From last blog...

Yeah, late for us on EST. AA has speed to burn, but I can’t count the times he loses the puck at the blue line as he enters the offensive zone, very frustrating. Might as well sit both AA and Smith, that fourth line was brutal.
- Angotti

Agree. He had one good stretch with the Hawks and one good stretch with the Wings (6 years ago). You probably cannot trade him. But you can sit him. I don't think playing him more will raise his trade value. If you can eat half his salary and trade him for "future considerations" do it!

Talkin’ Hawkey
@TalkinHawkey
#Blackhawks 3rd line of Mikheyev-Richardinson-Anderson were true to their shutdown role tonight at 5v5:

Shot attempts: 12-1
Shots on goal: 2-1
Scoring chances: 3-0
xGF%: 93.68
TOI: 8:37

And Anderson Mikhalev were dominant on the penalty kill, too bad Anderson couldn't bury a breakaway
- LAHawk

All three are pretty smart players. Anderson is probably a 3rd liner. But Mikheyev and D!ckinson could move up and down the lineup.

Based on his Pops playing NBA ball, his size, skating and skill shown playing 2 yrs for the NTDP and the WJC. He was a blueblood many thought would go 1st overall but the cameras zoomed in on him as he fell to 4th IIRC.

Kid was thought to be a top 1/2 NHL 1st pairing Dman and he never has been, ie never reached his ceiling....... Watch the kid skate at his size and look at his career numbers. You think he reached his ceiling??.... IMO he has just average hockey IQ and that's what was missed that keeps him from being a consistent every night 1st pairing, 1st PP, workhorse, positive possession, 60 pt NHL Dman.
- Mr Ricochet

I agree. He seems to have tunnel vision when he has the puck. He has one plan and does not see the ice. Rarely makes that great sneaky pass like a Keith, Seabs or Hjalmarsson would.

All three are pretty smart players. Anderson is probably a 3rd liner. But Mikheyev and D!ckinson could move up and down the lineup.
- Ztra

But where are they used best? I'd say 3rd line all day.

But where are they used best? I'd say 3rd line all day.
- Chunk

We disagree on this and it is ok.

Moving D!ckinson to the 2C would weaken the 3rd line. But if would give the Hawks two decent top two lines.

Mikheyev has shown speed, smarts, a 200' game and some offensive skills. I would say he is a very similar player to Kurashev. Middle 6 winger. I am willing to give Bertuzzi a longer audition, but so far he has not been impressive on the 1st or 2nd line.

I would say our best forwards are Bedard, TT, Hall, D!ckinson, Kurashev and Mikheyev. I know there is not much physicality in that group. Foligno and Bertuzzi bring more physicality. But they are not really offensive line drivers.

We disagree on this and it is ok.

Moving D!ckinson to the 2C would weaken the 3rd line. But if would give the Hawks two decent top two lines.

Mikheyev has shown speed, smarts, a 200' game and some offensive skills. I would say he is a very similar player to Kurashev. Middle 6 winger. I am willing to give Bertuzzi a longer audition, but so far he has not been impressive on the 1st or 2nd line.

I would say our best forwards are Bedard, TT, Hall, D!ckinson, Kurashev and Mikheyev. I know there is not much physicality in that group. Foligno and Bertuzzi bring more physicality. But they are not really offensive line drivers.
- Ztra

You are assuming Richardinson has another career year like last year. Even his career year he had third line numbers at 35 points for the year. Also, if you put Richardinson at 2 C, what do you do with Kurashev? And who becomes the shutdown center.

Best case scenario is that Nazer is playing so well in Rockford, the Hawks have no choice but to bring him up in a top 6 role (2nd line center) and figure out where Kurashev fits (probably back with Bedard, with Foligno going back to the bottom 6).

We disagree on this and it is ok.

Moving D!ckinson to the 2C would weaken the 3rd line. But if would give the Hawks two decent top two lines.

