3-1-3-1-1

Best part of yesterday was a Bamford-ism. I am hoping the game got him flustered when writing -but his post-game had the following:

"The Blackhawks scored once — and allowed a short-handed goal — on the power play. "

Most shorthanded goals (actually every one ) come when you are on the Power Play (and I seriously doubt that needs to be explained herein -for the record). . . unless Bettman managed to get that rule changed too -- I guess, you never know.. . .

Based on the Covid protocols for the AHL and NHL, if they have tested positive for Covid, they must remain in isolation for 10 days until the team physician allows them to come out of isolation. With the flu, feel better, hydrate and hit the ice.

A physician friend with a major sports franchise has said that the teams have stopped asking for the doctors to test for covid so the player can become available when the player feels better.
- wizardofi

I rest my case

I rest my case
- Assman22

Yes, so definitely not covid or they would sit for 10 days vs a couple of days for the flu.

Your density is showing.

So what’s Davidson’s next move? The drafted prospects hopefully will start trickling in over the next four years. He can’t risk promoting them in a panic and have a situation where they aren’t ready to play at that level. The veterans aren’t defining a culture for the team. Some are just washed up while others are going through the motions. Any trades or free agent acquisitions must factor in how the player fits both short and long term. My fear is next season sees a repeat and the team once again is unable to compete and ownership brings in a new GM with a different philosophy.
- paulr

Davidson has already used up two bullets in attempts to turn the season around. 1) firing Davidson and 2) giving the boys a piece of his mind during his post game visit to the locker room at the Winter Classic. We now know those bullets were blanks based on how the team has responded since those events.

I think KD will be given the summer and one more season to show some progress. So, what's left to do after he loads up with real ammo?

1. I say they need a veteran coach who isn't afraid to rock the boat, hurt player's feelings if necessary, and change the culture. Who's the closest thing to Torts? Q would be a good choice, but he is persona non grata around here. Who else is available? Gallant? Hitchcock? Sutter?

2. IMO, there is at least one big elephant in the room that needs to be cleared out. Yep, #4. Don't care how KD does it, short of packaging a bunch of assets as sweeteners to trade him, but he is hurting the team. If others want out of this dumpster fire, get rid of them too.

By the way, Reichel won all seven of his faceoffs last night, along with a nice assist on Crevier’s goal. Just play the kid with some talented linemates for the rest of the year, there’s much to gain and absolutely nothing to lose.

By the way, Reichel won all seven of his faceoffs last night, along with a nice assist on Crevier’s goal. Just play the kid with some talented linemates for the rest of the year, there’s much to gain and absolutely nothing to lose.
- Angotti

Yeah, I'm not sure where the criticism of Reichel is coming from regarding last night's game. I was actually happy with him. Strong on the puck, set up teammates a number of times and was generally one of the better forwards.

My buddy just sent me Pronman's "top players and prospects under 23":

Nazar isn't listed, but Reichel, Dach, Moore, Rinzel, Lev, KK, Boisvert, Kantserov, and Bedard (number 3 behind Celebrini and Stutzle) are.

Apparently, Pronman has had some kind of grudge against Nazar since he was drafted.

Yeah, I'm not sure where the criticism of Reichel is coming from regarding last night's game. I was actually happy with him. Strong on the puck, set up teammates a number of times and was generally one of the better forwards.
- Chunk

The self proclaimed all knowing insider dismissed his game last night and labeled him a bust.

The self proclaimed all knowing insider dismissed his game last night and labeled him a bust.
- paulr

Heck, I've been pretty down on Reichel for a while now (basically all of this year), but last night he was not the problem. I actually liked what he was doing with the skilled guys.

Hall, Jones, and Maroon were utterly useless to me.

Heck, I've been pretty down on Reichel for a while now (basically all of this year), but last night he was not the problem. I actually liked what he was doing with the skilled guys.

Hall, Jones, and Maroon were utterly useless to me.
- Chunk

I agree with your original point. Put Reichel on a line with a couple of guys that can possibly allow Reichel to show what he can do. It’s possible he may fail and in fact be a bust, but he’s two seasons has to be given every chance possible. I’d be interested to see what he’d be like with Nazar as a linemate.

Hopefully Rinzel, Moore and others sign their contracts.

I do think they need to really begin considering moving on without Jones.

