I gotta be honest, I don't get the Phillips love here.
- vabeachbear[/quote

Because the Rockford coach is really high on him (and Vlasic) ?

https://sports.yahoo.com/...llips-alex-142000464.html

[quote=vabeachbear]I gotta be honest, I don't get the Phillips love here.
- LAHawk[/quote

Because the Rockford coach is really high on him (and Vlasic) ?

https://sports.yahoo.com/...llips-alex-142000464.html

Sorensen doesn’t seem to know what a stud means.

Your post is worth tagging twice. If a good Canadian boy posts, I read.

There is a reason few 19 yr olds have sustained good play in the NHL over time/eras. If KK is sent down it's not a failure or the organIzation's confidence in him has lessened.

Simply said, there is a reason few 19 yr old Dmen are absorbed into an NHL roster as it has proven it's not the best developmental path for a kid............. I can argue both for and against keeping KK up all yr but I can't argue the lack of success for 19 yr old Dmen in the NHL over decades and eras.
- Mr Ricochet

Hello Mr.R, its nice to read your thoughts on both KK and Allan.

If it was my decision I would likely opt to keep KK up with the Hawks as long as possible rather than send him back for a full season of major junior hockey. He would likely have a huge points season in Seattle, but how much real development toward moulding a top both ends of the ice NHL defenceman would occur playing with/against kids as young as 16? The Hawks could well see the same player/same mistakes next years's training camp.

The objective with KK absolutely cannot be to develop a partial skillset blueliner like John Klingberg or Tyson Barrie but a kid who might evolve into a Miro Heiskanen or Rasmus Dahlin or Cale Makhar or even a Josh Morrissey type. (Imagine that with a Bedard up front). But that takes time, patience, coaching, plus skill and intellect on the part of the player.

One thing the Hawks have in house is their Head Coach who knows exactly what its like to be thrown into the men's league at 18. And the difficulty with that. I'm confident he will assess exactly where KK is at, where he needs help and what not to do with him before the time is right.

Nolan Allan - he's going to be a very nice defensive defenceman for the Hawks. But that too will take time.

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/...z1uT9gMtKnt7vL7SShIg&s=01

I'll have to watch him closer

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/status/1708960569556938793?t=9wz1uT9gMtKnt7vL7SShIg&s=01

I'll have to watch him closer
- BetweenTheDots

I think he will put in the effort, it's a contract year. I don't know if it will work out for him, but I think he is trying.

Hello Mr.R, its nice to read your thoughts on both KK and Allan.

If it was my decision I would likely opt to keep KK up with the Hawks as long as possible rather than send him back for a full season of major junior hockey. He would likely have a huge points season in Seattle, but how much real development toward moulding a top both ends of the ice NHL defenceman would occur playing with/against kids as young as 16? The Hawks could well see the same player/same mistakes next years's training camp.

The objective with KK absolutely cannot be to develop a partial skillset blueliner like John Klingberg or Tyson Barrie but a kid who might evolve into a Miro Heiskanen or Rasmus Dahlin or Cale Makhar or even a Josh Morrissey type. (Imagine that with a Bedard up front). But that takes time, patience, coaching, plus skill and intellect on the part of the player.

One thing the Hawks have in house is their Head Coach who knows exactly what its like to be thrown into the men's league at 18. And the difficulty with that. I'm confident he will assess exactly where KK is at, where he needs help and what not to do with him before the time is right.

Nolan Allan - he's going to be a very nice defensive defenceman for the Hawks. But that too will take time.
- RickJ

My concern with KK staying up, especially if he’s not ready, which I don’t think he is, is how many 19 year olds have had huge bumps in their career or completely fizzle out. Look no further than Kirby Dach, a kid, like KK who had gaps in his game that came onto a bad team and just couldn’t get better. Had Korchinski been a top two defenseman on Canada’s World Junior team playing against the best 18 and 19 years olds, I’d still have reservations about him making an NHL team. But only 9 months ago he was a third pairing defenseman playing protected minutes, where the coaches didn’t fully trust him in all situations. And a top two defenseman, who was a year older, DelMastro was a top pairing defenseman on that team, and he’s not ready for the show today. I’d prefer the Hawks err on the side of caution and put KK back to Seattle, where I think he belongs.

