Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Richardson had a long conversation with Reichel after practice. Turns out it was a positive conversation.

"He's not cheating on the offensive side. He's playing hard in the stick battles. He's showing he wants to stay in the lineup. I told him he's got to keep doing that and inch along some offense in there when you can and look to strike when you can. Hopefully he can get a little more time in the power play; we'll look to get him some of that."
- LAHawk

Kid stunk all preseason and all of last yr in the NHL. He sat the opening 4 games this yr and was told you won't get a shot until an injury happens. He got his chance 3 games ago and the naked eye has shown him to be active and not floating in those 3 games.. Something they've asked of him over and over and over since LR became coach.

What is the causation of this? The only difference I see is LR has been stern with him and made to sit and watch ONLY until an injury happens. Am I missing something?

Mario Tirabassi
@Mario_Tirabassi
#Blackhawks d-pairs look to be shaping up like this today:
Phillips-Jones
Kaiser-Murphy
Vlasic-Brodie


Mario Tirabassi
@Mario_Tirabassi
With Taylor Hall out today, 2nd line rotation is a mixture of:
Bertuzzi-Kurashev-Reichel-Athanasiou
- LAHawk

My personal opinion is LR should leave Reichel alone on L4 for 20ish games, assuming his feet keep moving and nose over the puck. Give the kid the consistency of the same mates and 4th line level opponents.

Then, and only then, start moving the kid up the lineup.

Taylor Hall on wanting to be with the Hawks long term.

https://www.dailyfaceoff....s-build-for-the-long-haul

If he has a choice, Hall is saying it now: He wants to be in Chicago. It’s too early to say if the feeling is mutual.

“I’d love to stay and be part of this,” Hall said. “I’ve moved around quite a bit, maybe more than I would’ve liked or planned at the start of my career. But it’s brought me and led me to some amazing people, and I’ve had a lot of great life experiences, and that’s made me grow up a lot. In saying that, I like it here, I like the organization. Most of all, I really like this team and the group of guys we have. I think I can be a good piece for us as we keep growing. If there was interest on their side, I’d definitely love to be around the team and help build this.”
- breadbag

Thanks for posting, BB........ I like what Hall brings to this organIzation. He's 33 in November and was never a guy who stayed completely healthy but slotted correctly when healthy he's useful both on and off the ice.

I could be sold on him being a Hawk on a 3 yr extension as a 3rd liner 2nd unit PP guy. ....... It'll be 3ish yrs before KD's draft picks start being a difference in the NHL and having Hall in that time might be a good move.

Defense looked good until Martinez went out with an injury, then it decayed into looking like last year's pile of poop. Coincidence ? I don't think it is. Hawks sure miss that 20 minutes of steady veteran presence he provides.

My personal opinion is LR should leave Reichel alone on L4 for 20ish games, assuming his feet keep moving and nose over the puck. Give the kid the consistency of the same mates and 4th line level opponents.

Then, and only then, start moving the kid up the lineup.
- Mr Ricochet

The only issue with this is that the 4th line is going to continually be in flux on this team until guys start to cement themselves into certain roles.

In theory, I agree with your premise (especially with earning his spot). However, in practice I think as long as he keeps show the coaches what they want, giving him extended time on different lines isn't going to ruin anything.

Kid stunk all preseason and all of last yr in the NHL. He sat the opening 4 games this yr and was told you won't get a shot until an injury happens. He got his chance 3 games ago and the naked eye has shown him to be active and not floating in those 3 games.. Something they've asked of him over and over and over since LR became coach.

What is the causation of this? The only difference I see is LR has been stern with him and made to sit and watch ONLY until an injury happens. Am I missing something?
- Mr Ricochet

I am ok with Hall sticking around although I am concerned that he is injury prone. He could be an asset on a young team as the team starts winning more. A veteran presence on and off ice is also a plus and the question to find agreement with player and team has to be what salary and term. If a new contract is to be drawn, two years with second season a team and player option. A $500 000 buyout in year two with salary $3.5 mill avg

Friday is next game for Icehogs so they had 4-5 days to reset and practice with defensive responsibilities the big focus both forwards and defense. Arty will be rusty with only a few practice sessions if he gets into the fray right away

I hope someone is able to see or we can get some legitimate report on T Harding and Kelly performance for Providence in Hockey East. They are a veteran pair vis - a - vis collegiate experience so I expect they shall look pretty good. Harding is a tall big guy and quite an intriguing talent

My thought of bedard so far: above average shot, decent set up ability, average skater, cannot create for himself, not a generational talent. Quite a drop off from players like mcdavid, crosby or mackinon. Just my opinion.
- LFS

If this is what your eyes are seeing there is nothing wrong with posting that. Just look at the solid thoughts your post has initiated.

