I checked the Cap Friendly site for this off-season UFA list. If you take into account the names that will surely be retained by their present teams, there does not seem to be much available.
- 67hawks

Not sure how many guys will surely be retained by their clubs, but players like:

Henrique
DeBrusk
Blueger
TT
Domi
Duclair
Bertuzzi
Eberle
Wennberg
Stephenson

Are all guys that I think the Hawks could entertain (among others). They have some skill to play top six (at least on the Hawks) and can help improve the on ice product overall.

Unpopular opinion maybe, but I think last night's game was one of Vlasic's worst this season.

I get that the team isn't playing well, but I think they need to reel him in a little bit. First goal against, he tried to force the stretch pass, there were probably 3 or 4 other times I counted where it was an odd man chance against or like the mini 2 on 1 because he wasn't in position.

I like Vlasic, but his ice time/workload has jumped in the last 25 games or so. Last night he seemed to lack urgency on getting back into the play.

I don't think the experiment of him on the PP unit has really paid off either, just not a great fit. I hope they retool the top unit, let him focus on what he does best and take some load off him. Hopefully if Murphy gets back into games here it will help.
- breadbag

I’m a huge Vlasic fan, but I agree with you on last nights game. That being said he’s been real, real good this year, and they are just experimenting with him on the PP. I believe that KK will handle the first PP unit next year and Jones will be on the second unit.

Unpopular opinion maybe, but I think last night's game was one of Vlasic's worst this season.

I get that the team isn't playing well, but I think they need to reel him in a little bit. First goal against, he tried to force the stretch pass, there were probably 3 or 4 other times I counted where it was an odd man chance against or like the mini 2 on 1 because he wasn't in position.

I like Vlasic, but his ice time/workload has jumped in the last 25 games or so. Last night he seemed to lack urgency on getting back into the play.

I don't think the experiment of him on the PP unit has really paid off either, just not a great fit. I hope they retool the top unit, let him focus on what he does best and take some load off him. Hopefully if Murphy gets back into games here it will help.
- breadbag

Not sure why it would be an unpopular one. He's still a rookie and going to have poor games. You are right. Last night was not his best. I also agree with the fact that he's not a fit at all on the PP. Once Bedard is back, that should remedy itself. I actually think Zaitsev when he was healthy and got the chance, actually played that position quite well. Didn't take too many risky chances, and was able to get his shot through. KK's play on the PP has been improving as well. He's getting quicker with his decisions and also learning to get his shot through a bit more.

I could see maybe an Eberle or a Teravanien being signed and playing on Bedard’s line with Hall. That doesn’t mean playoffs, however they will not pick top five next year, this should be the last year of a top five pick for a bit.
- Angotti

I agree with you, probably still outside the playoff picture, but should start to move closer and get out of the very bottom.

Hopefully next season Hall can stay healthy. If he can, there should be enough talent to get the Hawks out of the basement and into a position to challenge for a playoff spot. With the type of game Richardson is coaching we could see some fun hockey next year with promise of better hockey in subsequent seasons.
- paulr

Look! A unicorn!!

Look! A unicorn!!
- mohel

But Korbustsky still sucks.

Agree, and add Hall and Nazar as well, and they will be more entertaining next year. Also, KK and Vlasic will have a year of experience on the backend. Let’s also not forget that they will draft either Celebrini, Lindstrom, Eiserman, or the RD from Michigan State, good times are coming in the next few years.
- Angotti

Those look like the top 4 but if they are at 5 and those 4 are gone, it is an interesting question of who to take there. If that happened I might even listen on trading down a few spots if I could get a good return.

Demidov looks good but is still in Russia and not sure if/when he will come over. Iginla seems like a bit of a reach at 5. Probably have to take the best d-man and eventually make some trades.

Ben Pope posted some quotes from Boris Katchouk and then some from Luke Richardson about Katchouk.

‘‘I’ve been playing really, really well,’’ Katchouk said. ‘‘That confidence, it’s hard to find that in this league from time to time. Obviously, I’m missing my breakaways, and I should have scored a couple of them. But the goalies in this league are here for a reason. . . . It’s not like I’m not creating [chances]. I’m having fun with it again.’’

