I think there will be real chances for young guys (Like Greene) that show well in camp and decent chance that someone will be on the self to start the year. We never seem to go into the season with out one or two injuries. Right now, we have

TT, Bertuzzi, Burakovsky, Foligno, Bedard, Nazar, Richardinson, Lafferty, Reichel, Donato, Mikheyev - who are probably for sure on the roster baring any trades.

Before injury, there is room for 2 or maybe 3 (depending on our goalie situation). Assuming probably someone will be banged up at some point, it might be 3-4 spots on the roster (not necessarily playing fulltime)

We have a lot of possibilities (you can debate who makes it or has a real chance or not)

Dach, Slaggert, Frondell, Moore, Greene, Thompson, Lardis, Savoie, Hayes, Ludwinski, Misiak, Vanacker, Spellacy, Toninato, Anderson.

I think probably guys like Dach/Slaggert have a bit of an inside track, but the decision could end up being based on who they'd rather have sitting in the press box vs playing full minutes (even if in the AHL).
- breadbag

All the $4 mill plus cap hit players with expiring contracts are likely here until the deadline, given how close the team is to the salary floor. Until then, any trade would mean either a similar contract coming back, or they trade for Carey Price's contract. Isn't salary floor management fun? Welcome to the old Yotes armchair GM setting.

Laffytaffy fits into KFC's plan, or he would still be with Buffalo. Laffy is hard nosed and he may be here to train the bottom 6
- wizardofi

He plays with speed as well. We were really slow until Nazar and Moore came up.

I think there will be real chances for young guys (Like Greene) that show well in camp and decent chance that someone will be on the self to start the year. We never seem to go into the season with out one or two injuries. Right now, we have

TT, Bertuzzi, Burakovsky, Foligno, Bedard, Nazar, Richardinson, Lafferty, Reichel, Donato, Mikheyev - who are probably for sure on the roster baring any trades.

Before injury, there is room for 2 or maybe 3 (depending on our goalie situation). Assuming probably someone will be banged up at some point, it might be 3-4 spots on the roster (not necessarily playing fulltime)

We have a lot of possibilities (you can debate who makes it or has a real chance or not)

Dach, Slaggert, Frondell, Moore, Greene, Thompson, Lardis, Savoie, Hayes, Ludwinski, Misiak, Vanacker, Spellacy, Toninato, Anderson.

I think probably guys like Dach/Slaggert have a bit of an inside track, but the decision could end up being based on who they'd rather have sitting in the press box vs playing full minutes (even if in the AHL).
- breadbag

Considering we suck at Forward, that's a lot of Forwards plus Boisvert and many others including two first rounders drafted this year. I wonder if Boisvert will sign?

All the $4 mill plus cap hit players with expiring contracts are likely here until the deadline, given how close the team is to the salary floor. Until then, any trade would mean either a similar contract coming back, or they trade for Carey Price's contract. Isn't salary floor management fun? Welcome to the old Yotes armchair GM setting.
- 333inthe3rd

It's a good point. It might result in the Hawks paying a few of the RFA a bit more simply because they can afford it. I like the Hawks having a lot of cap space because of the next class of UFAs (of course most of them get signed between now and then) because just maybe one or two slide to actual free agency.

Considering we suck at Forward, that's a lot of Forwards plus Boisvert and many others including two first rounders drafted this year. I wonder if Boisvert will sign?
- rpeters01

I think Boisvert will sign because I'm assuming someone will get traded away between now and the end of Boisvert's season end.

It's a good point. It might result in the Hawks paying a few of the RFA a bit more simply because they can afford it. I like the Hawks having a lot of cap space because of the next class of UFAs (of course most of them get signed between now and then) because just maybe one or two slide to actual free agency.
- breadbag

Yes, plenty of room to pay Bedard, Nazar, and Knight. Even Korchinski if he ever turns the corner here.

I think Boisvert will sign because I'm assuming someone will get traded away between now and the end of Boisvert's season end.
- breadbag

In a perfect world, next season would be the year we get a "Hossa guy" to legitimize the whole rebuild. But at least three more guys need to step up this year first.

