KD will have to work some magic to get rid of D!ckinson and his contract, would need to be part of a bigger package. I’m all for it, good riddance.
- Angotti

I could see it being possible but my feeling is just that if he is healthy moving him won't be too difficult. His skating and scoring were down last season, but there are teams where he will check some boxes.

Reliable at the dot (takes a huge amount of draws)
Physical (one of the few we have that gets engaged on the boards a lot)
Very solid on the PK. (First forward usually over the boards on our decent PK)
Stands up for teammates (he has done that when needed)

He is on an expiring contract where he is being paid to be a 3rd liner and the cap is going to be somewhere around 96 million apparently. I think there will be teams that want to improve their PK and add a guy who can take a lot of draws.

I could see it being possible but my feeling is just that if he is healthy moving him won't be too difficult. His skating and scoring were down last season, but there are teams where he will check some boxes.

Reliable at the dot (takes a huge amount of draws)
Physical (one of the few we have that gets engaged on the boards a lot)
Very solid on the PK. (First forward usually over the boards on our decent PK)
Stands up for teammates (he has done that when needed)

He is on an expiring contract where he is being paid to be a 3rd liner and the cap is going to be somewhere around 96 million apparently. I think there will be teams that want to improve their PK and add a guy who can take a lot of draws.
- breadbag

I can certainly see him being dealt at the deadline, half retained. Just looking at projected cap space for next season, where do you see him landing if he goes this offseason? https://puckpedia.com/teams?s=2025-2026

It will be interesting to see how things shake out now that the Hawks picked their coaching staff (or mostly picked I guess). KD will have another voice giving feedback on the players and we'll see some different choices on lines/combos and who gets minutes. We might see some patterns change. It kind of gives some guys a bit of a fresh start to prove themselves to a new coach. Not saying everything is going to be completely different, but it might give a little motivation for some players to make a good impression.

I know most fans will be looking for the coach to stop changing the lines after every bit of adversity.

Won't he need one of those for Isaac Howard
- vabeachbear

Oh snap!

KD will have to work some magic to get rid of D!ckinson and his contract, would need to be part of a bigger package. I’m all for it, good riddance.
- Angotti

Nah, they still have to hit the cap floor. Could be flipped at the TDL tho

It will be interesting to see how things shake out now that the Hawks picked their coaching staff (or mostly picked I guess). KD will have another voice giving feedback on the players and we'll see some different choices on lines/combos and who gets minutes. We might see some patterns change. It kind of gives some guys a bit of a fresh start to prove themselves to a new coach. Not saying everything is going to be completely different, but it might give a little motivation for some players to make a good impression.

I know most fans will be looking for the coach to stop changing the lines after every bit of adversity.
- breadbag

I'm good with the coach so long as he doesn't make it all about himself, composure not to lose it on a player on the bench and understands it's a rebuild and to continue to develop and build the young players by being consistent about what his expectations are.

I really like Brindamours and Coopers system but Florida shows us it doesn't matter what your system is if you have a great forechecking team.

I kind of don't understand why Florida traded for Jones unless the plan was to replace Ekblad because the way they forecheck Jones looks great not having to play defense and when he does he has excellent support like last night one of the few times he had to make a play he got stick lifted but his team mate was right there to harmlessly take the puck out of the zone.

If Martone is a cross breed of the Tkachuks and Perry, I've got to draft him at number 3 OA. Cause those guys have as much impact as a Center does.

I can certainly see him being dealt at the deadline, half retained. Just looking at projected cap space for next season, where do you see him landing if he goes this offseason? https://puckpedia.com/teams?s=2025-2026
- 333inthe3rd

It could be the deadline too, but I just get the sense he wants out. I haven't spent time thinking about individual teams, but a lot of teams have a lot of space open at the moment. The UFA market has a handful of decent C but then it drops off very quickly. Teams are always looking for depth at C and there are a number of teams especially in the east that I think will be shaking things up.

Just one example, but maybe a team like NYI who will probably be losing a C in Brock Nelson. I think he would fit in with Winnipeg as another example. Maybe Philly. I think there are too many unknowns right now to really know.

I really like Brindamours and Coopers system but Florida shows us it doesn't matter what your system is if you have a great forechecking team.

