Where's my appreciation????


There dark side has possessed you.
Ask Supreme Leader Snoke...

via GIPHY

- DarthKane

I guess one of the reasons I cannot dive down a negative rabbit hole about the players on this team is most KNOW they will not be here for the rebuild, but are true pros in the way they are playing this scheme and playing with lots of effort.


I think that Solderholm will be back, b/c I think there is lots of upside there.

I guess one of the reasons I cannot dive down a negative rabbit hole about the players on this team is most KNOW they will not be here for the rebuild, but are true pros in the way they are playing this scheme and playing with lots of effort.


I think that Solderholm will be back, b/c I think there is lots of upside there.
- wiz1901

I think Soderblom will be back because the Hawk's would be threadbare if Mrazek gets hurt next year. The Hawks are one of only 6-7 teams that have only played 2 goalies this year.

I would too, but I don't know if it would make any difference toward the outcome of the game.

I expect turnover this off-season, but may not as much as people think. I like that KD didn't trade away the like of T Johnson for a 5th round pick. The team needs some consistency and continuity this season. I'd love to see the Hawks go on a heater to end the season, even of they improved to 3rd or 4th worst and decreasing their odds at the #1 pick. I think winning has more value at this point, especially to the likes of Bedard, Kurashev, Korchinski and Vlasic. Plus, Slaggert will get some games (as we know) and possible Nazar.

Of the pending RFAs and UFAs:

Likely Gone
- T Johnson (although I wouldn't mind seeing him return on a 1 year deal)
- Entwistle
- R Johnson
- Sanford
- Tinordi
- Zaitsev (although I wouldn't mind seeing him return on a 1 year deal)
- Megna
- Roos (Rockford)

Might be Back - but not certain
- Blackwell
- Raddysh (I personally doubt he returns, but its possible)
- Anderson
- Guttman (Rockford)
- Phillips
- Crevier
- Stauber

Back for sure
- Vlasic
- Reichel



Although he's not an RFA until the summer of 2025 I don't expect Soderblom back next season. If he plays lights-out for the remainder of the season he might earn a shot at the back-up position next year, but there will be competition (not Commesso, he'll stay in Rockford).
- DarthKane

No reason for Zaitsev, Megna, Tinordi to be around, no need for any of them. Crevier and Phillips maybe get slight raises and bridge deals. Kaiser, Del Mastro and Allen all should see time in Chicago next year. With Jones/Murphy/Korchinski/Vlassic as locks it would leave 5 guys to compete/rotate for the last 2 spots.

As for the forwards....its a whole bunch of meh.. Blackwell has probably earned himself a contract with his play of late. Is T. Johnson at 34 really someone you need to keep around? Entwhistle...how long do you keep hoping for him to show more consistent play, Guttman, Seney, R. Johnson, etc. varying levels of skill, but all are just dime a dozen guys.

No reason for Zaitsev, Megna, Tinordi to be around, no need for any of them. Crevier and Phillips maybe get slight raises and bridge deals. Kaiser, Del Mastro and Allen all should see time in Chicago next year. With Jones/Murphy/Korchinski/Vlassic as locks it would leave 5 guys to compete/rotate for the last 2 spots.

As for the forwards....its a whole bunch of meh.. Blackwell has probably earned himself a contract with his play of late. Is T. Johnson at 34 really someone you need to keep around? Entwhistle...how long do you keep hoping for him to show more consistent play, Guttman, Seney, R. Johnson, etc. varying levels of skill, but all are just dime a dozen guys.
- TheTrob

Makes a good ice mop as that big bozo Gudas demonstrated.

Big furniture guy. Stout, with sturdy legs. Not too mobile, though....
- mohel

Revolutionary War hero too.

Makes a good ice mop as that big bozo Gudas demonstrated.
- 6628

Well there is that......

Look, I get it. Every team has a need for some "lunch pail" guys. Guys who will work hard, not complain, be supportive, blah, blah, blah. You need some R. Johnsons who are just going to hustle and bang bodies, knowing that skill wise there is not much else for them to do. Maybe every once in a while one seemingly separates himself from the pack a bit like Blackwell and shows a bit more, but you need to be careful. Blackwell has his 11 points on the year.....6 of them coming in 2 games against mediocre opponents. This is Entwhistles 3rd season in the NHL and they are all just....meh.

