Canes/Hawks just don't match up well in a trade. They're in win now mode and the cupboard is bare. Hawks need NHL ready prospects. With that being said, KD will trade Mrazek to Canes for his own 3rd rounder back because we NEED MORE PICKS! It is interesting to see Carolina's roster has only 7 guys on the big club that were drafted by the team.
- Assman22

Look at the Rangers, Florida, Tampa, Vegas - not a lot of promotion from within.

Dallas is mostly internal. Colorado's big 3 were drafted, they got other guys. The Jets are mostly internal but what have they won.

Montreal, Ottawa, Buffalo have been rebuilding perpetually and still haven't taken the next step.

The wings and islanders are in similar positions.

It's a tough league to win in. Most of these teams have 3 studs they drafted and the rest is supplemented with trade and free agency. The Panthers have 2. Barkov and Ekblad their other top players were reclamation projects or mid round firsts that panned out.

The Hawks have
1. Bedard
2. Levshunov OR Korchinski
3. TBD (maybe Nazar if he comes close to the Point comp)

A few of those mid round picks are going to out kick their coverage. They can probably be somewhat more aggressive at this stage looking at how other successful teams are built and how dreadful doing it all through the draft seems to turn out.

Blues fire their coach Drew Bannister and hire Jim Montgomery, formerly of Boston.

Montgomery gets a five year contract, Per an Athletic article, Blues GM Armsstrong thought the team would compete for a playoff spot this season and felt Montgomery could better deliver that result since he was now available.

Blues fire their coach Drew Bannister and hire Jim Montgomery, formerly of Boston.

Montgomery gets a five year contract, Per an Athletic article, Blues GM Armsstrong thought the team would compete for a playoff spot this season and felt Montgomery could better deliver that result since he was now available.
- boilermaker100

Now you’ve done it, the horde will be calling for Richardson’s head because …. Because …. Well because.

Blues fire their coach Drew Bannister and hire Jim Montgomery, formerly of Boston.

Montgomery gets a five year contract, Per an Athletic article, Blues GM Armsstrong thought the team would compete for a playoff spot this season and felt Montgomery could better deliver that result since he was now available.
- boilermaker100

5 years is a huge contract for a coach. Could easily outlast the GM. Also says they may not compete as quickly as they thought.

Now you’ve done it, the horde will be calling for Richardson’s head because …. Because …. Well because.
- paulr

Yep, KD asleep at the wheel. We have to get Darth to photo shop those pictures of Stan taking a nap or eating potato chips and insert Kyle's face.

That's not the argument I've made. I've said little about their fancies.

Reichel and Philips (and you can loop Kurashev into that) are not good off the puck. They are constantly out of position defensively and Reichel and Kurashev are terrible at covering the trailing player. The nonsense they have Reichel doing now to build confidence - basically just having him skate around like a maniac while the other 4 players pack it in - is not going to cut it if they want him to be impactful long term.

Those players aren't a few steps behind the play or getting there late they just aren't in the play. Which is the opposite of someone like Korchinski or even Bedard (Kaiser before this year) - they were trying to get to the right spot or make the right play just didn't get there at a NHL speed.

Offensively they do not support the play effectively off the puck either. They skate around fast and look busy but it's not very helpful.

They are also very bad under pressure. Reichel, Kurashev and Philips do not make good plays consistently under pressure. They all have very nice athletic tools which look great when they have time, space and the puck on their blade but once that goes away it typically isn't a positive result. Kurashev, especially, should be over this by now. Reichel and Philips based on the time they've spent "marinating" should be building consistency but they continue to look lost and overwhelmed under pressure. The NHL is a fast high pressure league.

I'd put Donato in that category of a player without a lot of hockey sense that has all the "tools" but can't think the game at a high enough level to play with better players and produce consistent results. Kurashev is in that category and Reichel seems to be as well. It isn't a confidence issue it's a "how to play hockey" issue and I haven't seen anything from these guys that indicates they will be able to get over that.