I kind of don't understand why Florida traded for Jones unless the plan was to replace Ekblad because the way they forecheck Jones looks great not having to play defense and when he does he has excellent support like last night one of the few times he had to make a play he got stick lifted but his team mate was right there to harmlessly take the puck out of the zone.
- BetweenTheDots

I think it's pretty crystal clear. Jones has been a pillar for them and helped solidify that back end with the Ekblad uncertainty and his suspension. We basically gave them a new #1 D and they gave us a younger probable #1 G. He is the PP QB on a very effective PP. He is killing penalties. He is playing 25+ minutes a night and he is succeeding.

He isn't a Norris candidate and wasn't worth 9.5 million, but the guy is still really effective. I don't think it's just Florida has a good forecheck and it makes him look good. Good teams make their players looks good. They fit will together, they are well coached.

It could be the deadline too, but I just get the sense he wants out. I haven't spent time thinking about individual teams, but a lot of teams have a lot of space open at the moment. The UFA market has a handful of decent C but then it drops off very quickly. Teams are always looking for depth at C and there are a number of teams especially in the east that I think will be shaking things up.

Just one example, but maybe a team like NYI who will probably be losing a C in Brock Nelson. I think he would fit in with Winnipeg as another example. Maybe Philly. I think there are too many unknowns right now to really know.
- breadbag

One also has to look at how many slots are available on a given team, so it comes down to how much space per open slot. I haven't even looked at who all the UFA's are, and there's always a pecking order for how the open slots and money get used in the offseason. If he wants out and they feel compelled to make that happen, then that could impact the return as well, thinking back to the Trevor Daley example. They only have two retention slots, also, so they obviously need to have a plan how those are going to shake out.

I can certainly see him being dealt at the deadline, half retained. Just looking at projected cap space for next season, where do you see him landing if he goes this offseason? https://puckpedia.com/teams?s=2025-2026
- 333inthe3rd

Regarding D!ckinson, yeah I can see him dealt at the TDL. Problem is KFC will hold out for a 1st (like he did with Donato), not get it and probably let him walk for nothing at the end of the next season.

Speaking of walking after the season, any news about Donato signing here? They were supposedly close to an extension late in the season, but crickets since then.

Regarding D!ckinson, yeah I can see him dealt at the TDL. Problem is KFC will hold out for a 1st (like he did with Donato), not get it and probably let him walk for nothing at the end of the next season.

Speaking of walking after the season, any news about Donato signing here? They were supposedly close to an extension late in the season, but crickets since then.
- boilermaker100

I get the sentiment on KFC, but a high 3rd at half retained on Rantanen's cap hit got it done for Taylor Hall.

If Martone is a cross breed of the Tkachuks and Perry, I've got to draft him at number 3 OA. Cause those guys have as much impact as a Center does.
- BetweenTheDots

Same. Let’s do it Dots! Also eager to see how Desnoyers does vs London

A Wings beat writer covered the club every yr Blashill was coaching the team. He shares what he saw. Good read...... https://www.msn.com/en-us...18793b7b7468b043f29&ei=45

A Wings beat writer covered the club every yr Blashill was coaching the team. He shares what he saw. Good read...... https://www.msn.com/en-us...18793b7b7468b043f29&ei=45
- Mr Ricochet

Most important passage IMO:

“The pros are that he’ll give the straight goods to the players,” he said. “He’s honest to a fault. Blashill isn’t a screamer, but he also doesn’t suffer fools. The major con is that six of his seven NHL seasons are losing campaigns. So much of the game today is numbers-driven, and some won’t get beyond that. Perception is a funny animal. Rick Tocchet is viewed as a winner, yet he’s had two playoff appearances in nine seasons as an NHL head coach.”

Hopefully Boisvert, or Vanacker (even though he's not a C) can bring that type of game to the Hawks.

I've got three kids on my radar for next season - Moore, Greene, and Lardis.
- Chunk

I thought we determined that Boisvert was a bust because he can't skate

I could see it being possible but my feeling is just that if he is healthy moving him won't be too difficult. His skating and scoring were down laDefst season, but there are teams where he will check some boxes.

Reliable at the dot (takes a huge amount of draws)
Physical (one of the few we have that gets engaged on the boards a lot)
Very solid on the PK. (First forward usually over the boards on our decent PK)
Stands up for teammates (he has done that when needed)

He is on an expiring contract where he is being paid to be a 3rd liner and the cap is going to be somewhere around 96 million apparently. I think there will be teams that want to improve their PK and add a guy who can take a lot of draws.
- breadbag

Definately can see him being moved at the trade deadline to a contender, would imagine would bring a pretty good pick or young player back.