No reason for Zaitsev, Megna, Tinordi to be around, no need for any of them. Crevier and Phillips maybe get slight raises and bridge deals. Kaiser, Del Mastro and Allen all should see time in Chicago next year. With Jones/Murphy/Korchinski/Vlassic as locks it would leave 5 guys to compete/rotate for the last 2 spots.

As for the forwards....its a whole bunch of meh.. Blackwell has probably earned himself a contract with his play of late. Is T. Johnson at 34 really someone you need to keep around? Entwhistle...how long do you keep hoping for him to show more consistent play, Guttman, Seney, R. Johnson, etc. varying levels of skill, but all are just dime a dozen guys.
- TheTrob

I'd be fine with Zaitsev as the 7th d-man. If Phillips and/or Crevier are brought back they should be playing full-time in either Chicago or Rockford. A guy like Zaitsev makes the ideal extra defenseman.

I guess one of the reasons I cannot dive down a negative rabbit hole about the players on this team is most KNOW they will not be here for the rebuild, but are true pros in the way they are playing this scheme and playing with lots of effort.


I think that Solderholm will be back, b/c I think there is lots of upside there.
- wiz1901

I hope you are right and I am wrong regarding Soderblom's potential.

I'd be fine with Zaitsev as the 7th d-man. If Phillips and/or Crevier are brought back they should be playing full-time in either Chicago or Rockford. A guy like Zaitsev makes the ideal extra defenseman.
- DarthKane

The only reason Zaitsev is on the team is because we got assets for absorbing his bad cap. He is one of the worst NHL players in the league. If we’re supposing that next year’s top six looks like Jones, Korchinski, Vlasic, Murphy, and two others… I’d take any kid we have as the seventh D instead of Zaitsev. He destroys any partner he has. We usually have one or two D banged up this year, so whoever the seventh guy is will get playing time. I hope Kaiser, del Mastro, or Allan crack the lineup. Anyone except the boat anchor.

I hope you are right and I am wrong regarding Soderblom's potential.
- DarthKane

Hasn't he won his last 2 games? He is a little leaky right now but made some big saves at the end of his last win.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Soderblom will start for the Blackhawks against the Kings tomorrow.

Slaggert will take Reese Johnson’s spot in the lineup; Reese’s concussion indeed came from that 3rd period line brawl Tuesday.

Someone mentioned their preference was to select a forward with 1 A and a defenseman with 1 B:
The only issue is the high end rearguards appear for the early picking in the 1 through 12 slots with SIX in there. I still stand by my idict that ;you know when the draft went to the tru next level of projects after Czehian defender injured RD Adam Jiricek gets chosen.
The Hawks can afford to wait and if they have a target take him early second and he will have a longer developmental time but might pay strong dividends dowb the road.

Slaggert will take Reese Johnson’s spot in the lineup; Reese’s concussion indeed came from that 3rd period line brawl Tuesday.
- LAHawk

Everything I have seen of Pavel Mintyukov this year is terrific as a player and I wanted to go back and revisit his part of the fight b/c I guess I missed the particular bout.
Watched it now and he really didn't drop his gloves until he was getting punched, but it was a slick glove removal that enabled him get a nice one in on Reese.

Everything I have seen of Pavel Mintyukov this year is terrific as a player and I wanted to go back and revisit his part of the fight b/c I guess I missed the particular bout.
Watched it now and he really didn't drop his gloves until he was getting punched, but it was a slick glove removal that enabled him get a nice one in on Reese.
- wiz1901

That Anaheim defense is going to be such a pain to play against in the next decade. They’ve always had an eye for great defensemen.

Interesting take on Kurashev beyond this year.

https://chicago.suntimes....-kurashev-nhl-2024-season

Feeding the more general discussion about the team defense:

The third issue is defense. For all of Bedard and Kurashev's pretty passes, the Hawks have been outscored 41-23 during their five-on-five ice time together, whereas they've only been outscored 12-9 during Bedard's time without Kurashev. Kurashev isn't perceived as a defensively irresponsible player, but his analytics throughout his career have indicated otherwise.