Mikheyev has shown speed, smarts, a 200' game and some offensive skills. I would say he is a very similar player to Kurashev. Middle 6 winger. I am willing to give Bertuzzi a longer audition, but so far he has not been impressive on the 1st or 2nd line.

I would say our best forwards are Bedard, TT, Hall, D!ckinson, Kurashev and Mikheyev. I know there is not much physicality in that group. Foligno and Bertuzzi bring more physicality. But they are not really offensive line drivers.
- Ztra

I actually agree with you that JD is the second best center on this team, and don't disagree that he'd probably be a good fit at 2C for now. My point was that everyone on the team is in line with having defined roles for players unless there are extenuating circumstances. JD is easily the best defensive center on this team and he thrives in that role.

Sidebar - Am I missing something? I've read in a bunch of different places (here and in actual publications) that Kurashev is this 200' player. He's literally never been close to even in Corsi, goals, chances, etc for an entire season, and it's not like he's always been on team completely devoid of talent. What am I missing?

Buffalo has 2 overall #1’s, a #4, #29. And #32 on defense, and they suck again defensively
- LAHawk

Cannot disagree, i watched them last night how many odd man breaks did they give up, at least over 10. They reminded so much of JCs Blackhawks.

Agree. He had one good stretch with the Hawks and one good stretch with the Wings (6 years ago). You probably cannot trade him. But you can sit him. I don't think playing him more will raise his trade value. If you can eat half his salary and trade him for "future considerations" do it!
- Ztra

It's rare to see a player constantly over skate his position, but he sure does.

Unfortunately in a cap league the performance to salary ratio is going to determine value which is important.

I don't think that Jones has a lot to offer on a very good team at that cap hit. He's a less bad Darnell Nurse. Certainly not at the level of a Keith, Doughty, Makar, Fox, Heiskanan, Jossi or similar who can dramatically change the dynamic of a game. It's reasonable to criticize the deal and the player's performance until they are no longer with the team or live up to the billing.

This is a good summary of the value of the trade at the time.

https://jfresh.substack.c...down-the-seth-jones-trade

This is even more in-depth

https://jfresh.substack.c...seth-jones-actually-elite

He is not a good skater laterally or backwards. As he slows down and ages, this deficiency is going to become very problematic, especially since his hockey sense is somewhere between mediocre and average. Same with him skating the puck out. Going to be an issue when he can't rely on his feet as much anymore. I don't think he'll reinvent himself like Jay Boewmeester.

Best case scenario is Levshunov and Rinzel are so damn good on the right side that he's relegated to 3rd pairing minutes and demands a trade to anywhere.
- fattybeef

I'm hoping for 20 minutes a night but that'll work. To me he just doesn't have any hockey sense, the other night on a 2 on 1 he tried to pass it, passes it to the wrong side of the teammates stick, there was a play on the PP where Teuvo is receiving a pass behind the net and SJones comes barreling around behind his own net and almost creates a turnover, then i believe what i saw on the PK was the puck was right there on his right side to shoot it out he sees a team mate near him pauses for a moment ends up turning the puck over in his own end which led to s penalty to Foligno and the game winning goal. So yea 20 minutes a night for the talented with no hockey sense defenseman would be great.

I also can see why Boston let us have Taylor Hall, he's done

We disagree on this and it is ok.

Moving D!ckinson to the 2C would weaken the 3rd line. But if would give the Hawks two decent top two lines.

Mikheyev has shown speed, smarts, a 200' game and some offensive skills. I would say he is a very similar player to Kurashev. Middle 6 winger. I am willing to give Bertuzzi a longer audition, but so far he has not been impressive on the 1st or 2nd line.

