Everyone here likes Donato, including me, however I’m okay with letting him walk if he wants to get overpaid for a career year. Some GM is going to give him 5X$5M as he scores 14 goals next year, sometimes it’s best to walk away. He was worth $5M last year, however he won’t be going forward, we’ll see. If I’m wrong, am sure I’ll hear about it from this board, if it’s still around.
- Angotti

I agree KD has to keep in mind that the young guns contracts will be coming up soon like Rinzel,Nazar and so forth. Have to manage the cap regardless if it increases

Oh absolutely someone is going to overpay and good for him and his family.
- BGKarras

I think the guy who's key to keeping is Teuvo he's been great for Donato, Bertuzzi and Ilya, not to say those guys didn't earn some of those other goals which they did, just you need a guy who can put it on a tee for them.

I just wonder how much better our forecheck will be, Nazar is excellent at it, i think that's why Bedard wants to work on his speed he sees the impact Nazar is having by putting pressure on the puck.

Moore? I made a comment about what if he could be like McDavid, i know i sound like a homer, but that's what i love about drafting him late in the 1st, only a handful of kids can skate like 97 does, i was impressed with his soft hands the limited time i saw him, but i can imagine he's going to be one of them forechecking pain in the asses on the ice and hopefully the rest of his game develops right in front of our eyes.

That's why i loved the Rinzel pick, honestly after i heard the size and ability he had couldn't believe he was still on the board.

Everyone here likes Donato, including me, however I’m okay with letting him walk if he wants to get overpaid for a career year. Some GM is going to give him 5X$5M as he scores 14 goals next year, sometimes it’s best to walk away. He was worth $5M last year, however he won’t be going forward, we’ll see. If I’m wrong, am sure I’ll hear about it from this board, if it’s still around.
- Angotti

I have to agree, but can see him being an integral piece on a very good team playing 3rd and 4th line mins.

And Damn, missed 11K by 4 posts

Always good to see you posting, Steve............ If you were to tell me on May 23rd 2025 that the Hogs hire was more critical than the Hawks hire I'd listen.

Blashill may not get em to the promised land but what the RKF coach will be doing in the next 2-3-4 yrs developing the majority of prospects in the pipeline, with many more to follow, might make a bigger difference big picture.

I'd love it to be Sorensen as Hogs coach. Really like what he did with all the Dmen and kids like Slaggert and Nazar, especially, down on the farm...... Curious your thoughts on that Hog's vacancy, Steve.
- Mr Ricochet

I don't think there is enough room on the NHL roster for all the prospects in the pipeline even if only a few get there. Would be highly unusual to have a team develop a Cup contender without having to trade prospects for proven players at key times. Hoping the new Rockford coach is instilling NHL quality habits in the players so when scouts come to evaluate trades they are seeing what they want and the return is high. No reason to eek into the AHL playoffs on the play of Sanford, Seney, and Gutman when the real prospects need to play.

Too bad Blashill isn't coaching The IceHogs instead of the Blackhawks. He's in an almost no win situation with this roster.

Eventually, someone other than me, is going to ask why Davidson chose a retread who has never won a Playoff round instead of a retread with a Stanley Cup ring like, Torts, Sutter, Q, Laviolette, Julien, Bylsma, Crawford, Lemaire, or Robinson. I know some are as old as Wiz.

Someday there will be a book explaining all of this. Maybe Paul will write it.

Donato to test free agency per reports. Hawks made fair market value offer but you know some GM is gonna pay him more than he's worth. I liked Donato and now this team is going to lose their top scoring player.
- BGKarras

Could itbe he wanst to go back to the team he was drafted, the Bruins?

A donato departure just means reading less whining here about the Outrageous Hawk long term (?) signing, eating Cap no matter how few or amny goals he scores.

It is never good to lose a scorer from the previous season, but his UFA staus puts it his future in his hands...

Duff, after the lottery was drawn I thought, and posted, over the next 6ish weeks up until draft day I'm gonna enjoy the thought that Martone might be a Hawk.... Like any fan or franchise I'm on the lookout for a legit NHL power forward and Martone has that chance.

But there has never been an amateur or pro evaluator that doesn't have their miss column chalk full of big skilled guys who profile as NHL power forwards. There is a reason there are so few legit difference making power forwards in the NHL. They are rare and most don't make it.

I don't want the Hawks to draft Martone cuz I think they should. But if they do take him I know a group that has drafted well for 3 yrs thinks Martone will be what we all hope/think he'll be. ... Then I'll get really excited.

But, as of today I still think they draft Hagens. IMO to one degree or another he'll be some version of Jack Hughes.
- Mr Ricochet

Agree. If Misa is gone, Martone is not a bad pick. He seems to have that "playoff hockey" body and mentality.

That's why i loved the Rinzel pick, honestly after i heard the size and ability he had couldn't believe he was still on the board.
- BetweenTheDots

What is moire remarkable is how everything about his game line-up the way you desire each developmental guy ever drafted is that is tagged with fixing/playing skills developing/amturing into...but in ourcase, it happened and post college he simply is able to walk in and play!

