Zach Jarom: Kane, Toews, and Jones Speak

First! I don’t think Kane or Toews will be here past the TDL. Will be an interesting, tough season.

Thanks for taking the blog over, Zach!

Thank you, Zach.
Tough reality, the championship core did not stay healthy and the salary cap never went up anywhere close to projections.
(In 2010, I would have never thought all of Hammer, Crow, Hossa, Seabrook and Keith would all be retired by now, all early due to physical problems.)
The Blackhawks fan in me would love to see Kane and Toews retire as Blackhawks their entire career.
BUT, I like both of them enough to be perfectly ok with them going to any team with a shot at the Cup. (Might actually watch more than a moment of non-Blackhawks hockey if this proves to be the case.)

Seth Jones really has nothing to say about rebuild. He signed in Chicago to get his brother a spot. If Seth were to leave would Chicago hold on to Caleb?

The future of this team will be decided by the 2023 draft.

The 88 & 19 trade circus will be prevalent all season…. Nothing to see until something actually happens…

On another note:

Just caught NHL networks list of breakout players…

#6 was Adam Boqvist
#5 was Coke Sillinger

Ouch…..

Exhale……

Zach writes about Jones:

Speaking to the media, he stated he has no regrets signing with Chicago and he sees this as an opportunity to become a better player. Looking at this roster, it's safe to say he will get plenty of ice time to achieve just that.

I wouldn't have any regrets being being paid 76M over 8 years either. Sounds to me he just wants to collect those paychecks. Let him earn it. Play him 25+ minutes a game. Maybe after playing all those hard minutes for a few seasons, he'll develop some chronic injuries putting him on LTIR. Don't wish the guy any ill will, it's just that's the only way I see the Hawks getting out from under that contract.

Zach writes about Jones:

Speaking to the media, he stated he has no regrets signing with Chicago and he sees this as an opportunity to become a better player. Looking at this roster, it's safe to say he will get plenty of ice time to achieve just that.

I wouldn't have any regrets being being paid 76M over 8 years either. Sounds to me he just wants to collect those paychecks. Let him earn it. Play him 25+ minutes a game. Maybe after playing all those hard minutes for a few seasons, he'll develop some chronic injuries putting him on LTIR. Don't wish the guy any ill will, it's just that's the only way I see the Hawks getting out from under that contract.
- boilermaker100

If $9.5 becomes our highest paid player we're not very good. It's a fair contract.

If $9.5 becomes our highest paid player we're not very good. It's a fair contract.
- rpeters01

A couple of years ago I was advocating on this blog to sign Jones as a free agent which would have been this summer. But Jones made it known that he wasn't going to extend with CBJ, Jarmo put him on the market and Stan overpaid in trade pieces. I figured the going rate in free agency would have been 9 or 9.5M so the cap hit doesn't bother me.

In hindsight Stan's rebuild on the fly plan didn't work out and now Jones is in the wrong place at the wrong time. By the time the team is contending Jones will be in his mid 30's. I'll go out on a limb and say his play by that time will be along the lines of Seabs' last years.

Not much KD can do about it. Hence my wish for a possible LTIR situation for him, which would make cap space available for the Hawks if they need it by that time, or for another team which would return an asset or two to Chicago in a trade.

Didn’t the Keith trade happen before S. Jones signed? So wasn’t it Bowman acquiring C. Jones to entice S. Jones to sign?

Do you think any player would sign for 8 years if he thought that the team he is signing for as going to tear the team down to it’s studs?

I hope S. Jones plays 25 minutes a night also, since the other defenseman on the team are not close to top 4 material as of today.

Coke Sillinger ... also Scarface's favourite player.

Coke Sillinger ... also Scarface's favourite player.
- SC116

I was soda pressed that that Hawks didn’t draft Coke.

I was soda pressed that that Hawks didn’t draft Coke.
- DarthKane

We're not worthy of your greatness.