I would say our best forwards are Bedard, TT, Hall, D!ckinson, Kurashev and Mikheyev. I know there is not much physicality in that group. Foligno and Bertuzzi bring more physicality. But they are not really offensive line drivers.
- Ztra

With the way that third line looked last game, and the fancies confirmed it, I would leave them alone. Whatever improvements the second line would make with D!ckinson, the impact on the third line would be more significant, IMHO. There are some deficiencies on this team, 2nd line center and Foligno on the first line are obvious ones. If Nazar was brought up, it would probably improve their offense on the 2nd line, but not sure how much it would hurt them defensively, maybe not much, as Kurashev is not exactly a Selke candidate. I guess we just have to be patient and wait for the kiddies to make their way to the NHL. In the meantime, at least they’re watchable.

With the way that third line looked last game, and the fancies confirmed it, I would leave them alone. Whatever improvements the second line would make with D!ckinson, the impact on the third line would be more significant, IMHO. There are some deficiencies on this team, 2nd line center and Foligno on the first line are obvious ones. If Nazar was brought up, it would probably improve their offense on the 2nd line, but not sure how much it would hurt them defensively, maybe not much, as Kurashev is not exactly a Selke candidate. I guess we just have to be patient and wait for the kiddies to make their way to the NHL. In the meantime, at least they’re watchable.
- Angotti

I just don't understand why they refuse to play Kurashev with Bedard? Unless I'm wrong LA but i haven't seen those 2 together much this year.

Another thing that kind of bothers me is why do i see Bedard on the right wall on the power play?

I'm really beginning to think SFG is right.

Good to see you posting, Rain.

I know I'm more excited to see Hawk games this yr. Watching them this yr shows you just how bad they've been. Nice to be in every game going into the 3rd. ....... But, IIRC the Hawks are the 2nd oldest team in the league but a culture and expectations are being set for the flood of young well regarded prospects that will flood the NHL roster.. In 3-4 yrs or so they'll be one of the yougest rosters in the league.
- Mr Ricochet

Good to be seen......

Hope you're doing well.

I just like this direction. How many years did we all question rushing young guys up who werent ready? Could KK still be up here and playing top 4 minutes? 100% but for his LONG HAUL development best to put him down in the AHL, tweak his game, play in a lot of different situations and hopefully push his ceiling even higher as a pro.

I also like they have most guys slotted where they should be vs just throwing guys out there. making them earn their ice time vs just handing it to them, and again...making the young guys prove they are ready vs rushing them.

I hope Reichel FINALLY hits his stride. I really do but when he gets his chance in the lineup (guessing tonight), I hope he takes the opportunity and runs with it. Makes himself visible in a good way and builds up some confidence because at what point does he become a Marty St Pierre where he can produce in the AHL but not in the NHL? That's where his value as a trade chip has to be watched very closely by hockey ops so they don't end up holding on to him too long with little value instead of trading him off earlier IF they feel his ceiling will never get higher.

Be nice to win a few on this homestand and see what this team can do with some confidence and a more veteran room with the RIGHT veterans speaking...

I'm just wondering is Hall actually better than Nazar at this point of his career?

I also can see why Boston let us have Taylor Hall, he's done
- BetweenTheDots

Maybe, but let’s give him 20 games to see. He’s not the only one struggling on that 2nd line.

I also can see why Boston let us have Taylor Hall, he's done
- BetweenTheDots

At first, I thought it was rust, but now I think that the body is not responding to what his mind is telling it to do. It also doesn't help that he and Kurashev are definitely not on the same page. a couple of times he was expecting Kurashev to pass to him, and the look on his face when he didn't was one of utter frustration.

Good to be seen......

Hope you're doing well.

I just like this direction. How many years did we all question rushing young guys up who werent ready? Could KK still be up here and playing top 4 minutes? 100% but for his LONG HAUL development best to put him down in the AHL, tweak his game, play in a lot of different situations and hopefully push his ceiling even higher as a pro.

I also like they have most guys slotted where they should be vs just throwing guys out there. making them earn their ice time vs just handing it to them, and again...making the young guys prove they are ready vs rushing them.

