I agree, this notion there is no place for him on this team is ridiculous. The vets were brought in to 1 be a harder team to play against and 2 help develop these kids.

I don't think it's a coincidence when AA and Hall get hurt it affected everyone's performance other than D!ckinson.

Interested to see how, Bedard, Korchinski, Reichel do with more NHL talent around them. I think its you who isn't a big fan of Bertuzzi but i have to admit i think he'll form a more effective line with Bedard than Hall.
- BetweenTheDots

Totally agree. I think the thinking is a bit backward in that we are trying to pencil in lineup cards and create space for some guys who won't be here in a year or two.

Reichel is the only young player that can't be sent down without clearing waivers and I'm sure they are going to give him every opportunity to succeed.

Not all improvement is linear and I could see him having a decent year this year. Like you mention, with more actual NHL players around them, should be a positive influence on their point totals...guys who can actually receive a pass cleanly, do something with it, make a clean pass, go to the net, etc.

There were too many games where I was barely engaged watching last season and I don't see a repeat of that headed into this one.

Fair enough. But to the point, why did Eiserman drop off the map?
- paulr

Maybe others simply passed him up showing better/more improvement over the year? Maybe Laine's career arc this far has soured GM's on guys who are only scoring threats (maybe can be applied to Matthews a bit as well).

Both Eiserman and Bedard were known for their shot/goal scoring, but Bedard also adds elite playmaking and hockey IQ. While not the best defensively, he can at least read the play. Maybe GM's didn't see much in Eiserman in those regards?

I also said i will take guys who have a tremendous work ethic, which i believe Kane has, i believe that was one of the knocks against Laine his draft year.

Bedard isn't great defensively but he is constantly working on his game to be the best pro he possibly can be. I'll take that 100 out of 100 times over the guy i think may be a little better but doesn't have the same work ethic.
- BetweenTheDots

I thought that the Athletic’s Mark Lazarus made an excellent point after the Blackhawk head coach said they needed veterans who could instill the play through pain attribute that he felt one/some of last year’s veterans lacked and stayed in sick bay long stretches…well, Kyle got the coach SO MANY play through pain veterans that they only have a few youngsters in the room to learn from them: Vlasic, Kaiser, Korchinski and in the stints they are with the team, Nazar, Reichel, Slaggert, Artie?

Something really interesting that Coach Luke said during his presser yesterday regarding the signing of Martinez (before the news of Brodie broke)...

"He’s a guy that seems to be calm out there but he moves the puck well, he’s efficient. That’s going to be great for us to have back there, whether he plays on the left with a Seth or on the right with Vlasic or someone like that. He’s going to be really big with that and helping us out on special teams as well."

To me, this would suggest breaking up the Vlasic-Jones pairing. Martinez was most effective/used with Pietrangelo, who played the right side. I'd imagine he steps in on that first pair with Jones then, at least at initially.

Brodie played primarily as the right side to Morgan Reilly last year, but has ample experience playing either side. I think they'll pair him with Vlasic to start the year to round out the top-4. Murphy will be the veteran bottom-pair on babysitting duty with Kaiser or Korchinski.

Martinez - Jones
Vlasic - Brodie
Kaiser - Murphy

Certainly is much better than the AHL fodder we were trotting out last year (Megna, Tinordi, Zaitsev, Crevier, Roos, etc.)

Anyone thinking Reichel can or should be traded is on another planet. 22 year old highly skilled cost controlled player, who struggled on the second worst team in the league… any gm who picks him up will be lauded while we watch Terravainen 2.0 happen.
- ObeseOprah

Or - a highly skilled player that wasn't able to play simple hockey and find a place on a team without a lot of talent. I'd like to see a player step up in that scenario.

He should certainly get an opportunity this year.

Maybe others simply passed him up showing better/more improvement over the year? Maybe Laine's career arc this far has soured GM's on guys who are only scoring threats (maybe can be applied to Matthews a bit as well).