I think he will put in the effort, it's a contract year. I don't know if it will work out for him, but I think he is trying.
- breadbag

Let’s hope he has a great season and KD is able to move him at the TDL.

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/status/1708960569556938793?t=9wz1uT9gMtKnt7vL7SShIg&s=01

I'll have to watch him closer
- BetweenTheDots[/quote

I noticed no change to last year over the weekend. Didn’t look like he exerted enough energy to break a sweat.

Mr R:

Was thinking about your goalie quandary Hrabel still on board when Hawks took Gajan, when I listened to NHL Prospects radio Blackhawks draft review;

https://www.hockeyprospectradio.com/

Scroll down a section, their review of all the teams is there, you have to scroll right a few times to get to Blackhawks.

I found the Arizona one very interesting as well.
- vabeachbear

You're killin me, VBB!! These are the kindsa rabbit holes I live for..... Only heard the Hawks and AZ but enjoying these two guys. Love how the guy with the specs talks developmental path but I don't think it's as simple as he makes out.

Thank you for sharing, and Wiz, you'll enjoy the banter.

Ottawa has placed former 1st round pick and righted-handed defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker on waivers.

My concern with KK staying up, especially if he’s not ready, which I don’t think he is, is how many 19 year olds have had huge bumps in their career or completely fizzle out. Look no further than Kirby Dach, a kid, like KK who had gaps in his game that came onto a bad team and just couldn’t get better. Had Korchinski been a top two defenseman on Canada’s World Junior team playing against the best 18 and 19 years olds, I’d still have reservations about him making an NHL team. But only 9 months ago he was a third pairing defenseman playing protected minutes, where the coaches didn’t fully trust him in all situations. And a top two defenseman, who was a year older, DelMastro was a top pairing defenseman on that team, and he’s not ready for the show today. I’d prefer the Hawks err on the side of caution and put KK back to Seattle, where I think he belongs.
- paulr

Yes, I neglected to mention that. It was noticeable to both of us that when the games got very tight in the WJC medal round KK's icetime shrank considerably. Del Maestro got big minutes and Allan took a regular shift.

Like you, I see no benefit to rushing him but sticking around the Hawks camp for a month or two doesn't hurt. There are no meaningful junior games played in October or November.

Ottawa has placed former 1st round pick and righted-handed defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker on waivers.
- DarthKane

Not likely to clear waivers. Somebody will claim him, KD should if he gets that far.

Ottawa has placed former 1st round pick and righted-handed defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker on waivers.
- DarthKane

That’s two former first round RHD’s they’ve waived in the past week. Maybe they just don’t know how to draft…

Hello Mr.R, its nice to read your thoughts on both KK and Allan.

If it was my decision I would likely opt to keep KK up with the Hawks as long as possible rather than send him back for a full season of major junior hockey. He would likely have a huge points season in Seattle, but how much real development toward moulding a top both ends of the ice NHL defenceman would occur playing with/against kids as young as 16? The Hawks could well see the same player/same mistakes next years's training camp.

The objective with KK absolutely cannot be to develop a partial skillset blueliner like John Klingberg or Tyson Barrie but a kid who might evolve into a Miro Heiskanen or Rasmus Dahlin or Cale Makhar or even a Josh Morrissey type. (Imagine that with a Bedard up front). But that takes time, patience, coaching, plus skill and intellect on the part of the player.

One thing the Hawks have in house is their Head Coach who knows exactly what its like to be thrown into the men's league at 18. And the difficulty with that. I'm confident he will assess exactly where KK is at, where he needs help and what not to do with him before the time is right.

Nolan Allan - he's going to be a very nice defensive defenceman for the Hawks. But that too will take time.
- RickJ

Want to compliment the many insightful posts on the KK situation. He is really stuck in the twilight zone between mostly too good for the WHL but not really ready for the NHL. I think they have to try to evaluate his mental makeup to make a good decision, and that is the hardest thing to evaluate.

If he stays he is going to make a lot of mistakes, more than veterans, more than older rookies. The question is can he play through and learn/correct his mistakes without losing confidence. The talent is there, it is the confidence building that is the thing.