I agree the kid has flaws but think he has generational traits in his shot, IQ and living and breathing hockey. How many of those flaws he fixes at the NHL level will in the end determine if he indeed has a generational career.

If nothing else his floor is very high, maybe even being Kane like.

I am ok with Hall sticking around although I am concerned that he is injury prone. He could be an asset on a young team as the team starts winning more. A veteran presence on and off ice is also a plus and the question to find agreement with player and team has to be what salary and term. If a new contract is to be drawn, two years with second season a team and player option. A $500 000 buyout in year two with salary $3.5 mill avg

Friday is next game for Icehogs so they had 4-5 days to reset and practice with defensive responsibilities the big focus both forwards and defense. Arty will be rusty with only a few practice sessions if he gets into the fray right away

I hope someone is able to see or we can get some legitimate report on T Harding and Kelly performance for Providence in Hockey East. They are a veteran pair vis - a - vis collegiate experience so I expect they shall look pretty good. Harding is a tall big guy and quite an intriguing talent
- jhawk59

Sounds good if he was a baseball or basketball player but this contract is not allowed under the current CBA.

For players that are 26 or older, a buyout is 2/3 of the remaining salary owed on the contract. For players that are under 26, a buyout is 1/3 of the remaining salary owed on the contract. All buyouts are spread out over twice the remaining years of the contract.

Defense looked good until Martinez went out with an injury, then it decayed into looking like last year's pile of poop. Coincidence ? I don't think it is. Hawks sure miss that 20 minutes of steady veteran presence he provides.
- LAHawk

Good post, LA. Martinez is a very very good hockey player and we see that since he's been out of the lineup....... Last night was the first time this yr the Hawks looked like they did last yr.

Guilty.


Fair enough. Certainly some recency bias in my statements, but I get frustrated as hell when you see him trying to do it by himself and he starts telegraphing his passes or trying to make plays through three guys.

"He's only 19".
"He's only 19".


- Chunk

And other than TT there's not anywhere else to go. Him trying to undress 3 guys is probably going to result in the same outcome as giving the puck to Foligno or even Jones in a lot of cases.

Only props I'll give captain know it all is that he will at least stand in the crease. Otherwise it's tough to take the team seriously when he's on L1 consistently.

If anything Bedard is not shooting enough. I think you'd like to see him closer to 40ish shots over 7 games rather than 25.

I am ok with Hall sticking around although I am concerned that he is injury prone. He could be an asset on a young team as the team starts winning more. A veteran presence on and off ice is also a plus and the question to find agreement with player and team has to be what salary and term. If a new contract is to be drawn, two years with second season a team and player option. A $500 000 buyout in year two with salary $3.5 mill avg

Friday is next game for Icehogs so they had 4-5 days to reset and practice with defensive responsibilities the big focus both forwards and defense. Arty will be rusty with only a few practice sessions if he gets into the fray right away

I hope someone is able to see or we can get some legitimate report on T Harding and Kelly performance for Providence in Hockey East. They are a veteran pair vis - a - vis collegiate experience so I expect they shall look pretty good. Harding is a tall big guy and quite an intriguing talent
- jhawk59

Bamford at Bleacher Nation does a running prospect update each week to let people know how everyone is playing. He includes College, Juniors and AHL. Sometimes he separates the AHL report.

What leads you to believe that he currently has the best shot in the league? Based on his scoring? There are many 50 goal scorers in the nhl who are not generational. I am willing to wait to see if he develops into the type of player we all thought he would be but right now he isnt even close. Right now i would settle for him to win a face off in our own end.
- LFS

The release, the accuracy and guys like Seravilli - who aren't homers, saying that it is the best in the league.

That is simply just not true. female doging about a PPG player on a dreadful team is about as silly as it gets.

Jack Hughes has been dreadful at the dot. Hasn't been an issue for him. McDavid wasn't over 50% until his 5th year. MacKinnon has been over 50% twice in his career (this year included so very incomplete).

The nitpicking for complaints on this player is seriously absurd.

If this is what your eyes are seeing there is nothing wrong with posting that. Just look at the solid thoughts your post has initiated.

I agree the kid has flaws but think he has generational traits in his shot, IQ and living and breathing hockey. How many of those flaws he fixes at the NHL level will in the end determine if he indeed has a generational career.