Interesting take on Kurashev beyond this year.

https://chicago.suntimes....-kurashev-nhl-2024-season

Feeding the more general discussion about the team defense:

The third issue is defense. For all of Bedard and Kurashev's pretty passes, the Hawks have been outscored 41-23 during their five-on-five ice time together, whereas they've only been outscored 12-9 during Bedard's time without Kurashev. Kurashev isn't perceived as a defensively irresponsible player, but his analytics throughout his career have indicated otherwise.
- Chunk

I wonder what their numbers look like since Bedard came back from his broken jaw.

I wonder what their numbers look like since Bedard came back from his broken jaw.
- wizardofi

Also what Kurashev's numbers were when Bedard was out.

Maybe, maybe not, i do think the hockey analysts do not appreciate good defensive defenseman with soft hands. It also shows how hard it is for these analysts to see true NHL talent.

That's why I'm excited to see Ethan Allen call ups to the bigs. I believe many here were saying in the under 20 tournament these 2 were on the ice a lot in tight/ leading the contests games.
- BetweenTheDots

I dunno. K'Andre Miller went in the late first round. More D than O. Bill's scouting report for both was the easiest to track down but I think there is some appreciation there. I think everyone though wants to shoot the moon for the mobile Swiss army knife game changer like a Makar or Q Hughes type. There's also the allure of someone like Bouchard or Power that could be the big unicorn super athlete.

I think Vlasic going at 43 is probably right for someone who has upside, may take some time to mature but is going to be a decent NHL player as a floor. Defiantly looks to be out kicking that but I don't think it's something that scouts ignore it just isn't something that a top 10 pick is generally spent on. Especially on the blue line.


Converted forward who is a large physical defense-first defender who is nearly 200 pounds. Very good in motion as a puck carrier, can shoot the puck as a point man or when he activates as part of the attack. Uses his size to and length against attackers and lets the opposition know he is there near the blue paint. Responsible in his end, makes sound decisions, a good outlet pass, but gets in trouble with his stop/starts, or when caught not moving. Passes well in all phases and reads his end well, using his teammates on the way out. Will let his big shot go while pressing in the attack zone and opens up with a hard fast one-timer. Still learning the nuances of the backline and is quite smart at trying to do things as simple as possible at this point. As he improves his feet, he might gain more assertiveness going up ice through the middle zone with zone enrties. At this point projects as a bottom four defender. Committed to the University of Minnesota.[/I]

Chicago-area defensive prospect with fluid feet and lots of size already. Still raw, but quickly advancing as an all-around force on the backline. This a tall USA defender with an excellent overall skill package. Has a high panic threshold and stays cool under pressure, never scrambling and throwing pucks away. A sharp outlet passer in transition and when in the attack zone, he reads the attack well and uses his strong wrists to deliver precise passes. Takes away centre ice and closes his gaps well in the back pedal. Closes off passing lanes and reacts to what is happening in the moment. Will break out in transition and make good decisioned outlets, and occasional home-run pass. Consistently makes good on-ice decisions but he is a very good tape to tape passer, who isn't ruffled by pressure or breakdowns. But isn't looked at as a future NHL mailman as an attacker. He Is good offensively from the blue line and makes plays back there. Has seem some time on the power play, but really hasn't had lots of reps on the PP point. Committed to Boston College.

I would too, but I don't know if it would make any difference toward the outcome of the game.

I expect turnover this off-season, but may not as much as people think. I like that KD didn't trade away the like of T Johnson for a 5th round pick. The team needs some consistency and continuity this season. I'd love to see the Hawks go on a heater to end the season, even of they improved to 3rd or 4th worst and decreasing their odds at the #1 pick. I think winning has more value at this point, especially to the likes of Bedard, Kurashev, Korchinski and Vlasic. Plus, Slaggert will get some games (as we know) and possible Nazar.

