Hawks talking to Jeff Blashill about the head coaching position.He's been an assistant coach for Tampa the last 3 years. Thoughts?
- BGKarras

He's been well regarded pretty much wherever he's been. How many coaches needed a stop or two before they were shown to be good coaches.

Not my favorite option (Nelson), but certainly not the worst.

He's been well regarded pretty much wherever he's been. How many coaches needed a stop or two before they were shown to be good coaches.

Not my favorite option (Nelson), but certainly not the worst.
- Chunk

7 years in Detroit made the playoffs only once. His record 204-261-72. Sometimes stepping back and getting some perspective as a coach helps also he was studying under Copper who I have a lot of respect for. Not advocating for him but someone other than Sorenson please.

7 years in Detroit made the playoffs only once. His record 204-261-72. Sometimes stepping back and getting some perspective as a coach helps also he was studying under Copper who I have a lot of respect for. Not advocating for him but someone other than Sorenson please.
- BGKarras

I think it's tough to judge him too harshly considering that coaching is only one part of the team's success. He coached the tail end of Datsyuk (66 games) and the last few seasons of Zetterberg where his time was winding down. Larkin was the only thing close to a star player that he had, after that it's just a mix of guys like Mantha, Bertuzzi, Nyquist, Athanasiou, Nielsen, Abdelkader, Tatar, Helm, Glendening, etc. Not a lot there that screams "playoff bound" or "contender." There wasn't a top flight goalie in that org either.

I'm not a big Blashill guy, but a coach can only get so much from a sub-par or mediocre roster, which is mostly what they had.

Damn what a terrible goal to give up

Canes and Oilers so far

Looking like 3 teams going back to the semi finals

Hawks talking to Jeff Blashill about the head coaching position.He's been an assistant coach for Tampa the last 3 years. Thoughts?
- BGKarras

He was with the Wings at the end of their playoff run, and around Jon Cooper for the last three years in Tampa, that can’t be bad. I don’t know much about his coaching philosophy, however I believe that he coached Tampa’s defense. If hired, he would need to bring in a good offensive assistant coach, because King is not it. Blashill has seven years of head coaching experience in the NHL and the three years with the aforementioned Cooper, that’s a much better resume than every Hawks coach since Q.

Hawks talking to Jeff Blashill about the head coaching position.He's been an assistant coach for Tampa the last 3 years. Thoughts?
- BGKarras

He'd be great, for Rockford.

Question to board jersey looking to move Hamilton contract would the Hawks have any interest? If so what would the traded look like? Imo pass

Canes and Oilers so far

Looking like 3 teams going back to the semi finals
- BetweenTheDots

That Chicago-owned Tronto 1st rounder has jumped up to #26.

The best possible is slot#25, which happens if the Jets don't come back.

The higher the slot the quicker to select their guy.

Question to board jersey looking to move Hamilton contract would the Hawks have any interest? If so what would the traded look like? Imo pass
- Scott1977

31 yr old Hamilton makes nine million through 2028.
He comes in and naturally usurps big San Rinzel on the pp.

31 yr old Hamilton makes nine million through 2028.
He comes in and naturally usurps big San Rinzel on the pp.
- wiz1901

I think we should see what we have over a full season. Hamilton doesn't move the needle that much for what he will demand.

I think we should see what we have over a full season. Hamilton doesn't move the needle that much for what he will demand.
- wizardofi

I’d pass, go with the kids. If anything sign a cheap vet (more reliable than Brodie)for the 7th defenseman spot.

Question to board jersey looking to move Hamilton contract would the Hawks have any interest? If so what would the traded look like? Imo pass
- Scott1977

Didn't the Hawks literally just pull off a magic trick unloading basically the same guy?

I’d pass, go with the kids. If anything sign a cheap vet (more reliable than Brodie)for the 7th defenseman spot.
- Angotti

Most of this is going to depend on the coach and what he deems is most important from his d-corps. If he thinks they need someone steadier back there, they'll go searching for that.

Along those lines, I'm start to get less concerned about who they choose as coach. As long as they get a guy who doesn't completely ruin the kids and can push them forward to some modest improvements in the standings, I think that's good enough for now - especially since very few are expecting any huge improvement in their results. The expectation right now is that they will slowly climb out of the basement isn't it? At the end of the day, the quality of the players is more important than the coach, isn't it?

From Pronman at the Athletic. He has an article about which prospects have the best skill sets suited for the playoffs. His top 5.

Schaefer - It’s easy to envision Schaefer playing half of some playoff games. His skating will be an impact trait with how well he kills plays and transitions pucks up ice. He’s hard to play against and gives a consistently great effort on top of having a lot of offense in his game. He has star potential and could be a foundational piece of a winning team.