‘‘Sometimes he falls off the game plan a little bit because he gets distracted with himself,’’ Richardson said. ‘‘He gets frustrated when a play doesn’t go so well, and you see that in his body language.

‘‘I’m OK with passion, right? In hockey, you have to have passion. But you have to channel it in the right direction. You can’t let it bring you down or bring your teammates down with bad body language [by] quitting a play — because you felt you missed a chance — and coming to the bench while the play’s coming up behind you.’

Unpopular opinion maybe, but I think last night's game was one of Vlasic's worst this season.

I get that the team isn't playing well, but I think they need to reel him in a little bit. First goal against, he tried to force the stretch pass, there were probably 3 or 4 other times I counted where it was an odd man chance against or like the mini 2 on 1 because he wasn't in position.

I like Vlasic, but his ice time/workload has jumped in the last 25 games or so. Last night he seemed to lack urgency on getting back into the play.

I don't think the experiment of him on the PP unit has really paid off either, just not a great fit. I hope they retool the top unit, let him focus on what he does best and take some load off him. Hopefully if Murphy gets back into games here it will help.
- breadbag

I expect any player to have an off game. I’ll be more concerned if he has a series of them. I think it’s best to stay the course for the time being.

The problem with all the rookies is with the lack of talent around them we’re just not seeing what they are really capable of. I posted the other day that Korchinski’s tape to tape passes are being wasted on guys who can’t receive them. I’d love to see how many more assists KK would have if guys could convert. How many wasted rushes by Bedard because guys weren’t keeping up, guys couldn’t receive or convert his passes, guys couldn’t get the puck to him when he’s open etc.?

I expect any player to have an off game. I’ll be more concerned if he has a series of them. I think it’s best to stay the course for the time being.

The problem with all the rookies is with the lack of talent around them we’re just not seeing what they are really capable of. I posted the other day that Korchinski’s tape to tape passes are being wasted on guys who can’t receive them. I’d love to see how many more assists KK would have if guys could convert. How many wasted rushes by Bedard because guys weren’t keeping up, guys couldn’t receive or convert his passes, guys couldn’t get the puck to him when he’s open etc.?
- paulr

It's almost as if some of us have been female doging about this for most of the year...



I kid of course, but bringing in the previous discussion about open spots and who is available, I'm sure there will be a lot of turnover next year. I can see two spots going to youngsters, and three new faces from outside.

I expect any player to have an off game. I’ll be more concerned if he has a series of them. I think it’s best to stay the course for the time being.

The problem with all the rookies is with the lack of talent around them we’re just not seeing what they are really capable of. I posted the other day that Korchinski’s tape to tape passes are being wasted on guys who can’t receive them. I’d love to see how many more assists KK would have if guys could convert. How many wasted rushes by Bedard because guys weren’t keeping up, guys couldn’t receive or convert his passes, guys couldn’t get the puck to him when he’s open etc.?
- paulr

I just don't see much point in putting the PP time on top of everything else for him. Why continue with what isn't working? It comes back to the definition of insanity. Let him focus on his overall game which has slipped a bit under the heavier load.

I agree with you, probably still outside the playoff picture, but should start to move closer and get out of the very bottom.
- breadbag

Looking at all these other teams who were picking top 5 looks like our next step is to be NHL 500,

Looking at all these other teams who were picking top 5 looks like our next step is to be NHL 500,
- BetweenTheDots

I'd say the next step is to identify which young guys have the ability to play in the NHL and get them the needed experience so that the Hawks can put a full team on the ice. The results will be what they are. It's rarely a linear progression. The previous Hawks teams were extremely fortunate to have a number of pieces already in place before Toews and Kane showed up. This team is basically doing it all at once by trading away most of their established players for picks and trying to build primarily through the draft.