Agree. If Misa is gone, Martone is not a bad pick. He seems to have that "playoff hockey" body and mentality.
- Matt_Foleys_bro

None of the guys in the top 8 candidates are not bringing in a strong player.

And tomorrow the only one playing for marbles on his "real" team is Desnyers, so six oclaock Eastern try and watch the Moncton team try and handle London in the Memorial Cup.

Too bad Blashill isn't coaching The IceHogs instead of the Blackhawks. He's in an almost no win situation with this roster.

Eventually, someone other than me, is going to ask why Davidson chose a retread who has never won a Playoff round instead of a retread with a Stanley Cup ring like, Torts, Sutter, Q, Laviolette, Julien, Bylsma, Crawford, Lemaire, or Robinson. I know some are as old as Wiz.
- stevefrmglencoe

Me? Wwll i never thought their first choise Luke would be around for a playoff run. So we now can see if another experienced guy lasts until the playoffs look close to achieveing.

And I do think there will be no high end trade for a all-star dominant player until the concensus from with in says, "Get the guy we need now."

My scenarios is acquiring Brady Tkachuk when he is truly asking out in Ottawa down the road.

https://nypost.com/2025/05/23/sports/islanders-hiring-mathieu-darche-as-gm-with-huge-to-do-list-waiting/

Darche in as Islanders GM. Who does he like for #1?
- totem

What's the over/under for the amount of time before they start calling him Douche?

I don't think there is enough room on the NHL roster for all the prospects in the pipeline even if only a few get there. Would be highly unusual to have a team develop a Cup contender without having to trade prospects for proven players at key times. Hoping the new Rockford coach is instilling NHL quality habits in the players so when scouts come to evaluate trades they are seeing what they want and the return is high. No reason to eek into the AHL playoffs on the play of Sanford, Seney, and Gutman when the real prospects need to play.

Too bad Blashill isn't coaching The IceHogs instead of the Blackhawks. He's in an almost no win situation with this roster.

Eventually, someone other than me, is going to ask why Davidson chose a retread who has never won a Playoff round instead of a retread with a Stanley Cup ring like, Torts, Sutter, Q, Laviolette, Julien, Bylsma, Crawford, Lemaire, or Robinson. I know some are as old as Wiz.

Someday there will be a book explaining all of this. Maybe Paul will write it.
- stevefrmglencoe

Lemaire and Robinson aren't coming to coach the Hawks.

Robinson is 73 and a Senior Consultant to Hockey Operations for the Blues. He's not coaching again. He was last behind a bench in 2017.

Crawford Left the ZSC Lions this past year due to mental health reasons.

Torts just burned out with both the Blue Jackets and Philly. Two younger teams.

Lemaire is almost 80 and also not coaching again.

Q was never going to set foot behind the Hawks bench ever again. If you don't understand why, then no one can help you.

Laviolette couldn't get NYR and NSH to be useful teams.

And on and on. Are these coaches really a better fit for this particular young Hawks squad than these old guys? He was given three rotted 2X4's and a broken wagon to ice in Detroit. I'm not over the moon on the guy, but he's got a crap ton of experience, 7 years as HC in the NHL, and just finished a stint coaching with Cooper who said he's a great hockey mind.

Lemaire and Robinson aren't coming to coach the Hawks.

Robinson is 73 and a Senior Consultant to Hockey Operations for the Blues. He's not coaching again. He was last behind a bench in 2017.

Crawford Left the ZSC Lions this past year due to mental health reasons.

Torts just burned out with both the Blue Jackets and Philly. Two younger teams.

Lemaire is almost 80 and also not coaching again.

Q was never going to set foot behind the Hawks bench ever again. If you don't understand why, then no one can help you.

Laviolette couldn't get NYR and NSH to be useful teams.

And on and on. Are these coaches really a better fit for this particular young Hawks squad than these old guys? He was given three rotted 2X4's and a broken wagon to ice in Detroit. I'm not over the moon on the guy, but he's got a crap ton of experience, 7 years as HC in the NHL, and just finished a stint coaching with Cooper who said he's a great hockey mind.
- Chunk

I don't think our friend understands they aren't a playoff team.

From what i hear he has the key ingredients that i want. Can you imagine Torts losing it on Bedard on the bench? Sounds like this coach deals with everything in house, sounds like he's going to continue to focus on the kids playing the right way? Probably take minutes then games away if they continue to step in the same hole each game.

I'm all for second chances but you know me if he starts doing things that make me scratch my head, then he probably won't be the guy when this roster is ready. By then the Blackhawks will become a desired destination if that is the case. Blashill was smart to take this job, i how he's wise when it comes to coaching. By the way it sounds like he does line blending as well....

I don't think our friend understands they aren't a playoff team.

From what i hear he has the key ingredients that i want. Can you imagine Torts losing it on Bedard on the bench? Sounds like this coach deals with everything in house, sounds like he's going to continue to focus on the kids playing the right way? Probably take minutes then games away if they continue to step in the same hole each game.