Misa - Misa thrives in transition. He’s not going to run opponents over, but he attacks through high-end speed and skill, and competes well enough to win plenty of pucks. He will more than be able to handle the postseason pace while providing plenty of offense.

Martone - Martone brings a rare mix of size, touch and edge. His skating is a question, but playoff hockey suits his game. He can lean on defenders, battle net-front and create plenty of chances in the high-percentage areas.

Desnoyers - Desnoyers is a coach’s dream down the middle. He’s efficient, plays a full 200-foot game and has the skating and size to survive grinding series. He can match up against top lines and hold his own. In a playoff context, he projects as a dependable all-situations pivot who is detailed without the puck and can provide scoring as well.

O'Brien - O’Brien is known for his high-end hockey sense. But what is really appealing about O’Brien is that, on top of his flashy plays, he creates a ton of offense right at the net, especially at even-strength. He’s not physical, but he plays with courage and between that, his 6-2 frame and decent enough quickness, he could absolutely make an impact at the top level.

At #11 Hagens - This is the controversial one. Hagens’ skating and skill are undeniable, he’s the most talented offensive player in the draft. But he’s small, not overly physical, and against bigger players this season in college, he got pushed to the outside too much. College isn’t junior, and he looked excellent at the World Juniors with no issues on his compete, but if college defenders gave him trouble, how will NHL defensemen do when the refs put their whistles away?

Didn't the Hawks literally just pull off a magic trick unloading basically the same guy?
- Chunk

Holy crap i was thinking the samething, hahaha

Most of this is going to depend on the coach and what he deems is most important from his d-corps. If he thinks they need someone steadier back there, they'll go searching for that.

Along those lines, I'm start to get less concerned about who they choose as coach. As long as they get a guy who doesn't completely ruin the kids and can push them forward to some modest improvements in the standings, I think that's good enough for now - especially since very few are expecting any huge improvement in their results. The expectation right now is that they will slowly climb out of the basement isn't it? At the end of the day, the quality of the players is more important than the coach, isn't it?
- Chunk

Absolutely, however you don’t want a coach that will hinder the kids development either.

From Pronman at the Athletic. He has an article about which prospects have the best skill sets suited for the playoffs. His top 5.

Schaefer - It’s easy to envision Schaefer playing half of some playoff games. His skating will be an impact trait with how well he kills plays and transitions pucks up ice. He’s hard to play against and gives a consistently great effort on top of having a lot of offense in his game. He has star potential and could be a foundational piece of a winning team.

Misa - Misa thrives in transition. He’s not going to run opponents over, but he attacks through high-end speed and skill, and competes well enough to win plenty of pucks. He will more than be able to handle the postseason pace while providing plenty of offense.

Martone - Martone brings a rare mix of size, touch and edge. His skating is a question, but playoff hockey suits his game. He can lean on defenders, battle net-front and create plenty of chances in the high-percentage areas.

Desnoyers - Desnoyers is a coach’s dream down the middle. He’s efficient, plays a full 200-foot game and has the skating and size to survive grinding series. He can match up against top lines and hold his own. In a playoff context, he projects as a dependable all-situations pivot who is detailed without the puck and can provide scoring as well.

O'Brien - O’Brien is known for his high-end hockey sense. But what is really appealing about O’Brien is that, on top of his flashy plays, he creates a ton of offense right at the net, especially at even-strength. He’s not physical, but he plays with courage and between that, his 6-2 frame and decent enough quickness, he could absolutely make an impact at the top level.

At #11 Hagens - This is the controversial one. Hagens’ skating and skill are undeniable, he’s the most talented offensive player in the draft. But he’s small, not overly physical, and against bigger players this season in college, he got pushed to the outside too much. College isn’t junior, and he looked excellent at the World Juniors with no issues on his compete, but if college defenders gave him trouble, how will NHL defensemen do when the refs put their whistles away?
- boilermaker100

Watching Hagens highlights all I've got to say i can see why Wiz is high on him, i see a lot of showtime in him? How did Kane do in the playoffs? I'm thinking Kane would of been kept to the outside in college as well.

I hope they really dig deep and evaluate why he only ended up with a point per game, I've got a feeling it has a lot to do with team mates

I've watched 2 of these quarter final series and the 2 better skating teams won

Watching Hagens highlights all I've got to say i can see why Wiz is high on him, i see a lot of showtime in him? How did Kane do in the playoffs? I'm thinking Kane would of been kept to the outside in college as well.