EDM and Crevier don't have the feet to play in the NHL. I think EDM can move the puck reasonably well and kill penalties but ultimately his mobility is going to keep him out of the line up.
- fattybeef

Fatty, not sure if you mentioned fancies in your latest screed how the AHL is useless, but you do mention them often enough ,in fact corrected me on what turned out to be a long time misunderstanding of one of the fancies I had wrong. ....

We can pick a part each others posts and waste time "I never said this or that" but it comes down to you think the AHL is a waste for most prospects and I could not possibly disagree more. Correct? You say Reichel runs around cuz he's slow in the head and I say we're watching 2 different hockey games. Correct?

Like he was running around out of position with his give and go for the highlight reel goal with Maroon? ..... I will say this in your defense. I can't remember when a guy whose fancies don't match up with the eye test more than Riechel. I'll watch a game and the kid was all over making plays and check his fancies the next day and his CF is 44%. ... So even though the kid passes the eye test often enough he's under water in possession fancies so there is something to that, numbers are numbers.

But, and I'm so tired of repeating this, the kid was lost, told to see puck, get puck, take puck to the other goalie and if you don't you sit. I'd ask you, since then has there been a more dangerous Hawk?

And, it's incredible the consternation a statement that 3 kids who were late rd picks have developed into legit 3rd pairing possibilities and would add much of that has to do with developing at RKF.

As fans who lived thru Timmonen and Q running 4 Dmen thru 2-3 rds of NHL playoffs guys like Crevier and Phillips, who have shown they can get thru NHL games thru horrid circumstances as ROOKIES, are gold, especially at the league minimum salary........... In theory, 5 yrs from now the Hawks will be competing deep into the playoffs up against the cap and would love a Crevier or Phillips to add legit depth at 775k.

The Jay Zawaski crew made a good point after the game Saturday. Need to either make a move (bring up Nazar, make a trade) or fire the coach with how many games they've lost in the third period and the desperation line juggling. Probably should be roster moves first and then look at the coach but they can't continue the rest of the season like this. While Kyle didn't say they would have a playoff team he did say they wouldn't be bottom feeders.

Johnson had a pretty hot start to the season. Why would Columbus come off him though? Looks like Jiricek is the only guy available there. If they could get another really good veteran forward that would be a great place for Q to land with the size, skating and talent they have coming up.

Zegras should be available and from most accounts from Ducks fans his 2 way game has improved tremendously he just isn't scoring like the rest of the team. When McTavish comes back with Carlson at the other pivot - what's he gonna be a third line center there? Gotta wonder what the ask is.

Frost from Philly would be cheap. One of the comments on a flyers blogs was befuddlement related to why Nazar was in the AHL and assumed he would be available since it appears like the club soured on him. Kind of interesting to see a different clubs fans perspective.

I'd expect Ottawa to move a "core" piece more to rattle cages than anything else. I doubt they'd move Stutzle or TheChuck but Norris or Batherson may be available later in the season or in the off season.

Rossi is a lil guy but apparently Minnesota is going to move him. He doesn't suck.

New York probably can't pay everyone but I wouldn't expect them to make a move until the offseason. Kakko would be a nice get in combination with a more purely offensive piece.

And looking at previous trades.

Mark stone went for two prospects and a second.

All it cost for Sergachev was a prospect, a middle pairing defender, a second and a seventh. Not egregious for an actual no 1.

Ullmark went for an energy player, goalie prospect and a first.

Hertl went for a first but 2 thirds came back.

A lot of bodies went in the Guentzel trade but the Hawks aren't short there.

Hanafin was basically a first a third and a throw in.

Monohan was a first and a third.

Lindholm was some assets and disgruntled player and a first and a fourth.

Debrincat was a first, fourth and two guys.

Point being - it's not like these guys were unreasonably expensive. The Hawks just need to identify their guy and be willing to pay.
- fattybeef

The part about Nazar is truly fake news.

The Jay Zawaski crew made a good point after the game Saturday. Need to either make a move (bring up Nazar, make a trade) or fire the coach with how many games they've lost in the third period and the desperation line juggling. Probably should be roster moves first and then look at the coach but they can't continue the rest of the season like this. While Kyle didn't say they would have a playoff team he did say they wouldn't be bottom feeders.