He's the kind of player teams need for the playoff push (unless your Carolina of course and as usual, they need scoring and goalie in the conf finals)

Most important passage IMO:

“The pros are that he’ll give the straight goods to the players,” he said. “He’s honest to a fault. Blashill isn’t a screamer, but he also doesn’t suffer fools. The major con is that six of his seven NHL seasons are losing campaigns. So much of the game today is numbers-driven, and some won’t get beyond that. Perception is a funny animal. Rick Tocchet is viewed as a winner, yet he’s had two playoff appearances in nine seasons as an NHL head coach.”
- Chunk

I imagine Blashill is doing a crash course of Blackhawk players, prospects and draft eligible players.

A Wings beat writer covered the club every yr Blashill was coaching the team. He shares what he saw. Good read...... https://www.msn.com/en-us...18793b7b7468b043f29&ei=45
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks for the read .Good info.

Most important passage IMO:

“The pros are that he’ll give the straight goods to the players,” he said. “He’s honest to a fault. Blashill isn’t a screamer, but he also doesn’t suffer fools. The major con is that six of his seven NHL seasons are losing campaigns. So much of the game today is numbers-driven, and some won’t get beyond that. Perception is a funny animal. Rick Tocchet is viewed as a winner, yet he’s had two playoff appearances in nine seasons as an NHL head coach.”
- Chunk

That stood out to me also . Perception is a funny animal

If Martone is a cross breed of the Tkachuks and Perry, I've got to draft him at number 3 OA. Cause those guys have as much impact as a Center does.
- BetweenTheDots

I agree .Saw a interview with Martone yesterday at the Worlds . Man I think this kid really gets it ,wish Bedard had gone great experience for the players .

I agree .Saw a interview with Martone yesterday at the Worlds . Man I think this kid really gets it ,wish Bedard had gone great experience for the players .
- oldduffman

He played last year didn't he? Scored 8 in 10GP? Wasn't that the same tournament? Him taking a bit off to reset and concentrate on getting ready for next year is likely a welcome development.

Most important passage IMO:

“The pros are that he’ll give the straight goods to the players,” he said. “He’s honest to a fault. Blashill isn’t a screamer, but he also doesn’t suffer fools. The major con is that six of his seven NHL seasons are losing campaigns. So much of the game today is numbers-driven, and some won’t get beyond that. Perception is a funny animal. Rick Tocchet is viewed as a winner, yet he’s had two playoff appearances in nine seasons as an NHL head coach.”
- Chunk

I haven't read much about Blashill but this is the best one I've found. Hunting down a beat writer who's reported on the Wings for going on 40 yrs is a very good resource.

Blashill sure might me a guy who gets a club to point B then hands over the reins to a guy who gets you to the promised land. But, for this team, with this roster, at this point in a total tear down you've got to love the resume and his reported strengths.

25 yrs of coaching, as an assistant and head coach, Jrs, college, AHL and Bigs seems to fit like a glove for a franchise entering a win now mode. A no short cuts play the game right kinda coach who connects with the kids this day and age.

I don't have The Athletic anymore but I haven't read what this hire will do for Bedard. The kid went home last summer and came back understanding his rookie yr ain't gonna cut it in the Bigs. That he knew he had to become a more complete player and his team wasn't gonna win with him outside his own blueline lookin to get sprung.

A novice could see he tried to pay attention to his own zone, become more complete, but he had no coaching/foundation to do so. .... The reports on Blashill seem to fit what Bedard needs. We'll see.

Dude has coached 25 yrs and was a goalie. https://www.hockeydb.com/...ts/pdisplay.php?pid=21964

He played last year didn't he? Scored 8 in 10GP? Wasn't that the same tournament? Him taking a bit off to reset and concentrate on getting ready for next year is likely a welcome development.
- Chunk

You are correct ,my mistake I forget (nothing new) ,yes 8 points in 10 games . My that changes everything. I am sure he knows what is best for his game ,they grow up so fast lol . And hey he ducked being on the Canadian team that lost to Denmark . No offence to Denmark they were full marks for the victory !! . Did you see the PK they were using ,triangle back with a rover .Never seen it before .