I’m a huge Vlasic fan, but I agree with you on last nights game. That being said he’s been real, real good this year, and they are just experimenting with him on the PP. I believe that KK will handle the first PP unit next year and Jones will be on the second unit.
- Angotti

When Kyle from Chicago was in the broadcast booth, I thought he intimated as much when asked about Vlasic on the PP right now and the future.
I really would like to meet Kyle, as we have similar interests and the time to pursue them
Today is another rustrating day with this website. When I was with Draftsite it took awhile to learns the site for all the parts of linking this to that. The owner jared and I became good friends and his hands on ways are what help me learn all the ins and outs. He decided that his real job, a second baby meant he wan't sure if he could continue, So he sold to the Spike up and instead of them just using the web design the had spent so must time tweeting, they decided they would adapt it. (He told me the bought to drive Canadien traffic their way...the are not a real gambling site, but they get you there to learn about all the different betting options and when YOU want to bet, they basically sell the bettors to the betting sites.) So the handed the revamp to some web people's taht never understood why things were set up the way they were. (All the other contributors who ran the different sports basically quit b/c they weren't going to paid, as Spike up may has 7 employees, except me who was getting ng paid but continued because of my love for doing it.)
Last night I realized that Philly was getting a bonus supplemental second rounder b/c in 2018 they chose to NOT sign their first rounder. I added the pick as Supplemental and at slot #51, 32 slots later than pick #19 where they took bust Jay O'Brien.
Today I look and it is added where I wanted, but the last pick in the round right. now, the Vancouver pick the Hawks own at #65 (if Canucks were town the Cup, earlier if not) and the trade to the Hawks has disappeared!

I check the trade part and the trade is there and there are no incorrect transactions that would put this pick back in Canuck's lap.

I contact the tech guy...he says that the vancouver pick is listed as supplemental, not the Philly.

I explain it is not and which is supplemental.

(I also figure the person transferring might have started with NFL where all teh added picks come at the end of the round.)
He doesn't understand (that I mentioned that...my attempt at a guess at what might be the problem...) so I restated in less words but wtf I want DraftSite.com back!

I just don't see much point in putting the PP time on top of everything else for him. Why continue with what isn't working? It comes back to the definition of insanity. Let him focus on his overall game which has slipped a bit under the heavier load.
- breadbag

And what about this team is working? When Korchinski was given power play time it was when he was struggling defensively. After easing his workload and getting him not to go on the offense on every play he began to play better. So far, until last night , Vlasic has played very well with the time he was given . If the extra workload is affecting Vlasic’s, Korchinski or Bedard’s games over the course of a number of games then I agree 100% with you. But let’s give him a few games first.

But Korbustsky still sucks.
- paulr

Much better, Chief.

And what about this team is working? When Korchinski was given power play time it was when he was struggling defensively. After easing his workload and getting him not to go on the offense on every play he began to play better. So far, until last night , Vlasic has played very well with the time he was given . If the extra workload is affecting Vlasic’s, Korchinski or Bedard’s games over the course of a number of games then I agree 100% with you. But let’s give him a few games first.
- paulr

I see this year as one in which the Hawks are basically an AHL team that is 90% concerned with developing players rather than winning. If winning comes along with development, great; but development comes first.

Placing all these kids in foreign positions is part of the deal. It helps give the player and the team information about what needs to be worked on by the player, and it helps the team identify areas of need that must be addressed by the addition of more players.

I’m a huge Vlasic fan, but I agree with you on last nights game. That being said he’s been real, real good this year, and they are just experimenting with him on the PP. I believe that KK will handle the first PP unit next year and Jones will be on the second unit.
- Angotti

I don't know he did have a bad play, but what was Jones doing, isn't the rule you take away the pass and let the goalie deal with the shooter, if that's the case then that goal is more on the Seth Jones than anybody else terrible stick work.

I just don't understand what Bowman saw in Seth Jones.

With all that being said Phillips was still worse than Vlasic and Korchinski last night, i think Korchinski is actually stronger tougher on his skates than Phillips is.

I don't know he did have a bad play, but what was Jones doing, isn't the rule you take away the pass and let the goalie deal with the shooter, if that's the case then that goal is more on the Seth Jones than anybody else terrible stick work.

I just don't understand what Bowman saw in Seth Jones.

With all that being said Phillips was still worse than Vlasic and Korchinski last night, i think Korchinski is actually stronger tougher on his skates than Phillips is.
- BetweenTheDots

The same thing most others did. A RHD who can skate and play a lot of minutes with some offense to boot. Those tend to be hard to come by. He was a pretty consistent 45-50 pt per season (82) player in Columbus and showed in the playoffs that he could be relied on. Add a sprinkle of desperation and you get an 8 year $9.5M contract that is unfortunate now. There are a number of poor contracts for defensemen (ME Vlasic immediately comes to mind).

