I never realized they were doing so well this year.

I need to read an article on how that happened.
- wiz1901

They tanked Wiz, that’s how it happened. That concept has worked multiple times in multiple sports.

I never realized they were doing so well this year.

I need to read an article on how that happened.
- wiz1901

Complete tear down and rebuild.

PCA was acquired in the Javier Baez trade, etc, etc.

I know some here don't think it can work, and it hasn't yet for the Cubs, they are having a good year, but not at the All star break yet.

Made the trade to get Tucker, that was their Hossa trade. Lets see if they don't F it up and not resign him.

Bears and Poles did the same complete tank then rebuild. You have 3 instances of it in town. Really 4 if you add the Sox. So you'll be able to compare and see which ones are successful and which ones aren't, and what they did in each case.

The only ones to not do it are the Bulls..............nuff said, those guys are morons.

I’m not a professional evaluator, whatever that is? But my question to you was, are you 100% certain both players make the Hawks? If you’re not, or if KD isn’t then you do the trade and not look back.
- paulr

After thinking about this the Blackhawks could just offer him a contract.

That's 2 players unhappy with Verbeek and the Ducks? I'm sure glad Verbeek isn't here in Chicago.

I never realized they were doing so well this year.

I need to read an article on how that happened.
- wiz1901

Sure they are winning, but it's not September yet.

I'm not giving up two first round drafted players who are further along than next year's draft. I'll give up the 2nd first round pick next year and then figure out which Defenseman they would take after I block out my big four. Vlasic, Rinzel, Levshunov and EDM.
- rpeters01

If you switch out Reichel for Boisvert, does it change your statement? If so, why?

I did answer about KK,

Once again if i were a GM i would see this as a move that could make my opponent better in the long run, so i wouldn't be able to make the trade.

I try to take a step back and look at the big picture.

And one thing is clear to me is you are willing to over pay for a player
- BetweenTheDots

But you only look at the big picture through your filters. The main one being, not trading any prospects.

You don't seem to take into consideration:
The development of the players already in the NHL - i.e. learning how to win.
The skillsets of prospects already in the system and their hierarchy.
The cap increases reducing the number of FA's available and players that need to be traded.

Was the McGroarty for Yager trade bad for either side?

My only real point of contention with your viewpoint is that you seem to have this nebulous point in time for when it would be acceptable for the Hawks to make a move to improve the team.

I see it as the Hawks had a completely brutal prospect pool. They've now got one of if not the best one in the league. They've got an abundance of prospects and remaining picks. They've got 4ish of the kids on the big club, and tons more pushing for a spot. Right now is the time when you start putting other pieces in place around these kids so that they can improve on NHL ice. Otherwise, you are just starting to get into contract hell because you have to not only pay for the kids new contracts, you have to pay higher prices for any FA or trade that is available. There is no rule that the kids HAVE to bottom feed the first few years in their careers.

After thinking about this the Blackhawks could just offer him a contract.

That's 2 players unhappy with Verbeek and the Ducks? I'm sure glad Verbeek isn't here in Chicago.
- BetweenTheDots

He'd have to accept and sign the contract before anything happens, and even then, Anaheim could easily match.

If the Hawks are thinking about it, I'm sure they aren't the only ones. If there is a better offer out there (team closer to winning) what's to say he wouldn't choose that one. That's why the trade route is better, because the player has less control.

Why does everyone propose trades with Anahiem for Mason MacTavish.

Does anyone really think with their rebuild that they want to dump him???
- vabeachbear

Scott's more of a troll than a poster. Constantly putting together thoughtless trade scenarios that never make any sense.

After thinking about this the Blackhawks could just offer him a contract.

That's 2 players unhappy with Verbeek and the Ducks? I'm sure glad Verbeek isn't here in Chicago.
- BetweenTheDots

And if the Hawks were to offer sheet McTavish they lose their 2026 first round and guess who the draft prize is next year? I thought of that too but the only way to acquire him, assuming KD is interested, is to get him via a trade.

And if the Hawks were to offer sheet McTavish they lose their 2026 first round and guess who the draft prize is next year? I thought of that too but the only way to acquire him, assuming KD is interested, is to get him via a trade.
- paulr

As optimistic I am about next year, I think we better hold on to that pick given the possibility at the chance at McKenna if we falter.

Tankathon has us at the best odds at winning McKenna right now.

I never realized they were doing so well this year.