Of the pending RFAs and UFAs:

Likely Gone
- T Johnson (although I wouldn't mind seeing him return on a 1 year deal)
- Entwistle
- R Johnson
- Sanford
- Tinordi
- Zaitsev (although I wouldn't mind seeing him return on a 1 year deal)
- Megna
- Roos (Rockford)

Might be Back - but not certain
- Blackwell
- Raddysh (I personally doubt he returns, but its possible)
- Anderson
- Guttman (Rockford)
- Phillips
- Crevier
- Stauber

Back for sure
- Vlasic
- Reichel



Although he's not an RFA until the summer of 2025 I don't expect Soderblom back next season. If he plays lights-out for the remainder of the season he might earn a shot at the back-up position next year, but there will be competition (not Commesso, he'll stay in Rockford).
- DarthKane

I was hoping this topic would come up. I concur with most of your assessment, although I would keep Megna over Zaitsev in the "Likely gone, but okay to have back." He's been steadyish and players feel his contact. Zaitsev tries contact but probably feels more like a pillow fight. I also think Entwistle might get another contract. If he added some lbs in the off season he could be a more effective banger and, like a number of teammates, he appears to be watching Bedard closely and trying to incorporate some of that handwork into his toolkit. Raddysh likely gets qualified. He's worth the gamble of bringing to camp, and then putting through waivers when/if he sputters again.

And Wiz, have you noticed the MI State coach flip flopping right shot Levshunov and his left shot D partner for faceoffs in the Ozone? ...... Lev is a RS and his partner is a LS yet coach flips both of them to their weak sides on Ozone draws.

Never saw this done before but it does speak to the confidence coach has in both those kids to play their weak sides.
- Mr Ricochet

In those situations I'd see what happens after the draws and as play unfolds- like especially when the D team breaks out.... is that draw strategy all about set plays to generate shots? You'll see that strategy at play with forwards - as well as righty or lefty taking draws based on which side's faceoff dot it is.

Your eyes are drawn away from Vlasic on the star studded USA teams he was on.
His role om a strong USA-NDT 2019 was a defensive one, and the team was loaded with 1st Hughes, Alex Turcotte, Trevor Zebras, Boldy, Caufield, Spencer Knight, Johnny Beecher, defenders Cam York, Henry Thurn, with the 2020 class there with them of Jake Sanderson, Brock Faber, Tyler Kelvin and the 2018 class before had K'Andre Miller , Mattias Samuelsson.
- wiz1901

Ain't that the truth. Personally, I get attention deficit when I watch the NTDP with studs all over the place.

I not so sure that he qualifies as a true number one...in my verbiage, the true #1 eats big minutes and plays against the top line of the other team like Dunc & Seabs did. (A great fallback for Keith to have Brent on his right.)

I am not so sure, at this juncture, if Zayne Parekh even paired with whomever develops as the Blackhawk's top LD defender he handles NHL attackers.
So he becomes a PP starter and you have two with KK in the future and just how many teams sue two? (Colorado)

I am not trying to denegrade Zayne Parekh, as much as read the Blackhawks scouting room.
Lots of big bodied offensive defenseman and one RD with a gun in Carter Yakemchuk...
And I am sure that the hawks feel that there are parts of Korchinski’s game offensively that will begin to flourish. Recently he seems more comfortable in the new attack set-ups and isn’t cautiously sitting back. There may be a lot more we haven’t seen in him offensively, but as of right now we see a super clean skater with get up and displays excellent passing skill:
https://www.lines.com/nhl...er/kevin-korchinski-38872

and lately this regime seems to live them those big defenders...
- wiz1901

I agree with everything you say, Wiz. Well said, but as I watch Parekh I can't help but think this guy just might be a really special player. ...... His anticipation/reads are excellent, once a chance occurs he's read the possibility and jumps quickly, once on the puck the speed to break away, once in has the the edges to get tricky/be elusive, once open he has a helluva snapper and from the blueline a real big shot... All unhurried and executed smoothly.

Just so many assets/facets to his game he's a problem for the opponent and his numbers are crazy, even last yr as a 17 yr old so he's not a Johnny come lately.

I'm not advocating for him per say but he has the look of a real real difference maker.

Big furniture guy. Stout, with sturdy legs. Not too mobile, though....
- mohel

But, he's soft.

I second that, very informative.
- Angotti

I appreciate your posts,
Mr Ricochet!
- wiz1901

Very kind words, fellas. Thanks...... I take a lot outa this place and try to give back when I can.