Johnson had a pretty hot start to the season. Why would Columbus come off him though? Looks like Jiricek is the only guy available there. If they could get another really good veteran forward that would be a great place for Q to land with the size, skating and talent they have coming up.

Zegras should be available and from most accounts from Ducks fans his 2 way game has improved tremendously he just isn't scoring like the rest of the team. When McTavish comes back with Carlson at the other pivot - what's he gonna be a third line center there? Gotta wonder what the ask is.

Frost from Philly would be cheap. One of the comments on a flyers blogs was befuddlement related to why Nazar was in the AHL and assumed he would be available since it appears like the club soured on him. Kind of interesting to see a different clubs fans perspective.

I'd expect Ottawa to move a "core" piece more to rattle cages than anything else. I doubt they'd move Stutzle or TheChuck but Norris or Batherson may be available later in the season or in the off season.

Rossi is a lil guy but apparently Minnesota is going to move him. He doesn't suck.

New York probably can't pay everyone but I wouldn't expect them to make a move until the offseason. Kakko would be a nice get in combination with a more purely offensive piece.

And looking at previous trades.

Mark stone went for two prospects and a second.

All it cost for Sergachev was a prospect, a middle pairing defender, a second and a seventh. Not egregious for an actual no 1.

Ullmark went for an energy player, goalie prospect and a first.

Hertl went for a first but 2 thirds came back.

A lot of bodies went in the Guentzel trade but the Hawks aren't short there.

Hanafin was basically a first a third and a throw in.

Monohan was a first and a third.

Lindholm was some assets and disgruntled player and a first and a fourth.

Debrincat was a first, fourth and two guys.

Point being - it's not like these guys were unreasonably expensive. The Hawks just need to identify their guy and be willing to pay.
- fattybeef

It's hard to win the 3rd period when the puck is always in your end.

I don’t believe that Crevier and Phillips will be NHL defensemen, however from what I’ve seen of EDM, I do believe he will be a solid defensive dman in the league, probably not top four, but you never know. One more thing, have not read any negative posts on the BOD in regards to Murphy in weeks, not directed at you. He’s been solid back there, unless you get a very nice offer I’d keep him around, how long depends on Arty.
- Angotti

Lou, let me ask boiled down to what your eye sees. Is Crevier 6ft 7in and the reach that goes with that size? Is he a competent balanced skater? ..... Just that? 6ft 7in and a balanced skater?

Is that a pretty good foundation for a 7th rd pick?

Did you find it impressive for a 7th rd rookie kid that size on a putrid roster not to get caved in 25 NHL games last yr?

And one more question, was Crevier the Hawks best DMan yesterday? How many times did the kid handle a puck at the blueline and unhurried showed poise and touch putting it deep to a Hawk to continue a cycle? I counted 6-7. How many times from his own endline did he reach ALL the way to the wall to disrupt a Flyer? A few.

I was pumped to see Crevier draw in to see what the 2024 version has developed into and was really happy. In fact, I'd listen to an argument he was their best Dman yesterday. Showed me a load of poise, deft hands, head up, no glaring errors, balanced skating some solid outs and a ridiculous reach that was disruptive all game.

One or two NHL samples from him like that and I have em jumping over Phillips, who I like, on the depth chart. ...........

It's hard to win the 3rd period when the puck is always in your end.
- rpeters01

IMO the 3rd period was their worst this yr. You?.......... The first time this yr the club was in Chinese Fire Drill mode?

Hyperbole? Box score only says 1.
- Chunk

If I were being hyperbolic, I would have said Bedard had 16 turnovers not 8....... In case you missed the spirit of the post Bedard was a cough machine for 2-3 straight shifts in the 1st period.

“You see when he has the puck, the ability he has, the speed bursts, the quickness, his ability to create plays, but our hopes for Frankie long-term that he’s a top 200-foot center in the NHL for a long time to come,” Blackhawks assistant general manager of player development Mark Eaton said this week. “Just those little habits. I know Anders (Sorensen), Chris Kunitz have talked to him about kind of staying connected to the play, keeping those feet moving away from the puck, so that when he does get it, he’s already up to speed, not swinging away from plays, swinging into plays. Showing some Brayden Point videos and some of the habits that he has made him an elite center in the NHL.

