Chunk. Have to admit I didn't know Allan except the WJC, and he didn't stand out then, but hunted film on him after the Hawks drafted him and liked him from his first shift. Immediately his balanced skating stands out as well as his size. Watching you see a kid with high defensive IQ, nice reads, nice gaps, rugged with an edge along the walls and crease.

As I watched everything on him man he'd miss by 10 ft on 20 ft passes and that answered my question why he was ranked late 2nd/3rd rd cuz he checked all other boxes for me. And the more I watched his skating as the fancy guys say 4 directional while being balanced and at 6ft 2in 200lb as an 18 yr old he has grown skill wise into his size.

When I finished up I thought maybe they get him later but if the scouts say this kid has the foundation of a 2nd rotation floor and ceiling of a nasty shutdown minute muncher (averages about a PIM per game in Jrs) I'm ok taking him 25 picks early than taking a chance on not getting him at all.

He's been highly thought of for a long time in Canada. Before the Hlinka the first tournament for higher prospects is the Brick Invitational for 10 yr olds. All the biggies played there as kids and Allan did too. Pick a yr but this is Allan's yr. https://www.eliteprospect...itational/stats/2012-2013


He was also drafted 3rd overall in the WHL Bantam Draft (15 yr olds). Played in regional Canadian tournaments followed up by making the U-18 WJC squad.

Point is the kid has been playing top Canadian hockey since he was a 10 yr old. He has plenty of back class. This yr in his draft +1 yr the kid pops for 41 pts. Saw him twice this yr, that ain't enough, but the numbers show this kid is working to improve, is in no hurry and trusts the developmental process.

For this fan of all D prospects in the system I am most intrigued by Allan. I see a high floor and a ceiling of a better skating Seabrook, although I doubt he matches Seabs' offensive prowess, with loads of intangibles. https://www.eliteprospect...player/482413/nolan-allan
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks for the update and history .I remember being disappointed when Allan was taken at 1st but then reading he was a super solid defensive defense man I thought well that is a very important trait to already have in the bank . Now I am interested to see how he turns out .

Hjarlmasson was not exactly a offensive dynamo. High off the glass was his best offensive move. If Allan becomes as proficient a shutdown defenseman as Hammer, whatever he adds to the offense is a bonus.

Ah. I am not sure he is even in the top 5 for d prospects for the Hawks for me. I didn't like reaching across 2 rounds to get for one. We will see but I think his draft status is a reason he will get a shot in the league.
- Elbows15

He is also 19...

Thanks for the update and history .I remember being disappointed when Allan was taken at 1st but then reading he was a super solid defensive defense man I thought well that is a very important trait to already have in the bank . Now I am interested to see how he turns out .
- oldduffman

If Allen has a weakness and it is how well he passes the puck, then he might be cut from the the roster for any of the tournaments. The coaches will want dmen who can move the puck proficiently. Does Allen get a "passing grade" after coaches closely examine the composition of the roster. They will be watching in practices and pre tournament games. Their decision to cut him any tournaments tells what he MUST improve

Not sure if posted in last blog...

@EricEngels
Jun 16
Kent Hughes confirms Luke Richardson had an interview with the Blackhawks 48 hours ago and is in line for a second one. Says Richardson told him he has no intention of leaving MTL for anything but a head coaching job.

@AlCimaglia
If Hawks fans are wondering why Luke Richardson is on the list of head coaching candidates he goes back to the early 90's with Norm Maciver, playing together in Edmonton. Richardson does have a few years of experience in the AHL as a bench boss with the Sens affiliate.

Not sure if posted in last blog...

@EricEngels
Jun 16
Kent Hughes confirms Luke Richardson had an interview with the Blackhawks 48 hours ago and is in line for a second one. Says Richardson told him he has no intention of leaving MTL for anything but a head coaching job.

@AlCimaglia
If Hawks fans are wondering why Luke Richardson is on the list of head coaching candidates he goes back to the early 90's with Norm Maciver, playing together in Edmonton. Richardson does have a few years of experience in the AHL as a bench boss with the Sens affiliate.
- pdx2ord

Brad Shaw was a teammate of Maciver with Ottawa. They also were assistant coaches together with Springfield.

Is Kirby Dach going to the Habs for 26th overall and Ryan Poehling? I just made that up but I seem to like Dach more than most Hawks fans. Poehling is very "speedy"

Is Kirby Dach going to the Habs for 26th overall and Ryan Poehling? I just made that up but I seem to like Dach more than most Hawks fans. Poehling is very "speedy"
- Hardbalz

I hope not. Poehling is ver injury prone and has been concussed multiple times.

Thanks for the update and history .I remember being disappointed when Allan was taken at 1st but then reading he was a super solid defensive defense man I thought well that is a very important trait to already have in the bank . Now I am interested to see how he turns out .
- oldduffman

I'm an older guy like you. I'd ask who would you rather watch play a game, probably the greatest ever Gretzky or Peter Forsberg? For me 100 out of 100 times it's Forsberg. 9 out of 10 times he's the most skilled player on the ice and 10 outa 10 times he's the meanest too. Richard Butkus with Lynn Swann skill... A mans man.

Who was your favorite, Keith, Seabs or Hammer? All different players in style and do they win those cups without even one of them? My memory of these guys now is #1 Hammer blocking a shot that dings him good, he bounces around on 1 foot, blocks 2 more, they clear the puck and he hops towards the bench and crawls the last 5 ft. Next shift he's back out!!!! A mans man.

I'm biased towards any athlete that plays any sport like a linebacker and I see that in Allan with a wonderful foundation and a lotta back class.

Could they have traded back and still gotten him? Maybe, but that's asset management and as mentioned I'm ok with reaching for a guy they see as having shutdown minute munching upside who brings a mans man intangibles.

And as mentioned I hadn't seen the guy before they drafted him but I did see Dmen Scott Morrow live and Shai Buium 30 times in the USHL. Buium went 4th in rd 2 and Morrow 8th in rd 2, just after Allan. Messaged Wiz in season about both of them. https://www.eliteprospect...raft/nhl-entry-draft/2021

I was justified in my analysis of them by where they were drafted but honestly didn't know where to slot them in the draft. I also liked power forward Matt Kniess and posted here he's a nice sleeper of sorts the Hawks could target.

Could the Hawks have gotten one of them and Allan? Maybe, but I'm still ok with the pick for reasons mentioned but that Morrow kid has a real chance IMO of becoming a steal in that draft. Went for 33 in 37 as a true freshman at UMass despite playing less than 10 games of Jrs, played his whole career at SSM HS.

Time will tell of course but count me as being an Allan fan. The reach is more than justified if he becomes a Hammer and more so if he hits his upside of a Seabs.

So we're looking for up-tempo speed players that play high-motor hockey, high compete, and then as people you want players that are driven, that want to improve, that understand what they need to work on or are willing to work on it," Davidson said in early May. 

In other words, Hagel type players.
- boilermaker100

Hagel (six round) type players we can draft with the two late first rounders.

There's a lot of double speak in JD's words.

He wants guys that will go through the wall to compete, work to fix the chinks in their armor and be completely focused on the goal being NHL impact players

Hagel (six round) type players we can draft with the two late first rounders.

There's a lot of double speak in JD's words.

He wants guys that will go through the wall to compete, work to fix the chinks in their armor and be completely focused on the goal being NHL impact players
- wiz1901

I agree with the double speak, to me this is a comment about late round draft picks more so then the 1st 2 rounds. Later picks do need to be driven like Shaw and Hagel. I'm just hoping that KD is really really really good at evaluating talent in kids.