As popular opinion on this board goes, I agree that this season shapes up as a tough voyage

As well, bringing in the kids probably works better when done on a piecemeal slow rotation...although injuries would speed up the recalls

If there is a bit of a silver lining though ....would not be really surprising to see a combination of several kids (particularly on defense) perform admirably in the system and coaching Richardson introduces helping this outcome to happen

In order to hang.in against superior competition, however, the very average goaltending needs to step up. And while this may occur sporadically, we know the goaltenders are very average.over the long haul

It would be premature to expect Soderstrom to step in and be stellar. I am not too sure he will be the long term answer in goal- along with Comesso - albeit both probably are talents who would likely grade out eventually as well or better than the veterans filling the net for the time being

So we visit the idea of trade deadline movement. And frustrated players in Kane and Toews.

I don't know how the board feels about moving either, but I would like to see both players enjoy playing with a top '23 draft choice NEXT season.

Of course any trajectory is way early but what aforementionrd is my preference. Then too, unfortunately, adding a first or second round choice by moving anyone other than Kane is not happening.

Maybe we just hope moving a Murphy to move up from third round to second round?

One other idea; perhaps a more desirable prospect from our stable would be enticing when another team's scouts talk him up. We might exchange say Regula for a nice forward prospect not as polished as Regula. Just an idea worth exploring right now. Because ideally we have a few prospects who probably pan out well + more dmen in the pipeline are promising

After the sh*t show defensively the past few seasons, I'm hopeful that Richardson's simplified defensive scheme in the defensive zone can be executed effectively, and along with Kevin Dean running the penalty kill, we can cut down on our high danger chances given up and have a much improved goals against. That alone should help the team be more competitive, as I expect them to struggle offensively during the year. Hopefully, the competiveness in games will accelerate the development of some of the young players

As popular opinion on this board goes, I agree that this season shapes up as a tough voyage

As well, bringing in the kids probably works better when done on a piecemeal slow rotation...although injuries would speed up the recalls

If there is a bit of a silver lining though ....would not be really surprising to see a combination of several kids (particularly on defense) perform admirably in the system and coaching Richardson introduces helping this outcome to happen

In order to hang.in against superior competition, however, the very average goaltending needs to step up. And while this may occur sporadically, we know the goaltenders are very average.over the long haul

It would be premature to expect Soderstrom to step in and be stellar. I am not too sure he will be the long term answer in goal- along with Comesso - albeit both probably are talents who would likely grade out eventually as well or better than the veterans filling the net for the time being

So we visit the idea of trade deadline movement. And frustrated players in Kane and Toews.

I don't know how the board feels about moving either, but I would like to see both players enjoy playing with a top '23 draft choice NEXT season.

Of course any trajectory is way early but what aforementionrd is my preference. Then too, unfortunately, adding a first or second round choice by moving anyone other than Kane is not happening.

Maybe we just hope moving a Murphy to move up from third round to second round?

One other idea; perhaps a more desirable prospect from our stable would be enticing when another team's scouts talk him up. We might exchange say Regula for a nice forward prospect not as polished as Regula. Just an idea worth exploring right now. Because ideally we have a few prospects who probably pan out well + more dmen in the pipeline are promising
- jhawk59

I think KD is so determined to bring kids up when he wants he will use the waiver wire to replace injuries.