I need to read an article on how that happened.
- wiz1901

- PCA went from talented rookie to an MVP favorite (biggest reason for the performance).
- They acquired Kyle Tucker (MVP-type player) before the season.
- Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki took steps up in their performance this year.
- The bullpen - filled with unheralded names and cheap veterans - has defied all expectations and has been a top-performing unit since the first month of the season.

The NHL analogous of their season would be:
- Frank Nazar turning into Nikita Kucherov next season
- The 'Hawks bring in Auston Matthews in his contract year to make a push (hoping to re-sign him)
- Vlasic and Knight - already "good" players take the ascension next year as Vlasic cements himself as a top pairing defensive D-man and Knight becomes a top-10 goalie
- Depth guys like Crevier, Lafferty, Greene, Slaggert, and Del Mastro all perform above expectations in their roles


The Cubs were further ahead than the 'Hawks, but for the most part everything has come up spades for them this season minus key injuries to their starting rotation.

- PCA went from talented rookie to an MVP favorite (biggest reason for the performance).
- They acquired Kyle Tucker (MVP-type player) before the season.
- Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki took steps up in their performance this year.
- The bullpen - filled with unheralded names and cheap veterans - has defied all expectations and has been a top-performing unit since the first month of the season.

The NHL analogous of their season would be:
- Frank Nazar turning into Nikita Kucherov next season
- The 'Hawks bring in Auston Matthews in his contract year to make a push (hoping to re-sign him)
- Vlasic and Knight - already "good" players take the ascension next year as Vlasic cements himself as a top pairing defensive D-man and Knight becomes a top-10 goalie
- Depth guys like Crevier, Lafferty, Greene, Slaggert, and Del Mastro all perform above expectations in their roles


The Cubs were further ahead than the 'Hawks, but for the most part everything has come up spades for them this season minus key injuries to their starting rotation.
- TommyHawk

How about Jason Robertson?

In Scott Powers' article this morning, he was projecting the team's lines for this upcoming season.

Interestingly enough, he says "The more I hear about what the Blackhawks think of No. 3 draft pick Anton Frondell, the more I think he's going to stick with them out of training camp."

I'm sure they'll give him every opportunity to make the team out of camp, but I really hope he gets more seasoning elsewhere and is brought in at the end of the year (along with Boisvert).

- PCA went from talented rookie to an MVP favorite (biggest reason for the performance).
- They acquired Kyle Tucker (MVP-type player) before the season.
- Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki took steps up in their performance this year.
- The bullpen - filled with unheralded names and cheap veterans - has defied all expectations and has been a top-performing unit since the first month of the season.

The NHL analogous of their season would be:
- Frank Nazar turning into Nikita Kucherov next season
- The 'Hawks bring in Auston Matthews in his contract year to make a push (hoping to re-sign him)
- Vlasic and Knight - already "good" players take the ascension next year as Vlasic cements himself as a top pairing defensive D-man and Knight becomes a top-10 goalie
- Depth guys like Crevier, Lafferty, Greene, Slaggert, and Del Mastro all perform above expectations in their roles


The Cubs were further ahead than the 'Hawks, but for the most part everything has come up spades for them this season minus key injuries to their starting rotation.
- TommyHawk

No thanks to Matthews. In eleven playoff rounds in nine seasons he wasn’t the best player in any one of those rounds. Yes he had a good game or two in that time but he isn’t a Toews, a Hossa or a Kane who can put the team on his back and win. Matthews is a great regular season player and he wants to be paid more than anyone else. What makes anyone think he’s suddenly going to be a playoff warrior?

In Scott Powers' article this morning, he was projecting the team's lines for this upcoming season.

Interestingly enough, he says "The more I hear about what the Blackhawks think of No. 3 draft pick Anton Frondell, the more I think he's going to stick with them out of training camp."

I'm sure they'll give him every opportunity to make the team out of camp, but I really hope he gets more seasoning elsewhere and is brought in at the end of the year (along with Boisvert).
- TommyHawk

Frondell making the team this season wouldn’t surprise me. He’s unlike other 18 year olds in that he’s already physically ready and he’s played against men for a season. Add in he’s already a strong two way player and he may be one of the few 18 year olds who’s ready or very close to ready to be able to play in the NHL.

No thanks to Matthews. In eleven playoff rounds in nine seasons he wasn’t the best player in any one of those rounds. Yes he had a good game or two in that time but he isn’t a Toews, a Hossa or a Kane who can put the team on his back and win. Matthews is a great regular season player and he wants to be paid more than anyone else. What makes anyone think he’s suddenly going to be a playoff warrior?
- paulr

Fair point but think the comparison was more so the fact that a top-10 player most years (top-20/25ish floor in others) was readily available and the team pounced. Remains to be seen how good Tucker could be for the Cubs in the postseason.

