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

I agree with you. As the rebuild happens the team can progress but it won't really seem like it in the standings. This season while they didn't improve in the standings was a pretty big leap forward for the rebuild. Last year it was mostly placeholders playing. Reichel was the top with 23 games from a rookie. Not much significant ice-time from young players.

Fast-forward to this year, we have 7 young guys who played more than those 23 games this year. Vlasic, Bedard, Korchinski, Phillips, Guttman, Kaiser, Crevier. The torch is passing and the group of young players will keep coming and keep playing bigger minutes. That might not translate to much points in the standings right away, but once it clicks, the team record will suddenly start to improve in big ways.

I think that Kaiser will be an everyday defenseman. He is a great skater, and that’s half the battle to get a chance in this league. Richardson and Kevin Dean have been good D developers in previous roles, and Kaiser has the tools to work with.
That said, the pedigrees of Allan and del Mastro have to be appealing to these coaches. Two guys who cracked a stacked Team Canada WJC team, have some size, and now a year of AHL under their belt. Not to put the cart before the horse but we might have a nice logjam of talent on D in the distant future. When that happens you’re all welcome to attend my ‘Goodbye Connor’ party at Au Cheval.

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.
- Chunk

Goaltending will be interesting, who is behind Mrazek and who is going to take over from Mrazek long term. Not to put a negative spin on Mrazek, he has been good for the Hawks, but IMO he has never been more than a 1B kind of guy. He gives us average NHL goaltending. I know we have a few decent prospects in goal, but to me still a lot of question marks for who will rise up and earn that job.

I'm with you, I think 80+ points might be a bit of a high expectation, but a lot of unknowns right now too. I definitely hope we get to at least 70 points and at least get that goal differential into more respectable territory. We are on pace to be -114, but hopefully we can cut that by more than half year over year.

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
- BetweenTheDots

The problem is that - especially with the cap - you have to eventually pay those draft picks. If you just wait for all of your draft picks to get good before you add to them, you eventually end underachieving AND up against the cap (see BUF, and EDM).

The Hawks have a bunch of D prospects that look really good. They have drafted a crap ton of high potential forwards in the last two years. They can certainly afford to bring in some adequate vets to make them more competitive. There is no rule that says you HAVE to toil in poop for 3-5 years before you become competitive. Especially when they have as much cap flexibility as they do.

As LA has alluded to a number of times, if you are going to overpay guys on short term deals to be on your team anyway why not put some more actual good players around them to make the team competitive and put the kids in a winning environment? I'm not saying this is the way it has to be done, but it's the way I see it.

Goaltending will be interesting, who is behind Mrazek and who is going to take over from Mrazek long term. Not to put a negative spin on Mrazek, he has been good for the Hawks, but IMO he has never been more than a 1B kind of guy. He gives us average NHL goaltending. I know we have a few decent prospects in goal, but to me still a lot of question marks for who will rise up and earn that job.

I'm with you, I think 80+ points might be a bit of a high expectation, but a lot of unknowns right now too. I definitely hope we get to at least 70 points and at least get that goal differential into more respectable territory. We are on pace to be -114, but hopefully we can cut that by more than half year over year.
- breadbag

The way he's playing this year, he would have been great behind NJD, CAR, LAK, or EDM. He's a good enough guy on a really good team to win - again, the way he is playing this year.

The problem is that - especially with the cap - you have to eventually pay those draft picks. If you just wait for all of your draft picks to get good before you add to them, you eventually end underachieving AND up against the cap (see BUF, and EDM).

The Hawks have a bunch of D prospects that look really good. They have drafted a crap ton of high potential forwards in the last two years. They can certainly afford to bring in some adequate vets to make them more competitive. There is no rule that says you HAVE to toil in poop for 3-5 years before you become competitive. Especially when they have as much cap flexibility as they do.

As LA has alluded to a number of times, if you are going to overpay guys on short term deals to be on your team anyway why not put some more actual good players around them to make the team competitive and put the kids in a winning environment? I'm not saying this is the way it has to be done, but it's the way I see it.
- Chunk

I'm not saying to wait, I'm saying you can do what LA is saying and you can keep drafting and accumulating higher draft picks over time. For me its about depth, they aren't going to have to pay all their draft picks top dollar, but boy it would be nice if you can make it really competitive in your own farm system and many of them can fill in the roster.

And when I'm saying not to wait, free agents yes, trade and sign players not yet unless it's a free agent and you make a trade like KD did for Perry last year

The way he's playing this year, he would have been great behind NJD, CAR, LAK, or EDM. He's a good enough guy on a really good team to win - again, the way he is playing this year.
- Chunk

I have to admit watching him he plays so much bigger and quicker than Soda.