Both Eiserman and Bedard were known for their shot/goal scoring, but Bedard also adds elite playmaking and hockey IQ. While not the best defensively, he can at least read the play. Maybe GM's didn't see much in Eiserman in those regards?
- Chunk

I recall Wiz said Celebrini, Eiserman and then the rest prior to the season starting. I imagine many teams felt this way and as the season went on they didn't notice any improvement from the previous year to the current one. As a scout that would concern me. The guys the Blackhawks took later in the 1st round both were showing improvement as the year went on? I heard them talking about the Dallas players during the playoffs and they asked them how do you find success late in the draft? Supposedly their staff told them we draft prospects with high hockey IQ. They need to be talented of course but the hockey IQ is as important.

I thought that the Athletic’s Mark Lazarus made an excellent point after the Blackhawk head coach said they needed veterans who could instill the play through pain attribute that he felt one/some of last year’s veterans lacked and stayed in sick bay long stretches…well, Kyle got the coach SO MANY play through pain veterans that they only have a few youngsters in the room to learn from them: Vlasic, Kaiser, Korchinski and in the stints they are with the team, Nazar, Reichel, Slaggert, Artie?
- wiz1901

Some of those veterans also probably mailed it in because they knew the team was bad and they just didn't want to be on the ice.

Kinda like fouling yourself out in basketball because you're sick of how the game is going and thats the only way to get off the court.

Maybe others simply passed up Eiserman after showing better/more improvement over the year? Maybe Laine's career arc this far has soured GM's on guys who are only scoring threats (maybe can be applied to Matthews a bit as well).
- Chunk

The kid they added with pick #18 "Bwah vere" was quite a different animal.

The potential that he may be a possible second line player based on his physicality, big shot and driving North-South skating power, as he gains a better hockey IQ, more muscle, and better lateral agility. Until he has that better East-West jiggle, he is not going to be the 3rd line pivot who checks the opposition's #1 centre.
He might project as a winger in that top six or top nine if he isn't second centre material...

and the one at Vana Kerr, well, he was one of the best puck stealers in junior, using his long stick to surprise so many opposing players wigh his quick jabs at their carries, and fast continuations after gaining the biscuit.

Barring any further trades, what would the Hawks forward lines look like?

Teravainen - Bedard - Kurashev
Bertuzzi - AA - Reichel
Hall - D!ckinson - Mikheyev
Foligno - Donato - Smith

Scratches:

Anderson
Maroon

I recall Wiz said Celebrini, Eiserman and then the rest prior to the season starting. I imagine many teams felt this way and as the season went on they didn't notice any improvement from the previous year to the current one. As a scout that would concern me. The guys the Blackhawks took later in the 1st round both were showing improvement as the year went on? I heard them talking about the Dallas players during the playoffs and they asked them how do you find success late in the draft? Supposedly their staff told them we draft prospects with high hockey IQ. They need to be talented of course but the hockey IQ is as important.
- BetweenTheDots

Yeah i wanted that gun he has.

I just saw him as SO threatening, that is is still so surprising he lasted past teh second hawk selection.

It always makes me wonder if there is a lot more closed door player-coaching interactions we are unaware of...

Or - a highly skilled player that wasn't able to play simple hockey and find a place on a team without a lot of talent. I'd like to see a player step up in that scenario.

This is after time in the magical hockey land called Rockford that all prospects must travers to be ready for the next steps.

I'm trying to figure out why some players get a pass for the team being poop but others just get beat up.
- fattybeef

Because maybe he’s a young player with some talent who is still trying to figure it out vs a vet who may never have been that good to begin with or whoever you’re alluding to that was unfairly slapped around in the twitterverse or here?

Maybe one day the powers that be will heed your wishes and get rid of the A and expand rosters to 53 like football so no players waste any time there.

Again all progress isn’t linear. Maybe he never does figure it out but there are plenty of cautionary tales out there of punting on a guy too soon.

No rush, so if Im KFC I’m not trading a guy who might be around in a few years so we can conveniently fill out lineup cards here, incorporating players that won’t be.