EDM did the exact same thing with Nurse except he never really put up as many points. It's easier to accept Nurse's contract at the moment because they are winning and need him to be good. The Hawks don't need Jones. In fact, they'd likely prefer that they could move him.

I could see maybe an Eberle or a Teravanien being signed and playing on Bedard’s line with Hall. That doesn’t mean playoffs, however they will not pick top five next year, this should be the last year of a top five pick for a bit.
- Angotti

Na, Bettman likes us now, we'll do very well with the lottery for a few years, even a 12th finish we'll move up 10 slots

Na, Bettman likes us now, we'll do very well with the lottery for a few years, even a 12th finish we'll move up 10 slots

- vabeachbear

Except a team can only win the lottery twice in five years?

and does a win also mean this is a win ---going first. if say teams 16 and 15 jump ten spots? They "won"the lottery, right? even if we pick first??????

Islanders win and climb to 4 slot.

Nashville wins and climbs to 3 slot.

(Now the odds seem crazy, but one team could jump up a few and another tam Washington couold jump top the 2 slot and the lowest team is left unscathed...
Hawks still go 1st and San Jose 2nd, they didn't win the lottery so in the hawks case, the could still win the 2025 lottery if they are in 4th slot or so, right?

The words pick first overall were never in the description, right?

Na, Bettman likes us now, we'll do very well with the lottery for a few years, even a 12th finish we'll move up 10 slots

- vabeachbear

The Hawks have Taylor Hall, doesn’t that guarantee them the #1 overall pick this year?

And what about this team is working? When Korchinski was given power play time it was when he was struggling defensively. After easing his workload and getting him not to go on the offense on every play he began to play better. So far, until last night , Vlasic has played very well with the time he was given . If the extra workload is affecting Vlasic’s, Korchinski or Bedard’s games over the course of a number of games then I agree 100% with you. But let’s give him a few games first.
- paulr

No, it's not just last night. Last night was crap defensively, but the overall game is up and down.

The powerplay experiment has been going on since when? About Dec 5th give or take. In that time we haven't gotten much from Vlasic on the PP. 1A, 5 shots on goal, a single rebound attempt, not much movement or creativity to make a play. I like Vlasic, but he isn't helping the Hawks get the PP out of the basement. It's not like he is on a roll offensively, 1 point in his last 13 games.

The team isn't scoring, so should they keep doing what is not working? Vlasic is a good young Dman, but the Hawks probably should go back to 4 forwards on that top PP unit. If you pile more responsibility on a young dman and he starts to struggle, why continue to pile that on him? As more and more players get healthy they should ease some of that load on him.

No, it's not just last night. Last night was crap defensively, but the overall game is up and down.

The powerplay experiment has been going on since when? About Dec 5th give or take. In that time we haven't gotten much from Vlasic on the PP. 1A, 5 shots on goal, a single rebound attempt, not much movement or creativity to make a play. I like Vlasic, but he isn't helping the Hawks get the PP out of the basement. It's not like he is on a roll offensively, 1 point in his last 13 games.

The team isn't scoring, so should they keep doing what is not working? Vlasic is a good young Dman, but the Hawks probably should go back to 4 forwards on that top PP unit. If you pile more responsibility on a young dman and he starts to struggle, why continue to pile that on him? As more and more players get healthy they should ease some of that load on him.
- breadbag

I was falling asleep during the game last night so i missed some action, did the Blackhawks give up a short handed goal? If not then that's why Vlasic is on the PP. Jones at times zigs instead of zags and you look up the opponent scores a shorty. I swear sometimes i watch Jones play and wonder if there's a players assistance leave of absence in his future.

It's almost as if some of us have been female doging about this for most of the year...



I kid of course, but bringing in the previous discussion about open spots and who is available, I'm sure there will be a lot of turnover next year. I can see two spots going to youngsters, and three new faces from outside.
- Chunk

one player I would like to see Hawks sign if he hits free agency is chandler Stephenson Size lots of speed center good on faceoffs and offensive and defensive upside. Slot right into 2nd line center Richardenson 3rd line center.