I'm not saying to wait, I'm saying you can do what LA is saying and you can keep drafting and accumulating higher draft picks over time. For me its about depth, they aren't going to have to pay all their draft picks top dollar, but boy it would be nice if you can make it really competitive in your own farm system and many of them can fill in the roster.

And when I'm saying not to wait, free agents yes, trade and sign players not yet unless it's a free agent and you make a trade like KD did for Perry last year
- BetweenTheDots

100%. They seem to already have this in place for the defensemen. I've got a theory that KD is going to draft a longer term prospect (Rinzel, Kantserov) fairly high every year in an effort to keep that continual competition running. We'll see what he does this year.

100%. They seem to already have this in place for the defensemen. I've got a theory that KD is going to draft a longer term prospect (Rinzel, Kantserov) fairly high every year in an effort to keep that continual competition running. We'll see what he does this year.
- Chunk

I think so to. When you have those extra picks you can steal those guys in the draft.

The problem is that - especially with the cap - you have to eventually pay those draft picks. If you just wait for all of your draft picks to get good before you add to them, you eventually end underachieving AND up against the cap (see BUF, and EDM).

The Hawks have a bunch of D prospects that look really good. They have drafted a crap ton of high potential forwards in the last two years. They can certainly afford to bring in some adequate vets to make them more competitive. There is no rule that says you HAVE to toil in poop for 3-5 years before you become competitive. Especially when they have as much cap flexibility as they do.

As LA has alluded to a number of times, if you are going to overpay guys on short term deals to be on your team anyway why not put some more actual good players around them to make the team competitive and put the kids in a winning environment? I'm not saying this is the way it has to be done, but it's the way I see it.
- Chunk

Why not put more talent on… because it’s not available. The studs get resigned or get sign & traded. The 29 year olds on 8x8s are more miss than hit, and usually hamstring their team’s cap for years. We have only one albatross contract and it’s refreshing.

Looking at this roster... how could anybody think this team would get to the 80 pt mark? LOL.

They have three lines of 4th liners at forward, and two defensemen who shouldn't even be on an NHL roster.

Why not put more talent on… because it’s not available. The studs get resigned or get sign & traded. The 29 year olds on 8x8s are more miss than hit, and usually hamstring their team’s cap for years. We have only one albatross contract and it’s refreshing.
- ObeseOprah

And those teams not navigating the cap are those teams that are at best bubble teams or are hoping the lottery balls are kind to them.

It would be refreshing having enough good players that you have to figure out a way to pay them, and navigate the cap. Isn't that why you have a GM. Otherwise all you need in the front office are a bunch of scouting directors with a chief scout.

Why not put more talent on… because it’s not available. The studs get resigned or get sign & traded. The 29 year olds on 8x8s are more miss than hit, and usually hamstring their team’s cap for years. We have only one albatross contract and it’s refreshing.
- ObeseOprah

There are always "leftover" guys that don't get a contract from contending teams because there isn't enough cap space left. Heck, the Hawks signed Domi last year. They aren't going to command too much term and aren't going to put you over the top, but they are better than AHL+ guys.

And those teams not navigating the cap are those teams that are at best bubble teams or are hoping the lottery balls are kind to them.

It would be refreshing having enough good players that you have to figure out a way to pay them, and navigate the cap. Isn't that why you have a GM. Otherwise all you need in the front office are a bunch of scouting directors with a chief scout.
- LAHawk

First things first, we need legit defenseman, that's beginning to unfold. We tried to win when we only had 1 top 4 dman while pressed against the cap it didn't work out so well.

Watching McCabe last night made me smile thinking i like our 2 rookies more than him.

First things first, we need legit defenseman, that's beginning to unfold. We tried to win when we only had 1 top 4 dman while pressed against the cap it didn't work out so well.

Watching McCabe last night made me smile thinking i like our 2 rookies more than him.
- BetweenTheDots

I'm happy with the two rookies as well, but I wouldn't throw too much shade at McCabe. He's a plus player (in pretty much all analytics) on the Leafs and has put up 25 pts this year. He's exactly what they (TOR) need right now. A guy they can start in the D-zone and be a positive player while only counting $2M against the cap.

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.
- DarthKane

Interesting to get your take on Kaiser. Instead of typing away I had him pegged, way too early I admit but it's fun, as a 10 yr Hammer for the Hawks. Nothing has given me cause to back away.

The 21 yr old 3rd rounder showed well in the NHL with his high motor, high compete, read react now, little to no indecision (just like Hammer) good skater, lotta poise at his age.

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

Fatty, I mean patience with Cooley, Nazar, KK, Ludwinski, Dach, Del Mastro, Lardis not when the club will be in the win now mode of the rebuild.