I like the path that Shane Wright and others followed last year (aka the "Magical Mystery Tour"): 9 games in the NHL, then some time inactive (5 games or so), then a "rehab" assignment in Rockford. By that time the WJC will be coming up. After WJC, the decision is still open, but I think if he does OK, maybe keep him in Chicago.

Yes, I neglected to mention that. It was noticeable to both of us that when the games got very tight in the WJC medal round KK's icetime shrank considerably. Del Maestro got big minutes and Allan took a regular shift.

Like you, I see no benefit to rushing him but sticking around the Hawks camp for a month or two doesn't hurt. There are no meaningful junior games played in October or November.
- RickJ

Agreed, it doesn’t hurt to keep him up for the 9 games. There’s lots to learn and some take always to work on in Seattle. I’d like to see what he can learn from Richardson and the chemistry he can develop with Bedard. But I don’t see any mentors on the Blueline in Chicago. As someone mentioned it’s like Shane Wright, too good for junior but not ready for the NHL. It’s too bad there wasn’t some kind of deal in place to allow the odd player in this situation to play in the AHL.

Agreed, it doesn’t hurt to keep him up for the 9 games. There’s lots to learn and some take always to work on in Seattle. I’d like to see what he can learn from Richardson and the chemistry he can develop with Bedard. But I don’t see any mentors on the Blueline in Chicago. As someone mentioned it’s like Shane Wright, too good for junior but not ready for the NHL. It’s too bad there wasn’t some kind of deal in place to allow the odd player in this situation to play in the AHL.
- paulr

Same situation with Brandt Clarke of the Kings. Did the Shane Wright development plan last year, will be Kings 6th/7th defenseman NHL/AHL shuttle this year 9depending on the Kings cap situation at the time)

Same situation with Brandt Clarke of the Kings. Did the Shane Wright development plan last year, will be Kings 6th/7th defenseman NHL/AHL shuttle this year 9depending on the Kings cap situation at the time)
- LAHawk

I saw Clarke in the OHL a couple of times last season. He’s a good one.

https://x.com/Mario_Tirab...hJ5QzRH_u5bsMYhHys6w&s=01

Bedard is in again tonight? I'm thinking he wants to play every chance he gets.

https://x.com/Mario_Tirabassi/status/1709214979839140109?t=KHhJ5QzRH_u5bsMYhHys6w&s=01

Bedard is in again tonight? I'm thinking he wants to play every chance he gets.
- BetweenTheDots

This is opening night roster except Soderblom, AA
Kurashev (out with a wrist injury?)

Take away Stauber, Katchook, and Entwhistle

IMO Katchook, Entwhistle, R. Johnson battling it out for 13th forward.

Tinordi 6th/7th defenseman

Zaitsev dependent on KK decision

For KK, they will do what is best for him projecting out to the future. If they feel like he won't learn anything more in Jr, then probably he won't be sent back.

The Hawks are not anywhere close to winning now, so they won't be shy about playing him if he makes a few mistakes, if that is what will help him progress. If I'm being honest, the most glaring mistakes I've seen haven't been #55. Not saying he doesn't have room to improve, but I wouldn't be surprised if they keep him on the roster. Who knows, KD might embrace the kids and we'll one or more of Zaitsev and Tinordi on waivers to be sent down.

We'll get to see more of him tonight as the Hawks dress most of their roster. Kaiser, Jones, Korchinksi, Muprhy, Phillips, Vlasic tonight.

https://x.com/Mario_Tirabassi/status/1709214979839140109?t=KHhJ5QzRH_u5bsMYhHys6w&s=01

Bedard is in again tonight? I'm thinking he wants to play every chance he gets.
- BetweenTheDots

100% he wants to play. The kid has that enthusiasm and love for the game that got him where he is.

This is opening night roster except Soderblom, AA
Kurashev (out with a wrist injury?)

Take away Stauber, Katchook, and Entwhistle

IMO Katchook, Entwhistle, R. Johnson battling it out for 13th forward.

Tinordi 6th/7th defenseman

Zaitsev dependent on KK decision
- LAHawk

Have we had a game without #27 playing yet? The kid is getting his reps in.