In a perfect world, next season would be the year we get a "Hossa guy" to legitimize the whole rebuild. But at least three more guys need to step up this year first.
- rpeters01

Speaking of a Hossa guy . I heard that Kapritzov wants to play for Chicago after next season. If that has any legs to it ,I would back up the money truck for that kid . Also heard Minny would make him the highest paid player in the league ,or what ever it takes to keep him . Heart wants what the heart wants .

In a perfect world, next season would be the year we get a "Hossa guy" to legitimize the whole rebuild. But at least three more guys need to step up this year first.
- rpeters01

Just remember that the cap is going up significantly again next year and the year after. The Hawks are going to need to show that they are a much better team if they want to draw guys who want to win now.

Remember, Hossa signed with the Hawks because he thought they were primed to win now.

Depending on how the kids play, I could see offloading a lot of veterans at the TDL.

Just remember that the cap is going up significantly again next year and the year after. The Hawks are going to need to show that they are a much better team if they want to draw guys who want to win now.

Remember, Hossa signed with the Hawks because he thought they were primed to win now.
- Chunk

I think they just need to show promise. One of the things that the Blackhawks do and do well is the players get first class treatment, they do not cut corners like many other NHL teams.

Just remember that the cap is going up significantly again next year and the year after. The Hawks are going to need to show that they are a much better team if they want to draw guys who want to win now.

Remember, Hossa signed with the Hawks because he thought they were primed to win now.
- Chunk

Hossa was getting a bit of the Marner treatment in Detroit ,being called a jinx and such .Not like the wings were on a steep decline . That was a great signing.

I think they just need to show promise. One of the things that the Blackhawks do and do well is the players get first class treatment, they do not cut corners like many other NHL teams.
- BetweenTheDots

In order for them to lure a top FA? I think at a minimum, they would need to be a bubble team. If they are bottom 5, they aren't going to be able to lure a top player. Only guy I can think of who did that is Gaudreau to CBUS.

In order for them to lure a top FA? I think at a minimum, they would need to be a bubble team. If they are bottom 5, they aren't going to be able to lure a top player. Only guy I can think of who did that is Gaudreau to CBUS.
- Chunk

I think if the kids play well, Bedard takes his game to another level and the young defenders and the goalies take another step, i can see a FA having a sincere conversation with the org.

I think if the kids play well, Bedard takes his game to another level and the young defenders and the goalies take another step, i can see a FA having a sincere conversation with the org.
- BetweenTheDots

Could be. I just think it'd be a really tough sell.

There are a few big "ifs" on this team that will determine a whole heck of a lot.

1) IF Bedard, Nazar and one other young forward take the next step.
2) IF Blashill & Co. can get the whole team to buy into a cohesive system/structure.
3) IF the D-corps takes another step from what we saw last year.
4) IF Spencer Knight is who we hope he is.

We've seen stranger things. They could really surprise. The most likely outcome is that they end up 5-7 from the bottom.

EDIT: I just realized I basically re-wrote what you did.

Could be. I just think it'd be a really tough sell.

There are a few big "ifs" on this team that will determine a whole heck of a lot.

1) IF Bedard, Nazar and one other young forward take the next step.
2) IF Blashill & Co. can get the whole team to buy into a cohesive system/structure.
3) IF the D-corps takes another step from what we saw last year.
4) IF Spencer Knight is who we hope he is.

We've seen stranger things. They could really surprise. The most likely outcome is that they end up 5-7 from the bottom.

EDIT: I just realized I basically re-wrote what you did.
- Chunk

You did but your list has more detail.

I think the first step this season is to break up the many losing streaks they had last year. Even if we don't, get to more than 16 OT games. They need to push that number up to 25-30 OT games.

I know it's a tiny sample size from last year but with KK the Blackhawks were 7-9 last year?

He looked a hell of a lot better than Brodie but so did Kaiser. I do appreciate the coach recognizing Brodie playing bad and benching him for 2 months

You did but your list has more detail.