“I think those are things that are best honed at the AHL level. I think he goes up now, the spotlight’s brighter. I think being in Rockford for a bit longer allows him to be comfortable, but also be comfortable learning new things and making mistakes and being under the spotlight. I think that’s the plan there with Frankie.”

Nazar will have plenty of opportunities to make his case for a call-up in the next weeks. The IceHogs have a busier-than-usual schedule coming up.

Offensively, Nazar has been showcasing his skill with the IceHogs. He leads them with seven goals, eight assists and 15 points in 12 games.
- HawkintheD

Of course they are and only a very very few think otherwise. Thankfully the guys who draw Hawk paychecks think so too....... Thanks for posting, D. Where was that article from? I haven't read The Athletic in days, did you get it from there?

How beneficial was putting up points in the AHL to Reichel? That time there didn't help his off the puck game - which I think is his biggest issue.

If he's ready physically for the NHL game and has the skill to contribute offensively just let him take his lumps with the big club. Being that much better than the comp is only going to reinforce bad habits the longer he's there.
- fattybeef

Has there been a more dangerous Hawk since Reichel came back from his 4 game scratch? Has there been a Hawk line more dangerous than Reichel's? Did Reichel show off puck awareness to drive the crease, turn to be a target, open his hips to receive and shoot the puck in 1 motion on his goal? ...........

Are Vlasic's puck skills better after a yr in RKF? Did Phillips and Crevier cave as rookies last yr on a horrid Hawk club? ....... How was 7th rd pick Crevier's "slow reactions" yesterday?

That sounds all well and good, so what did they do or not do with Reichel down there? It's not like it's a different staff.
- fattybeef

Same thing they are doing with KK, Slaggert, Del Mastro and every other Hog, getting professional reps/touches they would not get in the NHL. ....... Professional reps/touches in all situations that's not against the best players in the world.

Now you’ve done it, the horde will be calling for Richardson’s head because …. Because …. Well because.
- paulr

Drop off in 3rd period play. Constant line shuffling.

He doesn't have a lot to work with which isn't necessarily his fault but results matter. They sooner rather than later need to either make a roster move or 2 or Derek King interim coach strikes again.

The Prodigy
Welcome To The Connor Bedard Story

Cover picture Chicago magazine December 2024

Also

NY Post had a picture with story of J Toews getting treatment in India for long term COVID. Apparently hasn’t had a good outcome - or good enough - in our country. It may have been a Thursday dateline story but I am not sure the date

Of course they are and only a very very few think otherwise. Thankfully the guys who draw Hawk paychecks think so too....... Thanks for posting, D. Where was that article from? I haven't read The Athletic in days, did you get it from there?
- Mr Ricochet

Yep. Pretty sure it was from a Powers article.

Yep. Pretty sure it was from a Powers article.
- HawkintheD

Did Powers say anything about firing Richardson for mixing lines? Because great coaches like Quenneville or Bowman never did that.

Drop off in 3rd period play. Constant line shuffling.

He doesn't have a lot to work with which isn't necessarily his fault but results matter. They sooner rather than later need to either make a roster move or 2 or Derek King interim coach strikes again.
- fattybeef

You cannot make much better results out of this roster if you don’t have the players who are good enough to push some pressure off Bedard….as in checking Bedard gets. Who is going to really make the team perform better? I don’t have a problem with Richardson. Expecting too much

A trade. Now before your top prospects in Rockford get to develop an entire season. No keep your prospects- all of them- at least let them develop and reach the NHL. The time frame allows you draft one maybe two good prospects in ‘25 with the top choice hopefully a forward

And when a trade is made, who has value another GM would want. Hell no, just draft and no big trade for at least one year. Sign or trade for a descent L2 or L1 forward who is not a star but can generate points. TT and Bertuzzi are nice players when they are playing well but neither is really top line. Someone who can make a line competitive so that TT and or Bertuzzi on another line can become more productive as they no longer is the top offensive players