Edit: I forgot he did get one night off against Minny. I thought he played that one too.

https://x.com/Mario_Tirabassi/status/1709214979839140109?t=KHhJ5QzRH_u5bsMYhHys6w&s=01

Bedard is in again tonight? I'm thinking he wants to play every chance he gets.
- BetweenTheDots

Hopefully we'll see DeBrincat tonight as well.

I am still upset over KD trading him 2 years ago for draft picks not even close to what he got for Hagel. However, I'll accept that the rebuild brought KK and that he'll eventually be a top pairing guy......BUT.....
Once KD got the GOLDEN TICKET for Bedard, my thoughts went to the possibility of reacquiring ADB last off season when he wanted out of Ottawa.

I recently had a conversation with a former Hawk GREAT Center at 5th Third during training camp and he claimed that the "time line" for reacquiring ADB didn't fit what KD was looking for. He said that the Hawks aren't looking to make the "splash" moves for 3 years yet !! Well, my response was that as a STH for 50+ years that that was totally disappointing. My concern was...and now is....that Bedard will NOT accept not making the moves necessary to get into playoff compete for 3 more years. And....that trading for ADB this past off season would have been smart because he's still only 25 years old, and his contract was definitely in line with the cap space available....along with giving Bedard a 2 time 40 goal scorer to play on his left. This current team will probably have trouble scoring goals this year for sure and CB may get discouraged.

Hopefully I'm wrong here but we'll see how many points Debrincat puts up with Larkin and Raymond this year. Bank on 90 + if he stays healthy.

Sooner vs later KD is going to have to put a second scoring STAR on this team to compliments Conner Bedard. I just wish it would have been Alex DeBrincat !!

https://x.com/Mario_Tirabassi/status/1709214979839140109?t=KHhJ5QzRH_u5bsMYhHys6w&s=01

Bedard is in again tonight? I'm thinking he wants to play every chance he gets.
- BetweenTheDots

I'm guessing he plays tonight and Thursday at home and sits the away game at StL Saturday since he can't be out past curfew.

Hopefully we'll see DeBrincat tonight as well.

I am still upset over KD trading him 2 years ago for draft picks not even close to what he got for Hagel. However, I'll accept that the rebuild brought KK and that he'll eventually be a top pairing guy......BUT.....
Once KD got the GOLDEN TICKET for Bedard, my thoughts went to the possibility of reacquiring ADB last off season when he wanted out of Ottawa.

I recently had a conversation with a former Hawk GREAT Center at 5th Third during training camp and he claimed that the "time line" for reacquiring ADB didn't fit what KD was looking for. He said that the Hawks aren't looking to make the "splash" moves for 3 years yet !! Well, my response was that as a STH for 50+ years that that was totally disappointing. My concern was...and now is....that Bedard will NOT accept not making the moves necessary to get into playoff compete for 3 more years. And....that trading for ADB this past off season would have been smart because he's still only 25 years old, and his contract was definitely in line with the cap space available....along with giving Bedard a 2 time 40 goal scorer to play on his left. This current team will probably have trouble scoring goals this year for sure and CB may get discouraged.

Hopefully I'm wrong here but we'll see how many points Debrincat puts up with Larkin and Raymond this year. Bank on 90 + if he stays healthy.

Sooner vs later KD is going to have to put a second scoring STAR on this team to compliments Conner Bedard. I just wish it would have been Alex DeBrincat !!
- Hawkytalk

While I would’ve loved to see Debrincat come back, it would’ve been at a steeper cost than Ottawa paid. Dorion knows how optics work, and giving up a top ten pick for one year of Debrincat and some good not great pieces would get him pilloried by the hockey media.
The only one who had zero shame about trying to undue his bad trades was Stan with the Saad>Anisimov, Panarin>Saad, Saad>Zadorov, Zadorov>a fourth round pick debacle.
Detroit has some really solid young pieces with Raymond, Bergren, Seider, Edvinsson, Danielson… but they still lack that true star player. Larkin is a good not great number 1 center. And he’s not beating the MacKinnon, Matthews, and Barkovs of the world. Every team that’s won a cup in the last 15 years has had an elite number 1 center.