The other big thing for these guys making the jump - Bedard included (though he got a 6 week 'break') - is the mental drain from playing an 82 game NHL season.

It's unlike anything these guys have experienced. There is definitely a physical drain, getting used to flying several times a week is an adjustment even with private jets - and the mental drain of having to be at close to 100% every night to survive is pretty intense. Rockford is not comparable to those rigors.

I think the NCAA guys come in a little more prepared physically because they have that time (and its strongly encouraged - basically mandatory) to hit the gym and work on speed, agility and strength.

.
- fattybeef

Fatty, I've been in jrs rinks for a long time and could not have articulated any better than you did here what a huge jump in every possible way that playing NHL is and the path to it. ..... The biggest jump is you're life changes in most every way and that's not easy even for a mature adult.

And, we should see a couple of phases of kids coming up that will have to go thru this life change..... Patience is very helpful for a Hawk's fan the last 2 yrs and for the next couple yrs at least.

Funny thing is they based their comments off something Powers mentioned about having guys to trade at the deadline next season. They basically said that Powers isn't making that up on his own, but rather something he heard from inside the Blackhawks organization.
They even mentioned the garbage DeBrusk son and Teravainen as targets, and then a week later Powers mentions the both of them in his article as players the Blackhawks might look into this offseason. So is Powers hearing that from inside the organization as well?

I get that they shouldn't try and sign anyone long term right now,especially since this year's free agent group isn't that great,but like many have said here,they should target at least 2 better players(on 2 year deals) so that Bedard can develop a bit more.

If the 2024 draft was as deep as some other drafts it wouldn't bother me if the Blackhawks got the 3rd or 4th pick,as it could be most likely someone who would play in the NHL next year. But from everything I'm reading nobody other than Celebrini will be starting the year off in the NHL.
- captainserious

If KD overpayed Foligno, Athanaseu, Richardinson, why wouldn't deBrusk and Teuvo, or any other potential Hawk signing ask for $6 million from the Hawks as a bonus for signing with a team for the sole purpose of flipping them? Especially as the Hawks still need to spend some dollars to get to the cap floor.

BTW, want to stabilize the RHD quandry for a few years? How about Pesce or Montour ? Hawks could outbid anyone for either. You can then just give away Murphy if you want. But i guess that is thinking too creatively.

UFA defensemen available this summer.

https://www.capfriendly.c...nse/ufa?stats-season=2024

Agree with others here that they will obtain a veteran RD to pair off with the young LD. KFC won't break the bank. Maybe a Justin Schultz, Troy Stecher, or Chad Ruhwedel for one year at 1-2M. Each could be be flipped at the TDL. Rinse and repeat the following season.

I can see something like this next year.

Vlasic-Jones
Korchinski-Murphy
Kaiser-XXX
Phillips

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if KK spends some time at Rockford to work on his game. This would give DelMastro or Allen an opportunity to get some NHL experience. Crevier would be the RD call up when Murphy gets hurt.
- boilermaker100

Next yrs camp with Dmen DelMastro, Phillips, Allen, Crevier, Kaiser, either good enough now, or will be soon, will challenge for NHL spots and KK is one who should have to earn it in the 24 Camp. ..... The competition for a couple spots between 5-6 guys should bring out the best in all of them.

I'm ok with the Hawk evaluators and have no problem if they see KK down in RKF being good for him next yr. But, I think KK will earn a spot.

https://twitter.com/Missi.../1770559629988409512?s=19

Apparently LR told KK he needs to play tougher in front of the net. Gotta appreciate him taking it to heart in practice

https://twitter.com/MissinCurfew/status/1770559629988409512?s=19

Apparently LR told KK he needs to play tougher in front of the net. Gotta appreciate him taking it to heart in practice
- BetweenTheDots

Looked like Foligno was a little sore after that.

Looked like Foligno was a little sore after that.
- Chunk

Yea a little bit, i agree with Rico i think he earns a spot next year on the big club.

Next yrs camp with Dmen DelMastro, Phillips, Allen, Crevier, Kaiser, either good enough now, or will be soon, will challenge for NHL spots and KK is one who should have to earn it in the 24 Camp. ..... The competition for a couple spots between 5-6 guys should bring out the best in all of them.

I'm ok with the Hawk evaluators and have no problem if they see KK down in RKF being good for him next yr. But, I think KK will earn a spot.
- Mr Ricochet

Tonight Rockford beat Wolves again, 4-3 in OT. Your guy Phillips and Seney both with two tallies

Tally ho we play the Wolves a few more times and I will be there at least once

If KD overpayed Foligno, Athanaseu, Richardinson, why wouldn't deBrusk and Teuvo, or any other potential Hawk signing ask for $6 million from the Hawks as a bonus for signing with a team for the sole purpose of flipping them? Especially as the Hawks still need to spend some dollars to get to the cap floor.