If nothing else his floor is very high, maybe even being Kane like.
- Mr Ricochet

That is why i said so far. Im hoping for the best.

The release, the accuracy and guys like Seravilli - who aren't homers, saying that it is the best in the league.

That is simply just not true. female doging about a PPG player on a dreadful team is about as silly as it gets.

Jack Hughes has been dreadful at the dot. Hasn't been an issue for him. McDavid wasn't over 50% until his 5th year. MacKinnon has been over 50% twice in his career (this year included so very incomplete).

The nitpicking for complaints on this player is seriously absurd.
- fattybeef

RIGHT NOW, we’re seeing two different players. Im not going to make excuses for him. I am not beeching about the kid, i am simply stating what i see in his play NOW. Currently i dont perceive a generational player, hopefully that will change.

Sounds good if he was a baseball or basketball player but this contract is not allowed under the current CBA.

For players that are 26 or older, a buyout is 2/3 of the remaining salary owed on the contract. For players that are under 26, a buyout is 1/3 of the remaining salary owed on the contract. All buyouts are spread out over twice the remaining years of the contract.
- LAHawk

And there are no optional years.

RIGHT NOW, we’re seeing two different players. Im not going to make excuses for him. I am not beeching about the kid, i am simply stating what i see in his play NOW. Currently i dont perceive a generational player, hopefully that will change.
- LFS

I have my doubts for sure how much Crosby could do with this team and a young McDavid as well.

Kid stunk all preseason and all of last yr in the NHL. He sat the opening 4 games this yr and was told you won't get a shot until an injury happens. He got his chance 3 games ago and the naked eye has shown him to be active and not floating in those 3 games.. Something they've asked of him over and over and over since LR became coach.

What is the causation of this? The only difference I see is LR has been stern with him and made to sit and watch ONLY until an injury happens. Am I missing something?
- Mr Ricochet

He didn't just stink this preseason he was non existent with one shot.

RIGHT NOW, we’re seeing two different players. Im not going to make excuses for him. I am not beeching about the kid, i am simply stating what i see in his play NOW. Currently i dont perceive a generational player, hopefully that will change.
- LFS

You are female doging. Right now he's a 19 year old PPG player. Those RARELY happen. The lack of appreciation for the talent level and current accomplishments does not align with reality.

And other than TT there's not anywhere else to go. Him trying to undress 3 guys is probably going to result in the same outcome as giving the puck to Foligno or even Jones in a lot of cases.

Only props I'll give captain know it all is that he will at least stand in the crease. Otherwise it's tough to take the team seriously when he's on L1 consistently.

If anything Bedard is not shooting enough. I think you'd like to see him closer to 40ish shots over 7 games rather than 25.
- fattybeef

I don't know if he can be shooting much more than he already is on a team that doesn't get up ice into the attacking zone enough. He is tied for 13th in shots among forwards and his "shots per game" is up from last season so far.

Bamford at Bleacher Nation does a running prospect update each week to let people know how everyone is playing. He includes College, Juniors and AHL. Sometimes he separates the AHL report.
- Chunk

https://www.eliteprospect...-blackhawks/in-the-system.

Click on "league" to sort players by league.

You are female doging. Right now he's a 19 year old PPG player. Those RARELY happen. The lack of appreciation for the talent level and current accomplishments does not align with reality.
- fattybeef

They really need to get more talent around him on the team.

I think Hall's return will depend on if/when some of the prospects in RFD show what they can do in the bigs.

That is why i said so far. Im hoping for the best.
- LFS

So far he’s an avg skater, decent play making ability, and only above avg shot?

He won rookie of the year at 18. This isn’t a so far opinion. It’s a so far after 6-7 games of this season opinion and it’s complete nonsense.

Austin Matthews only 5 points in 7 games so far. No longer an elite goal scorer. No longer an elite player.

So far he’s an avg skater, decent play making ability, and only above avg shot?

He won rookie of the year at 18. This isn’t a so far opinion. It’s a so far after 6-7 games of this season opinion and it’s complete nonsense.

Austin Matthews only 5 points in 7 games so far. No longer an elite goal scorer. No longer an elite player.
- bhawks2241

Then there was always Jonathan Toews the first 20 games of almost EVERY season.

When your team sucks you crap on your best player, even if he's only 19.
- rpeters01

Well the broadcasts are the complete reverse...the team is losing, not playing well, and all they want to do is a fan poll will Bedard get 40? or how many?