Barring any further trades, what would the Hawks forward lines look like?

Teravainen - Bedard - Kurashev
Bertuzzi - AA - Reichel
Hall - D!ckinson - Mikheyev
Foligno - Donato - Smith

Scratches:

Anderson
Maroon
- DarthKane

Darth I think there's a trade in the works coming.

Barring any further trades, what would the Hawks forward lines look like?

Teravainen - Bedard - Kurashev
Bertuzzi - AA - Reichel
Hall - D!ckinson - Mikheyev
Foligno - Donato - Smith

Scratches:

Anderson
Maroon
- DarthKane

Bertuzzi Bedard Kurashev
Hall TT Reichel
Anderson D!ckinson Mikheyev
Foligno AA Donato (all can play center)

Press box rotation
Maroon, Smith, Donato, Anderson, Mikheyev, and occasionally Reichel

Trouba not waiving his NTC driving the fans crazy, this is great

Trouba not waiving his NTC driving the fans crazy, this is great
- BetweenTheDots

Don't blame him one bit.

The team gave him that contract. The team gave him that stipulation. He picked that team because of his wife.

That's their problem now.

I know we've had some debates about being a pretender, tanking and so on, but I'm really happy of where the Blackhawks are today, then i was 2018 until the sell off.

Now we get to see some growth by the franchise in the young players gaining experience a much healthier salary cap contracts position, with real talent throughout the farm system.

Darth I think there's a trade in the works coming.
- BGKarras

I would be surprised if there was a trade or two coming.

I would be surprised if there was a trade or two coming.
- DarthKane

Bedard for Getzlaf!

Hey Paul, what is your take on the goalie that Rockford signed Ben Goudreau. Looks like he was a third round choice of San Jose, but they didn't sign him. He is attending the development camp

played with Misiak in Erie

Hey Paul, what is your take on the goalie that Rockford signed Ben Goudreau. Looks like he was a third round choice of San Jose, but they didn't sign him. He is attending the development camp

played with Misiak in Erie
- LAHawk

https://thehockeynews.com...eal-with-rockford-icehogs

San Jose drafted him in the 3rd Round

Gaudreau will re-enter the draft in 2023 after the Sharks confirmed Wednesday he won't be signed, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.
Impact Gaudreau had a 24-12-3 record with a 3.07 GAA and an .889 save percentage in 44 games with OHL Sarnia this year. He was better with a 2.52 GAA and a .902 save percentage in 16 playoff contests. The Sharks selected him in the third round in 2021, but other teams will now have a chance on the 20-year-old goalie this summer.
MAY 10, 2023

He was asked to be part of the World junior
Gaudreau had a disastrous opening game with Canada, starting against Czechia only to be pulled in the second period after allowing five goals.

It marks the first time the 2021 third-round pick is playing at the World Juniors, currently in his final year of eligibility. With the Sarnia Sting this season, his numbers have been underwhelming at best, posting an .868 save percentage through 22 games.

Tampa Bay released Gaudreau on Saturday from his professional tryout agreement and sent him to AHL Syracuse training camp.
Impact Gaudreau could end up getting a minor-league deal with the Lightning organization or he could return to OHL Sarnia. He posted a mark of 24-12-6 with a 3.07 GAA and an .889 save percentage in 44 appearances with the Sting last season.
OCTOBER 1, 2023


He was traded from Sarnia to Erie.


If this helps...i wrote in 2021:

Sarnia prospect who is sitting at home because the OHL is closed down for Covid, and he had too few options overseas to play in the meantime. He is working on conditioning in thesis draft year. Last year he showed plenty of positive attributes that are placing him on an upward trajectory. Right now he is average size but very athletic, well schooled and instinctive in his reactions at the Canada major Junior level. Will make huge saves while going cross crease (really quick), tracking the puck and very comfortable at pinning rebounds to his chest. Very precise in his starts and stops and stay square to shooters. Will purposefully kick rebounds to his defenseman’s stick. Doesn’t over handle the puck, just makes simple plays to aid his defenders. When on his pads, he elevates the shoulders to cover the cross bar area. Will do anything to make a save, and his athleticism gives him leeway to be successful. A long term project that requires NHL scouts to take a leap of faith with him currently not playing.