I'm all for second chances but you know me if he starts doing things that make me scratch my head, then he probably won't be the guy when this roster is ready. By then the Blackhawks will become a desired destination if that is the case. Blashill was smart to take this job, i how he's wise when it comes to coaching. By the way it sounds like he does line blending as well....
- BetweenTheDots

Every coach does line blending. It's kind of a necessity. It would be nice if they had set lines at least to begin with and then allow them to build some chemistry, so we'll see where that goes.

I don't think there is enough room on the NHL roster for all the prospects in the pipeline even if only a few get there. Would be highly unusual to have a team develop a Cup contender without having to trade prospects for proven players at key times. Hoping the new Rockford coach is instilling NHL quality habits in the players so when scouts come to evaluate trades they are seeing what they want and the return is high. No reason to eek into the AHL playoffs on the play of Sanford, Seney, and Gutman when the real prospects need to play.

Too bad Blashill isn't coaching The IceHogs instead of the Blackhawks. He's in an almost no win situation with this roster.

Eventually, someone other than me, is going to ask why Davidson chose a retread who has never won a Playoff round instead of a retread with a Stanley Cup ring like, Torts, Sutter, Q, Laviolette, Julien, Bylsma, Crawford, Lemaire, or Robinson. I know some are as old as Wiz.

Someday there will be a book explaining all of this. Maybe Paul will write it.
- stevefrmglencoe

I was trying to remember this guy's name when i read some of your posts, not that you don't make some good points, but can every single thing be negative?

Paul is an excellent writer btw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KvNt5NG-GM



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I was trying to remember this guy's name when i read some of your posts, not that you don't make some good points, but can every single thing be negative?

Paul is an excellent writer btw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KvNt5NG-GM




- vabeachbear[img][/img]

In Mopeville where Steve currently resides it can be. He’s definitely got a bit of Glum in him, with a tad of Eeyore and some Arlington Rob to boot.

You knew whoever the Hawks went with if it was anyone but Torts, Gallant or another retread who wears his welcome out in a year or two that Steve wouldn’t like it.

Hell, even if it was someone he wanted he’d still find something to complain about.

In Mopeville where Steve currently resides it can be. He’s definitely got a bit of Glum in him, with a tad of Eeyore and some Arlington Rob to boot.

You knew whoever the Hawks went with if it was anyone but Torts, Gallant or another retread who wears his welcome out in a year or two that Steve wouldn’t like it.

Hell, even if it was someone he wanted he’d still find something to complain about.
- HawkintheD

Steve definitely keeps this site entertained, what I want to know is how a guy from Glencoe can be so Eeyorish.

I don't think there is enough room on the NHL roster for all the prospects in the pipeline even if only a few get there. Would be highly unusual to have a team develop a Cup contender without having to trade prospects for proven players at key times. Hoping the new Rockford coach is instilling NHL quality habits in the players so when scouts come to evaluate trades they are seeing what they want and the return is high. No reason to eek into the AHL playoffs on the play of Sanford, Seney, and Gutman when the real prospects need to play.

Too bad Blashill isn't coaching The IceHogs instead of the Blackhawks. He's in an almost no win situation with this roster.

Eventually, someone other than me, is going to ask why Davidson chose a retread who has never won a Playoff round instead of a retread with a Stanley Cup ring like, Torts, Sutter, Q, Laviolette, Julien, Bylsma, Crawford, Lemaire, or Robinson. I know some are as old as Wiz.

Someday there will be a book explaining all of this. Maybe Paul will write it.
- stevefrmglencoe

With that logic Bill Belicheck would never have coached the Patriots.

I’m hoping Mason McTavish isn’t signed by July 1. I’d love to see KD offer sheet him. He’s a nasty piece of work who reminds me of a younger Sam Bennett.

Steve definitely keeps this site entertained, what I want to know is how a guy from Glencoe can be so Eeyorish.
- Angotti

Must be 2nd generation Glencoe

Got to give Blashill a chance. So his system didn't work with Det. Let's hope it works with the Hawks. This team needs experience behind the bench now as we've already tried the other direction....

Got to give Blashill a chance. So his system didn't work with Det. Let's hope it works with the Hawks. This team needs experience behind the bench now as we've already tried the other direction....
- Matt_Foleys_bro

Did his system not work or did he not have a good lineup? Scotty Bowman isn’t going to make a poor lineup win. Let’s see how Blashill does in the next two or three years. Can the team show improvement?

Did his system not work or did he not have a good lineup? Scotty Bowman isn’t going to make a poor lineup win. Let’s see how Blashill does in the next two or three years. Can the team show improvement?
- paulr

Good point. Now he's got different players, but they've just been through a couple of coaches and their systems. Might take a little time to get used to another new one.

But I can't see us going anywhere but up. We seemed to be starting to click more the last month of the season.

Maybe the QMJHL isn’t as weak as I thought. Moncton is giving London a good run. And despite not on the scoreboard Desnoyers looks really good. He doesn’t make mistakes.

I can't believe how soft Carolina has become, they seem so worried about getting checked they just blindly pass the puck away