I hope Reichel FINALLY hits his stride. I really do but when he gets his chance in the lineup (guessing tonight), I hope he takes the opportunity and runs with it. Makes himself visible in a good way and builds up some confidence because at what point does he become a Marty St Pierre where he can produce in the AHL but not in the NHL? That's where his value as a trade chip has to be watched very closely by hockey ops so they don't end up holding on to him too long with little value instead of trading him off earlier IF they feel his ceiling will never get higher.

Be nice to win a few on this homestand and see what this team can do with some confidence and a more veteran room with the RIGHT veterans speaking...
- SteveRain

If he does play which 2 linemates does he play with tonight, Maroon, Donato or Smith? Hahaha

Maybe, but let’s give him 20 games to see. He’s not the only one struggling on that 2nd line.
- Angotti

I suppose but to me he's just picked up where he left off before the injury

I just don't understand why they refuse to play Kurashev with Bedard? Unless I'm wrong LA but i haven't seen those 2 together much this year.

Another thing that kind of bothers me is why do i see Bedard on the right wall on the power play?

I'm really beginning to think SFG is right.
- BetweenTheDots

I think LR is hoping that Kurashev can produce without Bedard to spread around the scoring. Obviously with TT on his wing, Bedard's chances have not gone down and the fact TT is way more accomplished defensively is another reason you see TT on Bedard's wing.

I thought I read last year, that Bedard would rather be on the right side on the PP. His forte is the wrister, not the one timers he gets on his off wing.

I think LR is hoping that Kurashev can produce without Bedard to spread around the scoring. Obviously with TT on his wing, Bedard's chances have not gone down and the fact TT is way more accomplished defensively is another reason you see TT on Bedard's wing.

I thought I read last year, that Bedard would rather be on the right side on the PP. His forte is the wrister, not the one timers he gets on his off wing.
- LAHawk

God I miss Teuvo.

Dude is just the smartest one around.

I'm just wondering is Hall actually better than Nazar at this point of his career?
- BetweenTheDots

THey didn't "Let us have him" it was a cap dump to get compliant.

He's also coming off an ACL surgery and that takes time. I think he's been far more noticeable in a good way (Creating chances, getting shots) vs Bertuzzi who just floats around like a disengaged beer leaguer refusing to come off the ice. You could say has been their worst forward so far early this season from the eye test alone. He has 0 points...and guessing he's 1 of very few left on the F side of things to get on the scoresheet. Be one thing if he were injecting himself on a physicality/pest scale but I dont' recall seeing much of that either. Expected a LOT more from this guy.

Again, 4 games in....and could be finding himself on a new team, but lets hope we aren't rehashing this convo after 20 games.

If he does play which 2 linemates does he play with tonight, Maroon, Donato or Smith? Hahaha
- BetweenTheDots

I'd put him with AA and Richardinson.

Well anyways thanks for letting me rant, i hope they come out tonight and finish their checks and play sound defensively. And get a good signal with my antenna. Danny should be embarrassed by not doing his due diligence and providing quality service to his fans, what an a sshole

THey didn't "Let us have him" it was a cap dump to get compliant.

He's also coming off an ACL surgery and that takes time. I think he's been far more noticeable in a good way (Creating chances, getting shots) vs Bertuzzi who just floats around like a disengaged beer leaguer refusing to come off the ice. You could say has been their worst forward so far early this season from the eye test alone. He has 0 points...and guessing he's 1 of very few left on the F side of things to get on the scoresheet. Be one thing if he were injecting himself on a physicality/pest scale but I dont' recall seeing much of that either. Expected a LOT more from this guy.

Again, 4 games in....and could be finding himself on a new team, but lets hope we aren't rehashing this convo after 20 games.
- SteveRain

Who is going to trade for him with that cap hit? 4 x $5.5. He signed a one year contract last year with Toronto because nobody wanted to give him what he wanted. Toronto decided between Domi and Bertuzzi after last year and decided to resign Domi.