The problem is that quality NHL players want term as well as $$$. If Nylander or a comparable FA is available this off season, they aren't going to sign a 2 or 3 year deal. You get guys like Foglino, Perry and Athenisiou because they're desperate to get just one or two more years of an NHL salary. If Davidson signs a couple of forwards for at least $7M for 5 or more years, he'll be struggling to stay under the cap when Nazar, KK and Bedard need to get signed. Hopefully, KD can swing a trade similar to the one that got Hall.
- Dieselhead

Do you think a guy like say Stamkos would take a short term contract for a higher than his value AAV? Short term the Hawks have a boatload of cap space and a guy like Stamkos would help the Hawks in every way imaginable, scoring, a linemate for Bedard, he would prevent other teams from double and triple teaming Bedard and the leadership intangibles. Add in two or three other mid level UFAs, like Domi to short term deals.

I hardly notice Crevier, which is what you want from your young defensemen.

- Dieselhead

Exactly --- also agreed about your point on Vlasic.

The problem is that quality NHL players want term as well as $$$. If Nylander or a comparable FA is available this off season, they aren't going to sign a 2 or 3 year deal. You get guys like Foglino, Perry and Athenisiou because they're desperate to get just one or two more years of an NHL salary. If Davidson signs a couple of forwards for at least $7M for 5 or more years, he'll be struggling to stay under the cap when Nazar, KK and Bedard need to get signed. Hopefully, KD can swing a trade similar to the one that got Hall.
- Dieselhead

Please don’t misunderstand, I am not expecting Davidson to go after Nylander or that class of player looking for that term or AAV.

When I say NHL caliber, I am looking at a Guentzil, DeBrusk, Bertuzzi that can actually play with Bedard that hiopefully could be signed for 2to 3 years max at around $5 mil. Per.

Vlosters' "Play of the Game" (TM) - referred to the NHL as ...

.... the NFL ...classic
- SC116

No Vosters.play of the game was calling that wrister a slapshot. Who noticed that

Please don’t misunderstand, I am not expecting Davidson to go after Nylander or that class of player looking for that term or AAV.

When I say NHL caliber, I am looking at a Guentzil, DeBrusk, Bertuzzi that can actually play with Bedard that hiopefully could be signed for 2to 3 years max at around $5 mil. Per.
- LAHawk

I believe that KD will bring in a couple of these type of players for next season, but not Bertuzzi please.

I believe that KD will bring in a couple of these type of players for next season, but not Bertuzzi please.
- Angotti

You’ve said this before. Why don’t you like Bertuzzi?

Megna also playing his offside - lefty - playing RD, unless I missed something. Am guessing Seattle didn't want any assets for the guy - not like we have any.

Dunno about Crevier - to me he has been ok.
- SC116

I wasn't degrading Crevier - another large man at the same position might teach him a trick or two.

Blackhawks late six round selection 6' 7" forward Milton OSCARSON has a Pp goal and a shorty in the tournament.

I believe that none of this will matter as there’s no way Bedard will sign an extension with the hawks. At least when Kane and Toews showed up, they had some talent around them, Robert Lang, Marty Havlat, Sharpie, Buff, Jason Williams etc. Bedard has no one to play with- no one- in light of all the injuries— Reichel and Kurashev are garbage— your best players foligno and Richardinson arguably are third players right now- I don’t think he has the confidence to stay or want to play here based on the prospects of what KD is visioning in his head-

You’ve said this before. Why don’t you like Bertuzzi?
- paulr

A covid shot rejector?
(It causes him to be unable to cross the border and do his job?)

I dunno, yeah tell us why you have no taste for him...

You’ve said this before. Why don’t you like Bertuzzi?
- paulr

He needs to get a haircut.

I wasn't degrading Crevier - another large man at the same position might teach him a trick or two.

Blackhawks late six round selection 6' 7" forward Milton OSCARSON has a Pp goal and a shorty in the tournament.
- wiz1901

Crevier:
Two answers necessary but we have a two part question

1). Has he performed well enough to warrant further useage this NHL season
2). Can we ascertain what his ceiling and fit on our blue line in the future years

Crevier has been ok. Pretty good in some games and somewhat disappointing in others is also an accurate assessment. I believe after Vlasic, he has been the steadiest composed fewest gaffe rated among the rookie dmen on our roster this season

His future: Perhaps delMastro and or Allen are considered as possible as ending to be top two pair type should their development continue. Whereas Crevier may possibly challenge their status one day, but for now I foresee Crevier has two really encouraging signs which stand out. With Vlasic he is part of a towering pair with great reach. If they were not our top pair one day, then I feel very good about our defense pairs if they are the second pair. Crevier could also wind up being solid on a third pair too

I suggest Crevier may grow and develop in the NHL this season and maybe even if he is rotated in from game - to - game, rather him developing here than AHL That said, perhaps it is between Phillips and Crevier who remains in the NHL this season. Because KK is set here this season

5 spins on the ole Tankathon:

3-3-3-3-3

I wouldn’t be surprised to see KD trade one of the young LHD for a young forward.