A trade is difficult to make so let Nazar, Reichel step up and make your ‘25 picks. Maybe a veteran offensive player can be had after the season; likely has a big contract. Bigger trade or free agent comes later as aforementioned. I see KD making a trade for any player who can help the team very much just impossible not sensible this season

I don’t think the players Scott throws out help make enough difference and I do not want to surrender the assets we have for them

Did Powers say anything about firing Richardson for mixing lines? Because great coaches like Quenneville or Bowman never did that.
- paulr

No but he did cross over to football and begged George McCaskey to let Ryan Poles can Eberflus.

It would be very interesting to see Kurashev between Maroon and Smith. Or even Bedard in between Maroon and Smith. Is it Reichel? Is it a unique fit with Reichel? Or do Maroon and Smith have a secret sauce.

(Granted if it was Bedard they would face a shutdown line and better defensive pairings.)

Lou, let me ask boiled down to what your eye sees. Is Crevier 6ft 7in and the reach that goes with that size? Is he a competent balanced skater? ..... Just that? 6ft 7in and a balanced skater?

Is that a pretty good foundation for a 7th rd pick?

Did you find it impressive for a 7th rd rookie kid that size on a putrid roster not to get caved in 25 NHL games last yr?

And one more question, was Crevier the Hawks best DMan yesterday? How many times did the kid handle a puck at the blueline and unhurried showed poise and touch putting it deep to a Hawk to continue a cycle? I counted 6-7. How many times from his own endline did he reach ALL the way to the wall to disrupt a Flyer? A few.

I was pumped to see Crevier draw in to see what the 2024 version has developed into and was really happy. In fact, I'd listen to an argument he was their best Dman yesterday. Showed me a load of poise, deft hands, head up, no glaring errors, balanced skating some solid outs and a ridiculous reach that was disruptive all game.

One or two NHL samples from him like that and I have em jumping over Phillips, who I like, on the depth chart. ...........
- Mr Ricochet

Crevier was definitely worth taking a flyer on with a pick in the 7th round, and maybe he can be a bottom pair dman one day, however he thinks the game too slow, he’s thinking vs reacting. Phillips has some tools, but has no idea what he’s doing and where he should be on the ice. JMHO

It would be very interesting to see Kurashev between Maroon and Smith. Or even Bedard in between Maroon and Smith. Is it Reichel? Is it a unique fit with Reichel? Or do Maroon and Smith have a secret sauce.

(Granted if it was Bedard they would face a shutdown line and better defensive pairings.)
- Ztra

Gross

That's the thing, you can't really juggle lines, if you don't have the personnel in the first place - and they don't.

There's only so far that can go - and one of those would be the Reichel thing - slotting in Kurashev there for awhile is interesting, but what compliments that is there is no one else that come close to resembling what Maroon does for a line (and by Maroon I am talking more generically - big body, good hands which also can create a little space out there)... I'm not suggesting every line should like that, but I am saying that Reichel found a little something with that style of a line, and taking him off it after he has ... right now you'd be messing with what little success they have had with him simply to try to see if you can get Kurashev going. And you might not be able to... point being, would it be worth it?

That's the thing, you can't really juggle lines, if you don't have the personnel in the first place - and they don't.

There's only so far that can go - and one of those would be the Reichel thing - slotting in Kurashev there for awhile is interesting, but what compliments that is there is no one else that come close to resembling what Maroon does for a line (and by Maroon I am talking more generically - big body, good hands which also can create a little space out there)... I'm not suggesting every line should like that, but I am saying that Reichel found a little something with that style of a line, and taking him off it after he has ... right now you'd be messing with what little success they have had with him simply to try to see if you can get Kurashev going. And you might not be able to... point being, would it be worth it?
- SC116

Think I agree with you and let well enough alone for a while. I get they are looking for offense.

Afa the young guys go, I think Bedard eventually starts scoring again but getting Reichel right after his awful season last year would be one for the win column.

Vlasic is proving last year wasn't a fluke having guys like Kaiser and Allan playing well are all things you can throw in the plus column as well.