Anyone else find it funny that Rinzel was considered the long term project, and he now seems at least a year, if not two ahead of KK?

Not trying to knock Korchinski, he's got some amazing traits, but Rinzel was considered to be this project that would take years to be even close to ready for the NHL, and now he's considered one of the top two options for the Hawks blue line while KK is still trying to get strong enough and figure things out.

And if the Hawks were to offer sheet McTavish they lose their 2026 first round and guess who the draft prize is next year? I thought of that too but the only way to acquire him, assuming KD is interested, is to get him via a trade.
- paulr

That's why it'd be even more tempting for the Ducks not to match the offer

Anyone else find it funny that Rinzel was considered the long term project, and he now seems at least a year, if not two ahead of KK?

Not trying to knock Korchinski, he's got some amazing traits, but Rinzel was considered to be this project that would take years to be even close to ready for the NHL, and now he's considered one of the top two options for the Hawks blue line while KK is still trying to get strong enough and figure things out.
- Chunk

Well, a bit early still to draw too many conclusions IMO. I do think the "KK needs to get strong and figure things out" sentiment is overblown. He has been taking strides ever since he turned pro at 19. Key thing is that development isn't linear. We don't know how long it will take for either Rinzel or KK to reach their potential or close to it.

I never realized they were doing so well this year.

I need to read an article on how that happened.
- wiz1901

They tanked.

Well, a bit early still to draw too many conclusions IMO. I do think the "KK needs to get strong and figure things out" sentiment is overblown. He has been taking strides ever since he turned pro at 19. Key thing is that development isn't linear. We don't know how long it will take for either Rinzel or KK to reach their potential or close to it.
- breadbag

For sure. Small sample size and only a first impression, but I think we can all admit that Rinzel looked more comfortable and responsible on the ice that KK did. Rinzel had one really egregious error in the OTT game when he let Cousins get behind him, but other than that he looked great at both blue lines and was able to flip the ice pretty consistently.

KK has gotten better. I watched him a ton in Rockford. He plays much more confident there than he did during his call up. He got rubbed out in the corners a bit too easy and was more tentative. All to be expected - like I said, I'm not really knocking him. it's just funny that KK was considered a much better and closer prospect during their draft year, and in three short years the perception has flipped.

If you switch out Reichel for Boisvert, does it change your statement? If so, why?
- Chunk

I'm scared Reichel becomes Teravainen but yeah I'd do it.

- PCA went from talented rookie to an MVP favorite (biggest reason for the performance).
- They acquired Kyle Tucker (MVP-type player) before the season.
- Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki took steps up in their performance this year.
- The bullpen - filled with unheralded names and cheap veterans - has defied all expectations and has been a top-performing unit since the first month of the season.

The NHL analogous of their season would be:
- Frank Nazar turning into Nikita Kucherov next season
- The 'Hawks bring in Auston Matthews in his contract year to make a push (hoping to re-sign him)
- Vlasic and Knight - already "good" players take the ascension next year as Vlasic cements himself as a top pairing defensive D-man and Knight becomes a top-10 goalie
- Depth guys like Crevier, Lafferty, Greene, Slaggert, and Del Mastro all perform above expectations in their roles


The Cubs were further ahead than the 'Hawks, but for the most part everything has come up spades for them this season minus key injuries to their starting rotation.
- TommyHawk

If it was 20 years ago I'd say Suzuki has gone to the needle.

Well, a bit early still to draw too many conclusions IMO. I do think the "KK needs to get strong and figure things out" sentiment is overblown. He has been taking strides ever since he turned pro at 19. Key thing is that development isn't linear. We don't know how long it will take for either Rinzel or KK to reach their potential or close to it.
- breadbag

They're asking KK to do everything, QB PP etc. It's going to take him longer.

In Scott Powers' article this morning, he was projecting the team's lines for this upcoming season.

Interestingly enough, he says "The more I hear about what the Blackhawks think of No. 3 draft pick Anton Frondell, the more I think he's going to stick with them out of training camp."

I'm sure they'll give him every opportunity to make the team out of camp, but I really hope he gets more seasoning elsewhere and is brought in at the end of the year (along with Boisvert).
- TommyHawk

I think Frondell gets 10 games anyway.