KK and Vlasic are keepers, but beyond that anyone can go. I’d rather keep Del Mastro and Allan (he can play RHD) but if the return is good enough I’d part with them.

5 spins on the ole Tankathon:

3-3-3-3-3
- DarthKane

I’ll bet you are right on that

I’ll bet you are right on that
- bigfly46

The top four players I would not complain. Of course Celebrini is best case scenario.

Might draft very early in 2025. The prospects from 2022 - 2025 drafts ideally need to become difference makers and practicality is they would be an upgrade - even a big upgrade.

There are some mid level prospects who showing their ware appear they could become solid L2 and L3 contributors. Let’s hope this works out.

Presently there are too many L4 forwards and three veteran dmen who drag us down. I don’t even like Murphy in a third pair because I feel we need good skaters everywhere and not average to below average skaters. If Murphy gets injured for a prolonged period - of - time (again) we might not be able to get even a third for him.

There is reasonable expectation that some of these prospects on defense develop into descent even good players. But naturally we need to hit a home run with our top choice in 2023, 2024 and really helpful in 2025 too

A team that could tread water and remain a playoff bubble team for a couple more seasons, is the NYI.

They would need core players to remain top players and stay healthy.

Pullok, Barzal, Horvat, Dobson, Sorokin need better mid level players - particularly scoring help - and they are hurting with Pullok and Pelech on the shelf for a while now.

The Islanders are similar to our fading teams after our last Cup. Yet the NYI veterans not quite as much mileage nor accomplishments as our old Blackhawks

P Kane helps Detroit prevail in the shootout vs LA Kings. Clarke not in lineup for Kings

Byfield had 10-16 for 26 pts in 34 gp. What numbers can be projected for this beastly forward - how much better scoring totals?

Vlosters' "Play of the Game" (TM) - referred to the NHL as ...

.... the NFL ...classic
- SC116

Sounds like you hate it when people misspell or mispronounce

The top four players I would not complain. Of course Celebrini is best case scenario.

Might draft very early in 2025. The prospects from 2022 - 2025 drafts ideally need to become difference makers and practicality is they would be an upgrade - even a big upgrade.

There are some mid level prospects who showing their ware appear they could become solid L2 and L3 contributors. Let’s hope this works out.

Presently there are too many L4 forwards and three veteran dmen who drag us down. I don’t even like Murphy in a third pair because I feel we need good skaters everywhere and not average to below average skaters. If Murphy gets injured for a prolonged period - of - time (again) we might not be able to get even a third for him.

There is reasonable expectation that some of these prospects on defense develop into descent even good players. But naturally we need to hit a home run with our top choice in 2023, 2024 and really helpful in 2025 too
- jhawk59

I believe that none of this will matter as there’s no way Bedard will sign an extension with the hawks. At least when Kane and Toews showed up, they had some talent around them, Robert Lang, Marty Havlat, Sharpie, Buff, Jason Williams etc. Bedard has no one to play with- no one- in light of all the injuries— Reichel and Kurashev are garbage— your best players foligno and Richardinson arguably are third players right now- I don’t think he has the confidence to stay or want to play here based on the prospects of what KD is visioning in his head-
- bigfly46

He’ll be an RFA. He’ll play with the Hawks or no one.

He’ll be an RFA. He’ll play with the Hawks or no one.
- Chunk

If he tries to leave then let him sit out forever until he re - signs with us. Blackhawks control his rights and he will not be allowed to dictate where he plays. Hard line 100%

Could the Hawks sign Kessel by telling him this is a two month warm up. You will play on the top line with Bedard. You will play on the top power play unit with Bedard. If you want to play in the playoffs we will eat half your cap hit and work with you and your agent to move you to a contender before the TDL.

Please don’t misunderstand, I am not expecting Davidson to go after Nylander or that class of player looking for that term or AAV.

When I say NHL caliber, I am looking at a Guentzil, DeBrusk, Bertuzzi that can actually play with Bedard that hiopefully could be signed for 2to 3 years max at around $5 mil. Per.
- LAHawk

Same. Haven't read that far as to Lou's objection to Bertuzzi but I guess mine would be is he an injury waiting to happen like unfortunately happened with Hall.

I do hope they can get a few more guys like Hall in the offseason but with a history of being able to spend more time on the ice.

He’ll be an RFA. He’ll play with the Hawks or no one.
- Chunk

That and by the time he's up for renewal going in to the '26/'27 season, I suspect the lineup is going to look drastically different and possibly a tad more competitive.

The problem is that quality NHL players want term as well as $$$. If Nylander or a comparable FA is available this off season, they aren't going to sign a 2 or 3 year deal. You get guys like Foglino, Perry and Athenisiou because they're desperate to get just one or two more years of an NHL salary. If Davidson signs a couple of forwards for at least $7M for 5 or more years, he'll be struggling to stay under the cap when Nazar, KK and Bedard need to get signed. Hopefully, KD can swing a trade similar to the one that got Hall.
- Dieselhead

Hell, sign me and I'll sit on the DL for a lot less than Hall.