BTW, want to stabilize the RHD quandry for a few years? How about Pesce or Montour ? Hawks could outbid anyone for either. You can then just give away Murphy if you want. But i guess that is thinking too creatively.
- LAHawk

I think their explanation was that Powers was saying next season is going to be another throw away season like this year.
I agree,get 2 of - Teravainen/DeBrusk/Toffoli/Marchessault/Sprong/Mantha - givem them each 2 year and 6.5-7mill a year. It'll make them competitive,the young guys like 98,Nazar etc..will have more skilled fwds to play with and the contracts will be off the books by the time you have to extend Bedard/Korchinski/Nazar etc..

And then you can try and go after a big fish the way they went after Hossa/Soupy 14-15 years ago

Faber a -3 vs the Kings

That isn't going to help his Calder chances

Faber a -3 vs the Kings

That isn't going to help his Calder chances
- captainserious

Who are you kidding??? Faber has had the Calder Trophy wrapped up for months now. Just ask any Minnesota Wild fan.

In all seriousness, Faber has been great and in most other years he probably would have won the Calder. But nobody in their right mind would take Faber over Bedard.

I think their explanation was that Powers was saying next season is going to be another throw away season like this year.
I agree,get 2 of - Teravainen/DeBrusk/Toffoli/Marchessault/Sprong/Mantha - givem them each 2 year and 6.5-7mill a year. It'll make them competitive,the young guys like 98,Nazar etc..will have more skilled fwds to play with and the contracts will be off the books by the time you have to extend Bedard/Korchinski/Nazar etc..

And then you can try and go after a big fish the way they went after Hossa/Soupy 14-15 years ago
- captainserious

I don't know if next season will be another throw away year. I wouldn't expect them to be a Wild Card team, but they should show improvement over the past 2 seasons (as long as they stay healthy).

Nazar could make the team next year, maybe Dach in the bottom 6. A couple d-men could possibly make the team. Plus, if the Hawks select #1 or #2 there could be an NHL ready player available from the draft.

Next yrs camp with Dmen DelMastro, Phillips, Allen, Crevier, Kaiser, either good enough now, or will be soon, will challenge for NHL spots and KK is one who should have to earn it in the 24 Camp. ..... The competition for a couple spots between 5-6 guys should bring out the best in all of them.

I'm ok with the Hawk evaluators and have no problem if they see KK down in RKF being good for him next yr. But, I think KK will earn a spot.
- Mr Ricochet

I could be wrong (it's rare, but it does happen) but I think Kaiser is in the group with Crevier and Phillips. There's an outside chance they become NHL regulars, but it's not likely.

The likes of Del Mastro, Allan and Rinzel aren't sure things either, but I'd say they have a better chance based on what they've shown so far. Del Mastro or Allan may play a few NHL games next sesaon, but I would expect most of their time to be spent in Rockford.

Faber a -3 vs the Kings

That isn't going to help his Calder chances
- captainserious

If you go by +/-, Bedard has no chance to win the Calder.

If you go by +/-, Bedard has no chance to win the Calder.
- LAHawk

LOL! Too true and good thing they don’t. If they did that they may have to start factoring defensive skills heavier for the Norris consideration.

Who are you kidding??? Faber has had the Calder Trophy wrapped up for months now. Just ask any Minnesota Wild fan.

In all seriousness, Faber has been great and in most other years he probably would have won the Calder. But nobody in their right mind would take Faber over Bedard.
- DarthKane

I don't know who votes for the Calder trophy,and to be honest, I wouldn't care if Faber got it over Bedard. There isn't a gm in the league that would take Faber over Bedard on his team.
You are right though, Faber can play,I wouldn't doubt he ends up with a Norris trophy or two in the next 10 years.

I don't know if next season will be another throw away year. I wouldn't expect them to be a Wild Card team, but they should show improvement over the past 2 seasons (as long as they stay healthy).

Nazar could make the team next year, maybe Dach in the bottom 6. A couple d-men could possibly make the team. Plus, if the Hawks select #1 or #2 there could be an NHL ready player available from the draft.
- DarthKane

I kind of expect next season to be similar to Buffalo's season last year. "Close" to the playoffs,but not quite a playoff team.
And other than Celebrini,I'm not sure Catton,Lindstrom,Levshunov etc..will be ready to play in the NHL next season. Not sure if they are AHL eligible either?

If you go by +/-, Bedard has no chance to win the Calder.
- LAHawk

Yup!
Turcotte would have better chance of winning it!
I wonder if it is time for a change of scenery for him.

Fatty, I've been in jrs rinks for a long time and could not have articulated any better than you did here what a huge jump in every possible way that playing NHL is and the path to it. ..... The biggest jump is you're life changes in most every way and that's not easy even for a mature adult.

And, we should see a couple of phases of kids coming up that will have to go thru this life change..... Patience is very helpful for a Hawk's fan the last 2 yrs and for the next couple yrs at least.
- Mr Ricochet

I'd qualify that where we shouldn't necessarily be patient with the overall team - I think a reasonable expectation next year is +80 points and out of the bottom 5. And the reason for that should be kids are gonna make mistakes not we're gonna sit on our hands for 2 years and fall in love with our draft picks.