Honestly, I haven't a clue or prognostication on when the Hawks will hit 85 pts, 95 pts or 100 pts. My focus is on the bus (players) that will allow the club to advance up the standings. ..... And personally, I hope to show the patience I learned watching 16-17-18 yr old jr players develop.

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.
- fattybeef

Watch Kaiser get inside guys in the slot, if they don't arm him to the side like Byfield The Beast...... This is where being shorter is a huge advantage and Kaiser knows that and how to utilize his advantage. He's excellent at that along the walls especially.

Seems to me KK is gonna have to use his quickness and balance to defend/get position down low cuz I doubt he outmuscles many in his career. ...... Plus, like Bedard, he was not drafted to win defensive accolades.

Fast-forward to this year, we have 7 young guys who played more than those 23 games this year. Vlasic, Bedard, Korchinski, Phillips, Guttman, Kaiser, Crevier. The torch is passing and the group of young players will keep coming and keep playing bigger minutes. That might not translate to much points in the standings right away, but once it clicks, the team record will suddenly start to improve in big ways.
- breadbag

Well said, and they will grow together as a group.

Watch Kaiser get inside guys in the slot, if they don't arm him to the side like Byfield The Beast...... This is where being shorter is a huge advantage and Kaiser knows that and how to utilize his advantage. He's excellent at that along the walls especially.

Seems to me KK is gonna have to use his quickness and balance to defend/get position down low cuz I doubt he outmuscles many in his career. ...... Plus, like Bedard, he was not drafted to win defensive accolades.
- Mr Ricochet

He's 19. I wouldn't put it past him to work on his strength. Even at 47 I've been able to notably improve my strength just in the last year. Considering how eager he is to learn and implement new things into his game, I think he'll end up better than most expect in his own zone. Baby steps.

He's 19. I wouldn't put it past him to work on his strength. Even at 47 I've been able to notably improve my strength just in the last year. Considering how eager he is to learn and implement new things into his game, I think he'll end up better than most expect in his own zone. Baby steps.
- Chunk

For sure, you'd expect any 19 yr old pro will add strength. KK seems to me tall, slight of build, narrow shouldered with skinny legs. Yep, he'll add strength but to me that will never be a strength. ........ I think he'll spend a lotta time increasing explosive strength as opposed to power. That is his game and IMO his explosion needs to improve.

For the drafts 2015-2018 I looked at the top 10 draft choices, and how many are with the original teams, whether never made it, left via free agency, trade, etc.

2015 1 of 10
2016 2 of 10
2017 5 of 10
2018 6 of 10.

It appears that the other GM's are consistently evaluating their team and trying to improve, rather than stockpiling cattle like a livestock performance show.

For sure, you'd expect any 19 yr old pro will add strength. KK seems to me tall, slight of build, narrow shouldered with skinny legs. Yep, he'll add strength but to me that will never be a strength. ........ I think he'll spend a lotta time increasing explosive strength as opposed to power. That is his game and IMO his explosion needs to improve.
- Mr Ricochet

KK showed his greatest improvement during the season paired with Murphy. As much as Murphy is vilified on this board there was no coincidence. Same as when Vlasic has been permanently paired with Jones. I am sure Vlasic would not look as good if he was paired with Megna either.

Tinordi and Megna, waiver wire pick-ups. Zaitsev a cap dump. Lets see how (or if) the GM improves 1/3 of the teams defense. If he doesn't want to trade of sign a FA, hopefully he just goes with Kaiser/Pjillips/Crevier and see what LR and Dean can do with them.

Montreal has went the route of playing the youth, and it is starting to pay benefits for them.

For the drafts 2015-2018 I looked at the top 10 draft choices, and how many are with the original teams, whether never made it, left via free agency, trade, etc.

2015 1 of 10
2016 2 of 10
2017 5 of 10
2018 6 of 10.

It appears that the other GM's are consistently evaluating their team and trying to improve, rather than stockpiling cattle like a livestock performance show.
- LAHawk

Uh... you not counting Marner, Werenski and Rantanen

KK showed his greatest improvement during the season paired with Murphy. As much as Murphy is vilified on this board there was no coincidence. Same as when Vlasic has been permanently paired with Jones. I am sure Vlasic would not look as good if he was paired with Megna either.

Tinordi and Megna, waiver wire pick-ups. Zaitsev a cap dump. Lets see how (or if) the GM improves 1/3 of the teams defense. If he doesn't want to trade of sign a FA, hopefully he just goes with Kaiser/Pjillips/Crevier and see what LR and Dean can do with them.

Montreal has went the route of playing the youth, and it is starting to pay benefits for them.
- LAHawk

I think most of this will be dependent on if one of the LHD can be better on his off side than The Crev. Nothing against the giant, but I don't think he has it at the NHL level. The Hawks just have a crap ton of LH guys and few on the right.