I hope they really dig deep and evaluate why he only ended up with a point per game, I've got a feeling it has a lot to do with team mates

I've watched 2 of these quarter final series and the 2 better skating teams won
- BetweenTheDots

Points taken. It will be at least a couple more years until the Hawks make the playoffs and even longer until they make deeper runs. I don't know who KD will select. Best player available IMO and go from there.

Absolutely, however you don’t want a coach that will hinder the kids development either.
- Angotti

Yeah, I mentioned that in my post. I'm sure that will be taken into account. If they are just choosing between Blashill, Halpern, Hakstol, Nelson, etc., I think any of them work. I wouldn't be completely upset with Woodcroft either, as I think his background is solid. If it's not someone like Sullivan or Cooper, I think the choice is going to be "ok" regardless as long as they have some sort of history of success somewhere. JC, and LR were both very green in that regard.

From Pronman at the Athletic. He has an article about which prospects have the best skill sets suited for the playoffs. His top 5.

Schaefer - It’s easy to envision Schaefer playing half of some playoff games. His skating will be an impact trait with how well he kills plays and transitions pucks up ice. He’s hard to play against and gives a consistently great effort on top of having a lot of offense in his game. He has star potential and could be a foundational piece of a winning team.

Misa - Misa thrives in transition. He’s not going to run opponents over, but he attacks through high-end speed and skill, and competes well enough to win plenty of pucks. He will more than be able to handle the postseason pace while providing plenty of offense.

Martone - Martone brings a rare mix of size, touch and edge. His skating is a question, but playoff hockey suits his game. He can lean on defenders, battle net-front and create plenty of chances in the high-percentage areas.

Desnoyers - Desnoyers is a coach’s dream down the middle. He’s efficient, plays a full 200-foot game and has the skating and size to survive grinding series. He can match up against top lines and hold his own. In a playoff context, he projects as a dependable all-situations pivot who is detailed without the puck and can provide scoring as well.

O'Brien - O’Brien is known for his high-end hockey sense. But what is really appealing about O’Brien is that, on top of his flashy plays, he creates a ton of offense right at the net, especially at even-strength. He’s not physical, but he plays with courage and between that, his 6-2 frame and decent enough quickness, he could absolutely make an impact at the top level.

At #11 Hagens - This is the controversial one. Hagens’ skating and skill are undeniable, he’s the most talented offensive player in the draft. But he’s small, not overly physical, and against bigger players this season in college, he got pushed to the outside too much. College isn’t junior, and he looked excellent at the World Juniors with no issues on his compete, but if college defenders gave him trouble, how will NHL defensemen do when the refs put their whistles away?
- boilermaker100

Desnoyers continues to grow on me the more I read about him and watch his highlights. He's having a nice postseason too and if he happens to excel in the Memorial Cup starting next week I think I'll firmly be in the him at #3 (behind Schaefer and Misa) no matter what.

I also really like this little tidbit I found (hat tip to The Hockey Writers blog): "With 30 points (nine goals, 21 assists) in 16 games, he not only leads the QMJHL, but has a historic 1.88 point-per-game rate. Among draft-year players with at least 10 playoff games this century, only Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Drouin, and Jakub Voráček have reached 1.80 points per game—all were top-seven picks."

Pretty good company to be in.

Desnoyers continues to grow on me the more I read about him and watch his highlights. He's having a nice postseason too and if he happens to excel in the Memorial Cup starting next week I think I'll firmly be in the him at #3 (behind Schaefer and Misa) no matter what.
- TommyHawk

He’s been compared to Bergeron and Toews in that he’s a big two way forward who brings skill and a hard edge to his game. I’ve seen him play a few times but it’s difficult to really judge him because he plays in a weaker junior league.

I certainly wouldn't be opposed to it, but not sure if the Hawks have anything that would interest the Sens outside of a young D-man.

From the Sens writer:
Drake Batherson trade looming?

The deadline rumors seem to be coming back, and interestingly around Batherson. While the Senators haven't explicitly stated they are actively seeking to trade him, his trade-friendly contract and potential for a change of scenery have made him an attractive option for other teams. It is the third consecutive season in which he has scored 20+ goals and recorded 60+ points. That would have extended back even another season as he finished the 2021-22 season with 17 goals and 44 points in 46 games. Batherson is also in his prime at 27 years old and has two more years left on his steal of a deal.

I’d pass, go with the kids. If anything sign a cheap vet (more reliable than Brodie)for the 7th defenseman spot.
- Angotti

Murphy is our cheap vet.

Absolutely, however you don’t want a coach that will hinder the kids development either.
- Angotti

Next coach is in a tough spot: "you must develop the young players, oh and win more right away."