A rebuild can be like waiting for a train. You're looking down the tracks, hoping to see a faint light. Finally, there's a glimmer. Is it the train? Yep, I think it is. Then the light doesn't seem to come closer for quite awhile. Suddenly, seemingly, the monster is almost on top of you.

In 2008-2009 I could see the train approaching quick. How fast it was going was apparent in late 2009 when Hossa joined the show and this was obviously the express.

Where are the Hawks now? I see the slight glimmer of light, but I'm not certain it's the train or a reflection of sunlight off a distant building.

I kind of expect next season to be similar to Buffalo's season last year. "Close" to the playoffs,but not quite a playoff team.
And other than Celebrini,I'm not sure Catton,Lindstrom,Levshunov etc..will be ready to play in the NHL next season. Not sure if they are AHL eligible either?
- captainserious

Some scouts believe Levshunov is NHL ready, or at least very close. If the Hawks draft Levshunov he should go back to college for at least one more year. There is no need to rush the kid into the NHL, unless he's absolutely ready.

A rebuild can be like waiting for a train. You're looking down the tracks, hoping to see a faint light. Finally, there's a glimmer. Is it the train? Yep, I think it is. Then the light doesn't seem to come closer for quite awhile. Suddenly, seemingly, the monster is almost on top of you.

In 2008-2009 I could see the train approaching quick. How fast it was going was apparent in late 2009 when Hossa joined the show and this was obviously the express.

Where are the Hawks now? I see the slight glimmer of light, but I'm not certain it's the train or a reflection of sunlight off a distant building.
- mohel

The Hawks current rebuild:

via GIPHY

I'd qualify that where we shouldn't necessarily be patient with the overall team - I think a reasonable expectation next year is +80 points and out of the bottom 5. And the reason for that should be kids are gonna make mistakes not we're gonna sit on our hands for 2 years and fall in love with our draft picks.
- fattybeef

Thank you!! While I think 80+ may be a bit aggressive, I do expect a notable improvement in the results. With the extra competition for spots and theoretically actual top 6 talent added, I don't think that is too much to ask. Honestly, I think one of the most interesting decisions next year will be what they do between the pipes behind Mrazek.

If KD overpayed Foligno, Athanaseu, Richardinson, why wouldn't deBrusk and Teuvo, or any other potential Hawk signing ask for $6 million from the Hawks as a bonus for signing with a team for the sole purpose of flipping them? Especially as the Hawks still need to spend some dollars to get to the cap floor.

BTW, want to stabilize the RHD quandry for a few years? How about Pesce or Montour ? Hawks could outbid anyone for either. You can then just give away Murphy if you want. But i guess that is thinking too creatively.
- LAHawk

Both those deals expire when they have to pay Bedard his max contract. In real life D1ckinson probably gets 3 million and Foligno gets 2.5 but were in Kyles world. But their money + salary cap increases about = about what they're going to have to pay the boy who is king.

They could ask Marchessault if he would enjoy a 1 year 11 million dollar contract. That would be exciting. I don't think anyone is gonna pay the guy that much and he already has his cup. Or 2 years and 18 million. Still doesn't interfere with any of the prospects they're apparently paranoid about being able to give paper to.

They could offer sheet Byfield. That would be ballsy. Though LA will probably have the space to pay it.

Paying Guentzel wouldn't be outrageous. Vancouver still paid JT Miller @29. A similar trade seems like a doable thing as an alternative. He went for a protected 1st, 3rd and rights to some nobody.

Anyway. I think we're in pretty close agreement that the Hawks don't need to wait 2 (frank)ing years to start adding guys. They don't need to wait one year. They can and should do it this summer and not look to 100% fill out the team but get those pieces in place so theyre close to the playoffs this year and maybe in them Bedards last ELC year.

https://twitter.com/MissinCurfew/status/1770559629988409512?s=19

Apparently LR told KK he needs to play tougher in front of the net. Gotta appreciate him taking it to heart in practice
- BetweenTheDots

Good find. One of the other comments was letting guys get inside of him and he wasn't giving up the inside which is pretty sweet that it seems like he's listening and attempting to adjust.

I'd qualify that where we shouldn't necessarily be patient with the overall team - I think a reasonable expectation next year is +80 points and out of the bottom 5. And the reason for that should be kids are gonna make mistakes not we're gonna sit on our hands for 2 years and fall in love with our draft picks.
- fattybeef

You know i was watching the Maple Leafs last night and was thinking Nylander Matthews look so good out there, so i thought let's see their draft history, crazy how well they drafted in the 1st round and never traded for an additional first round pick when they were rebuilding. I talk about depth being important and here's another team that got a taste of winning and just went for it. I'm pleased that we were able to draft Bedard and we will have 5 extra first round picks with the chance of joining him from 22 to 25. You could say it's 6 since we didn't have a 1st round pick in 22. I haven't even mentioned second round picks.

Added, he already has one 1st rounder joining him in Korchinski