No one seems to address the 3 obvious reasons why the Blackhawks are in state state they are currently in. First on the list has to be Bowman. Too many BLOATED contracts, including but not limited to the one he gave to Toews. With that said, Captain Serious was never worth 10.5 MM a year IMO...Kane yes, Toews no, but again, Bowman started a ritual where they were tied to the hip in contract status. Second on the list has to be ownership...namely Wirtz. Someone had to approve the contracts AND trades that Bowman orchestrated. If ownership stepped in and asked Bowman "Are you out of your &^&%ing mind?", even just a couple of times, things would have gone down much differently. Perhaps it was his (Wirtz) attempt to erase the days of his father Dollar Bill, but in doing so, he and Bowman killed what should be a still running dynasty. Last on the list is the fact that due to the 2 aforementioned folks calling the shots in Chitown, Davidson has come in to a show that was forced into a rebuild. Despite that, trading away YOUNG talent is not how a successful rebuild works. This is especially true in regard to trading Debrincat and Hagel. It also pertains to not qualifying Strome and even Kubalik. Look at the Hawks draft history, how many players have actually gone on to be "stars", I'm not talking Kane type stars but more so Keith, Seabrook and Crawford type players? It doesn't happen often so why would you trade a proven 40 goal scorer to draft some 18 year old kid with potential? A bird (or in this case a cat) in the hand is worth far more than 2 in the bush. Prepare for dark years...it is going to take quite some time before this team is a force let alone even considered a force.

No one seems to address the 3 obvious reasons why the Blackhawks are in state state they are currently in. First on the list has to be Bowman. Too many BLOATED contracts, including but not limited to the one he gave to Toews. With that said, Captain Serious was never worth 10.5 MM a year IMO...Kane yes, Toews no, but again, Bowman started a ritual where they were tied to the hip in contract status. Second on the list has to be ownership...namely Wirtz. Someone had to approve the contracts AND trades that Bowman orchestrated. If ownership stepped in and asked Bowman "Are you out of your &^&%ing mind?", even just a couple of times, things would have gone down much differently. Perhaps it was his (Wirtz) attempt to erase the days of his father Dollar Bill, but in doing so, he and Bowman killed what should be a still running dynasty. Last on the list is the fact that due to the 2 aforementioned folks calling the shots in Chitown, Davidson has come in to a show that was forced into a rebuild. Despite that, trading away YOUNG talent is not how a successful rebuild works. This is especially true in regard to trading Debrincat and Hagel. It also pertains to not qualifying Strome and even Kubalik. Look at the Hawks draft history, how many players have actually gone on to be "stars", I'm not talking Kane type stars but more so Keith, Seabrook and Crawford type players? It doesn't happen often so why would you trade a proven 40 goal scorer to draft some 18 year old kid with potential? A bird (or in this case a cat) in the hand is worth far more than 2 in the bush. Prepare for dark years...it is going to take quite some time before this team is a force let alone even considered a force.
- Chisoxhawk

How many playoff games have the “birds in the hand” played in? This blog has debated Bowman’s mistakes ad nauseum, it has been addressed, Time to move on. The rebuild to me didn’t start until this year. Bringing S. Jones, Fleury, T. Johnson in last year was not a rebuild, but a desperate attempt to become a playoff team.

I for one is looking at this year in not terms of wins losses, but the progress of the youngsters, whether in the NHL, AHL, CHL, NCAA, or overseas.

How many playoff games have the “birds in the hand” played in? This blog has debated Bowman’s mistakes ad nauseum, it has been addressed, Time to move on. The rebuild to me didn’t start until this year. Bringing S. Jones, Fleury, T. Johnson in last year was not a rebuild, but a desperate attempt to become a playoff team.

I for one is looking at this year in not terms of wins losses, but the progress of the youngsters, whether in the NHL, AHL, CHL, NCAA, or overseas.
- LAHawk

LA, great post, 100% agree.