Free agency, trade, he needs to find at least a legitimate top 6 forward. One this year and probably another next year.
- BetweenTheDots

Think it was mentioned last week or so. Rockford is going to be loaded next year with Rinzel, Vanacker, Lardis, James, Greene, Thompson, Hayes, Savoie, Misiak, Luds, Anderson, etc and whoever they pick with their top choice this June. Unsure what other collegiate guys will 100% sign besides Rinzel atm.

By the way, Reichel won all seven of his faceoffs last night, along with a nice assist on Crevier’s goal. Just play the kid with some talented linemates for the rest of the year, there’s much to gain and absolutely nothing to lose.
- Angotti

His FO% was 37.1% entering last night's game, unfortunately. He was 43.4% last year. We all want to see Reichel succeed. I hope last night marks a sea change in that regard for him.

To your point about #4 earlier, he was -4 last night, and it was noticeable. For comparison, they were 6-9-1 when he was out of the lineup, if my counting was correct, with them winning the last three games of that stretch. Guessing he's not 100% since coming back, which would make a trade harder to do. A good stretch of games for him would hopefully be a sell high opportunity.

They're playing three rookies on defense, plus Seth and the hobbled Martinez. But thankfully not Brodie. And Murphy is still out.

If we're lucky, this team will look a little different by the deadline, which is March 7 this year. Maroon, Smith, Donato are likely gone. Hall is probably not going to get traded unless he gets hot. Martinez needs to be healthy again. I'll leave it to the board to figure out who else gets called up as the trades happen.

My buddy just sent me Pronman's "top players and prospects under 23":

Nazar isn't listed, but Reichel, Dach, Moore, Rinzel, Lev, KK, Boisvert, Kantserov, and Bedard (number 3 behind Celebrini and Stutzle) are.

Apparently, Pronman has had some kind of grudge against Nazar since he was drafted.
- Chunk

Pronman's a choad and a hack

His FO% was 37.1% entering last night's game, unfortunately. He was 43.4% last year. We all want to see Reichel succeed. I hope last night marks a sea change in that regard for him.

To your point about #4 earlier, he was -4 last night, and it was noticeable. For comparison, they were 6-9-1 when he was out of the lineup, if my counting was correct, with them winning the last three games of that stretch. Guessing he's not 100% since coming back, which would make a trade harder to do. A good stretch of games for him would hopefully be a sell high opportunity.

They're playing three rookies on defense, plus Seth and the hobbled Martinez. But thankfully not Brodie. And Murphy is still out.

If we're lucky, this team will look a little different by the deadline, which is March 7 this year. Maroon, Smith, Donato are likely gone. Hall is probably not going to get traded unless he gets hot. Martinez needs to be healthy again. I'll leave it to the board to figure out who else gets called up as the trades happen.
- 333inthe3rd

I don't think it really matters if he has a little bit of an uptick or not. It will basically just come down to how much salary KD is willing to eat/what number someone else is willing to acquire him at. There is no good reason to keep him on the team at this point. He's not providing "leadership" and he's not playing with any responsibility.

As much as people dog on Murphy, he plays a steady, responsible game. He's not in the best shape anymore, so he gets beat, but it's not because he's lazy or doesn't care. Too bad he's got this groin thing. Wouldn't surprise me if he's out the rest of the year again.

I don't think it really matters if he has a little bit of an uptick or not. It will basically just come down to how much salary KD is willing to eat/what number someone else is willing to acquire him at. There is no good reason to keep him on the team at this point. He's not providing "leadership" and he's not playing with any responsibility.

As much as people dog on Murphy, he plays a steady, responsible game. He's not in the best shape anymore, so he gets beat, but it's not because he's lazy or doesn't care. Too bad he's got this groin thing. Wouldn't surprise me if he's out the rest of the year again.
- Chunk

Just saying he's even less tradable if he's playing hurt. It will be hard enough if he's 100%.

Just saying he's even less tradable if he's playing hurt. It will be hard enough if he's 100%.
- 333inthe3rd

Oh, for sure. I don't think that's the case. I was reading an interview with him about a week or so ago, and he thinks they need to go back to playing low event hockey to keep the game close.

If I had to put money on it, I think he just doesn't like the new system and it's affecting his play.

Think it was mentioned last week or so. Rockford is going to be loaded next year with Rinzel, Vanacker, Lardis, James, Greene, Thompson, Hayes, Savoie, Misiak, Luds, Anderson, etc and whoever they pick with their top choice this June. Unsure what other collegiate guys will 100% sign besides Rinzel atm.
- Assman22

Small point but this year's guy in June likely won't be eligible. It's going to take some time for newbies to adjust to the heavy AHL style of play.