Hey Paul, what is your take on the goalie that Rockford signed Ben Goudreau. Looks like he was a third round choice of San Jose, but they didn't sign him. He is attending the development camp

played with Misiak in Erie
- LAHawk

I don’t remember seeing him when I saw Erie? I vaguely remember the name. Hopefully he can prove himself at Rockford.

Bedard for Getzlaf!
- HawkintheD

Sounds intriguing. Git er done Kyle!

https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/ben-gaudreau-signs-one-year-ahl-deal-with-rockford-icehogs

San Jose drafted him in the 3rd Round

Gaudreau will re-enter the draft in 2023 after the Sharks confirmed Wednesday he won't be signed, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.
Impact Gaudreau had a 24-12-3 record with a 3.07 GAA and an .889 save percentage in 44 games with OHL Sarnia this year. He was better with a 2.52 GAA and a .902 save percentage in 16 playoff contests. The Sharks selected him in the third round in 2021, but other teams will now have a chance on the 20-year-old goalie this summer.
MAY 10, 2023

He was asked to be part of the World junior
Gaudreau had a disastrous opening game with Canada, starting against Czechia only to be pulled in the second period after allowing five goals.

It marks the first time the 2021 third-round pick is playing at the World Juniors, currently in his final year of eligibility. With the Sarnia Sting this season, his numbers have been underwhelming at best, posting an .868 save percentage through 22 games.

Tampa Bay released Gaudreau on Saturday from his professional tryout agreement and sent him to AHL Syracuse training camp.
Impact Gaudreau could end up getting a minor-league deal with the Lightning organization or he could return to OHL Sarnia. He posted a mark of 24-12-6 with a 3.07 GAA and an .889 save percentage in 44 appearances with the Sting last season.
OCTOBER 1, 2023


He was traded from Sarnia to Erie.


If this helps...i wrote in 2021:

Sarnia prospect who is sitting at home because the OHL is closed down for Covid, and he had too few options overseas to play in the meantime. He is working on conditioning in thesis draft year. Last year he showed plenty of positive attributes that are placing him on an upward trajectory. Right now he is average size but very athletic, well schooled and instinctive in his reactions at the Canada major Junior level. Will make huge saves while going cross crease (really quick), tracking the puck and very comfortable at pinning rebounds to his chest. Very precise in his starts and stops and stay square to shooters. Will purposefully kick rebounds to his defenseman’s stick. Doesn’t over handle the puck, just makes simple plays to aid his defenders. When on his pads, he elevates the shoulders to cover the cross bar area. Will do anything to make a save, and his athleticism gives him leeway to be successful. A long term project that requires NHL scouts to take a leap of faith with him currently not playing.
- wiz1901

Thanks Bill.

I don’t remember seeing him when I saw Erie? I vaguely remember the name. Hopefully he can prove himself at Rockford.
- paulr

Looks like ECHL material

The kid they added with pick #18 "Bwah vere" was quite a different animal.

The potential that he may be a possible second line player based on his physicality, big shot and driving North-South skating power, as he gains a better hockey IQ, more muscle, and better lateral agility. Until he has that better East-West jiggle, he is not going to be the 3rd line pivot who checks the opposition's #1 centre.
He might project as a winger in that top six or top nine if he isn't second centre material...

and the one at Vana Kerr, well, he was one of the best puck stealers in junior, using his long stick to surprise so many opposing players wigh his quick jabs at their carries, and fast continuations after gaining the biscuit.
- wiz1901

Even if he ends up being a tough power winger - they don't really have that in the system and I think that is a net win. Especially if he puts on another 10-15 kilos the next two years at N Dakota.

If he turns into a Mark Stone or Hossa type - I think we'd be happy. Even if his high end is Boesser that is still a really great result from the 18th pick. Would be cool if he plays center but he doesn't have to.