No one seems to address the 3 obvious reasons why the Blackhawks are in state state they are currently in. First on the list has to be Bowman. Too many BLOATED contracts, including but not limited to the one he gave to Toews. With that said, Captain Serious was never worth 10.5 MM a year IMO...Kane yes, Toews no, but again, Bowman started a ritual where they were tied to the hip in contract status. Second on the list has to be ownership...namely Wirtz. Someone had to approve the contracts AND trades that Bowman orchestrated. If ownership stepped in and asked Bowman "Are you out of your &^&%ing mind?", even just a couple of times, things would have gone down much differently. Perhaps it was his (Wirtz) attempt to erase the days of his father Dollar Bill, but in doing so, he and Bowman killed what should be a still running dynasty. Last on the list is the fact that due to the 2 aforementioned folks calling the shots in Chitown, Davidson has come in to a show that was forced into a rebuild. Despite that, trading away YOUNG talent is not how a successful rebuild works. This is especially true in regard to trading Debrincat and Hagel. It also pertains to not qualifying Strome and even Kubalik. Look at the Hawks draft history, how many players have actually gone on to be "stars", I'm not talking Kane type stars but more so Keith, Seabrook and Crawford type players? It doesn't happen often so why would you trade a proven 40 goal scorer to draft some 18 year old kid with potential? A bird (or in this case a cat) in the hand is worth far more than 2 in the bush. Prepare for dark years...it is going to take quite some time before this team is a force let alone even considered a force.
- Chisoxhawk

Ad nauseam for sure but one point I can't let go is when the wonder twins signed their contracts some would have argued if you could only pick one it would have been Toews.

How many playoff games have the “birds in the hand” played in? This blog has debated Bowman’s mistakes ad nauseum, it has been addressed, Time to move on. The rebuild to me didn’t start until this year. Bringing S. Jones, Fleury, T. Johnson in last year was not a rebuild, but a desperate attempt to become a playoff team.

I for one is looking at this year in not terms of wins losses, but the progress of the youngsters, whether in the NHL, AHL, CHL, NCAA, or overseas.
- LAHawk

This is the best approach to this season. I 100% agree with you when it comes to this is the true first year of the rebuild. Bowman went on his PR Tour after the bubble season saying we were going to rebuild and that lasted all of 4 months give or take. Time for KD to try and right the wrong and get this back in order. I just hope he wasnt paying too much attention when Bowman was giving his lessons.

Is NAZAR in camp. Will we see him tomorrow night

Is NAZAR in camp. Will we see him tomorrow night
- glennjpawlak22

No, he isn’t signed to a contract, like Commesso.

This is the best approach to this season. I 100% agree with you when it comes to this is the true first year of the rebuild. Bowman went on his PR Tour after the bubble season saying we were going to rebuild and that lasted all of 4 months give or take. Time for KD to try and right the wrong and get this back in order. I just hope he wasnt paying too much attention when Bowman was giving his lessons.
- Zach Jarom

Reichel though left his game early and may be in concussion protocol. There is a slew of prospects in the next few years who can probably reach the NHL but we need to acquire more who have top two lines + scoring ability. Reichel looks to be the only one who could be top two lines permanently his year and next.

ALSO There might be a couple prospects who play one or two preseason games then get reassigned. Davidson has reasons why want certain prospects to get into the NHL flow even when it is slower and rusty players.warming up. All kinds of reasons for Davidson to want to plug them....I won't go off on a tangent as to each of the reasons you and I could imagine floats in Dvidson's mind. Just saying, look for a couple kids to play although with emphasis saying again they aren't going to make the team this time.

Reichel though left his game early and may be in concussion protocol. There is a slew of prospects in the next few years who can probably reach the NHL but we need to acquire more who have top two lines + scoring ability. Reichel looks to be the only one who could be top two lines permanently his year and next.

ALSO There might be a couple prospects who play one or two preseason games then get reassigned. Davidson has reasons why want certain prospects to get into the NHL flow even when it is slower and rusty players.warming up. All kinds of reasons for Davidson to want to plug them....I won't go off on a tangent as to each of the reasons you and I could imagine floats in Dvidson's mind. Just saying, look for a couple kids to play although with emphasis saying again they aren't going to make the team this time.
- jhawk59

Reichel left in game 1 he played the entire game in game 2 and dominated. That being said, based on how Richardson has set the top 2 lines, and Reichel playing with group B, unless he lights it up in exhibition, he is starting in Rockford.