So what’s Davidson’s next move? The drafted prospects hopefully will start trickling in over the next four years. He can’t risk promoting them in a panic and have a situation where they aren’t ready to play at that level. The veterans aren’t defining a culture for the team. Some are just washed up while others are going through the motions. Any trades or free agent acquisitions must factor in how the player fits both short and long term. My fear is next season sees a repeat and the team once again is unable to compete and ownership brings in a new GM with a different philosophy.
- paulr

I hope the "no time line" time line won't be up.

I mentioned this about a month ago, and was mocked for it.
- dahawks8819

I'm willing to accept they aren't good enough to implement any plans.

His FO% was 37.1% entering last night's game, unfortunately. He was 43.4% last year. We all want to see Reichel succeed. I hope last night marks a sea change in that regard for him.

To your point about #4 earlier, he was -4 last night, and it was noticeable. For comparison, they were 6-9-1 when he was out of the lineup, if my counting was correct, with them winning the last three games of that stretch. Guessing he's not 100% since coming back, which would make a trade harder to do. A good stretch of games for him would hopefully be a sell high opportunity.

They're playing three rookies on defense, plus Seth and the hobbled Martinez. But thankfully not Brodie. And Murphy is still out.

If we're lucky, this team will look a little different by the deadline, which is March 7 this year. Maroon, Smith, Donato are likely gone. Hall is probably not going to get traded unless he gets hot. Martinez needs to be healthy again. I'll leave it to the board to figure out who else gets called up as the trades happen.
- 333inthe3rd

TBH, I’ve always defended Jones here, always thought that he was a good top four that was just overpaid. His play since he got back from his injury has been atrocious, he’s been a detriment to this team. My hope is like yours, that he turns it around and builds up his value somehow. This team will definitely look different after the trade line, however not sure it will be better, the improvement will come from moves this offseason plus the experience that the young ones are getting this year.

Just saying he's even less tradable if he's playing hurt. It will be hard enough if he's 100%.
- 333inthe3rd

If the objective is to trade him, trading him right now may not make the most sense.

More teams right now are going to be looking for rentals rather than guys with long term and does it makes sense to take a vet when he is struggling the most, when his value is suppressed and then try to make a deal?

Fans are passionate, but I hope they don't do a knee jerk reaction without cause, because we don't see the locker room side of things. We can't measure things like leadership or see the full picture like the coaches, staff, GM, etc..

Not saying don't trade him if the deal is right, but might not be much reason to force it. I think it has to be a well thought out decision to trade a guy with 5 years left on his deal and not based on a handful of bad games in the middle of a lost season.

We didn't win or lose this season based on Jones being here or not being here. If he isn't part of the long term picture, I'm sure KD already has his idea for what he will do.

New NA prospect rankings.

https://media.nhl.com/public/news/18557

Yes, so definitely not covid or they would sit for 10 days vs a couple of days for the flu.

Your density is showing.
- wizardofi

As you stated, they don’t test for it (and haven’t in years) thus you don’t see anyone sitting for 10 days. They shortened it to 5 days btw in late 2021. They don’t test for either illness. The player simply returns when he feels better. Your ignorance is showing. It’s not 2021 anymore. Please get back to Hockey wizardofignorance

Think it was mentioned last week or so. Rockford is going to be loaded next year with Rinzel, Vanacker, Lardis, James, Greene, Thompson, Hayes, Savoie, Misiak, Luds, Anderson, etc and whoever they pick with their top choice this June. Unsure what other collegiate guys will 100% sign besides Rinzel atm.
- Assman22

My best guess:

Up to CHI: Nazar, Dach, Slaggert

Return to ROC: Ludwinski, Hayes, Savoie
In from college: Moore, Greene, Thompson, James, Rinzel, Harding(?)
In from OHL: Misiak, Lardis, Pharand

Out (no room): Guttman, Luypen, Marcel

Draft: 2-3-3-3-3, Misa or Martone - Magical Mystery Tour (NHL 9 games, AHL, World Juniors, OHL). Hagens would go to BC.

(edit) 2026-27: Kantserov, Vanacker, Spellacy, Boisvert, Felcman, Pridham(?), Henry - overloaded, some guys will be up to the NHL or out

Wonder if Kantserov could come over a year early and play in the AHL next year.