I think the first step this season is to break up the many losing streaks they had last year. Even if we don't, get to more than 16 OT games. They need to push that number up to 25-30 OT games.
- BetweenTheDots

Idk…again, small sample size and even if you look past the record for their last ten games, it was nice not seeing them just getting hemmed in their zone for mins at a time and playing in the other end.

Just not playing Brodie was a net positive and swapping out some other old timers and having Rinzel back there along with Vlasic, Murphy, Kaiser likely Lev and _______.

I think they’ll be able to push the pace better from the backend. Also, both Lev and Rinzel weren’t shy about shooting and both good at getting the puck through and on net. That should also help create a lot of rebound opportunities.

I know someone said the trade deadline but I could see guys going before then if say Moore or Greene start in RFD and they want to make room for them.

Also if you look at nhledge 23-24 season KK had a top skating speed of 22.1 which ranked in the top 68 percentile and 53 speed bursts over 20 which put him at 81 percentile. I looked up Kaiser and he was 22.2 the same season so damn Elbows that .1 you notice is extraordinary

Idk…again, small sample size and even if you look past the record for their last ten games, it was nice not seeing them just getting hemmed in their zone for mins at a time and playing in the other end.

Just not playing Brodie was a net positive and swapping out some other old timers and having Rinzel back there along with Vlasic, Murphy, Kaiser likely Lev and _______.

I think they’ll be able to push the pace better from the backend. Also, both Lev and Rinzel weren’t shy about shooting and both good at getting the puck through and on net. That should also help create a lot of rebound opportunities.

I know someone said the trade deadline but I could see guys going before then if say Moore or Greene start in RFD and they want to make room for them.
- HawkintheD

Hopefully they work with the young D on the Powerplay, because that was the one area that was a little iffy multiple times. Just not knowing what to do and making mistakes at times.

Also if you look at nhledge 23-24 season KK had a top skating speed of 22.1 which ranked in the top 68 percentile and 53 speed bursts over 20 which put him at 81 percentile. I looked up Kaiser and he was 22.2 the same season so damn Elbows that .1 you notice is extraordinary
- BetweenTheDots

But how often do defensemen need to care about top speed? They need quick movements and quick decisions. He's not going to be Makar (and neither is KK). Last year Kaiser worked on his first four steps and when he came back the last time it was very evident.

Considering we suck at Forward, that's a lot of Forwards plus Boisvert and many others including two first rounders drafted this year. I wonder if Boisvert will sign?
- rpeters01

Already out that he is looking to sign after his NCAA season.

But how often do defensemen need to care about top speed? They need quick movements and quick decisions. He's not going to be Makar (and neither is KK). Last year Kaiser worked on his first four steps and when he came back the last time it was very evident.
- Chunk

I think it all matters, i saw 2 games where i was really impressed with Kaiser but like the league does it wears down kids. I like Kaiser but i think he's got a lower ceiling.

I needed to provide evidence as well to the know it all that his eyes lie to him

I just got to add the athleticism that KK has will allow him to do things many hockey players can't

Also if you look at nhledge 23-24 season KK had a top skating speed of 22.1 which ranked in the top 68 percentile and 53 speed bursts over 20 which put him at 81 percentile. I looked up Kaiser and he was 22.2 the same season so damn Elbows that .1 you notice is extraordinary
- BetweenTheDots

You're talking speed and I am talking skating. Big difference. KK needs a few strides to reach that speed and I never said he was slow. I said he lacks burst which is a real issue defending and trying to lead the transition up ice.

I would trade him before he loses more value. If he reaches his ceiling, he will be Gus.

Chalk it up to a learning experience. Fire the scouts who pounded the table for him and move on.

You're talking speed and I am talking skating. Big difference. KK needs a few strides to reach that speed and I never said he was slow. I said he lacks burst which is a real issue defending and trying to lead the transition up ice.

I would trade him before he loses more value. If he reaches his ceiling, he will be Gus.

Chalk it up to a learning experience. Fire the scouts who pounded the table for him and move on.
- Elbows15

Really? You'd make a terrible GM

Besides you did say he was slow