Zach Jarom: February Positives, Game Day vs Avs, and Jones Bedard Conspiracy Theory

If there's really a problem, and it can't be settled satisfactorily, then they have to trade Seth, which would be more challenging because he has a full NMC. I can't imagine the coaching staff is unaware, if this is truly a thing. It would be even more obvious in scrimmages.

What I saw in that OT sequence looked like a guy who so desperately wants to prove he can score. Or maybe he was told to shoot first, and keep shooting.

Seth alluded to clubhouse issues either last season or the season prior, but no details beyond that. We all remember when Kane asked him wtf he was doing on that power play. Would be interesting to know the details, anyway.

Am I the only one who thinks that Jones didn't have a passing lane to Bedard and did have a wide open slot to take a shot? If he tries to make that pass and it gets picked off by the defenseman standing directly between him and Bedard, he would get rightly crucified for passing up an opportunity to shoot.

I'll die on this hill. The only mistake Jones made on that play was not actually scoring.

Regarding his assists to Bedard, he literally passed to Bedard for their PP goal that went in off of Foligno. Where is this poop coming from? The Hawks aren't scoring many goals at all and people are female doging about HOW they are being scored? FFS.

Am I the only one who thinks that Jones didn't have a passing lane to Bedard and did have a wide open slot to take a shot? If he tries to make that pass and it gets picked off by the defenseman standing directly between him and Bedard, he would get rightly crucified for passing up an opportunity to shoot.

I'll die on this hill. The only mistake Jones made on that play was not actually scoring.

Regarding his assists to Bedard, he literally passed to Bedard for their PP goal that went in off of Foligno. Where is this poop coming from? The Hawks aren't scoring many goals at all and people are female doging about HOW they are being scored? FFS.
- Chunk

Rumors are circulating that Brady from Ottawa see might be on the trade block, personally I don't think these rumors are true, if this true then Hawks should all in on him imo. Tampa's 1st and Toronto's 1st plus a prospect to be named later. Again I don't know how valid these Rumors are. But he would look great on the left side of Benard. Thoughts?

Rumors are circulating that Brady from Ottawa see might be on the trade block, personally I don't think these rumors are true, if this true then Hawks should all in on him imo. Tampa's 1st and Toronto's 1st plus a prospect to be named later. Again I don't know how valid these Rumors are. But he would look great on the left side of Benard. Thoughts?

Would I like Brady in a Hawks uniform? Yes. Is there any realistic possibility of that happening at the trade deadline? No

Rumors are circulating that Brady from Ottawa see might be on the trade block, personally I don't think these rumors are true, if this true then Hawks should all in on him imo. Tampa's 1st and Toronto's 1st plus a prospect to be named later. Again I don't know how valid these Rumors are. But he would look great on the left side of Benard. Thoughts?
- Scott1977

There was a piece in The Athletic the other day and Staios (OTT GM) said there are no truth to the rumors. I'm sure he wouldn't also come out and say he's actively being shopped, but I don't really see them parting ways with Tkachuk.

Unless there's some behind the scenes character issues, 24 yo power wingers who average 30+ goals a season are guys you tend to keep around.

Am I the only one who thinks that Jones didn't have a passing lane to Bedard and did have a wide open slot to take a shot? If he tries to make that pass and it gets picked off by the defenseman standing directly between him and Bedard, he would get rightly crucified for passing up an opportunity to shoot.

I'll die on this hill. The only mistake Jones made on that play was not actually scoring.

Regarding his assists to Bedard, he literally passed to Bedard for their PP goal that went in off of Foligno. Where is this poop coming from? The Hawks aren't scoring many goals at all and people are female doging about HOW they are being scored? FFS.
- Chunk

I feel the same way if I recall correctly. As a righie, I think Kurashev would have been an option, but he was too deep.

Also, after the overtime in the game before, I think they wanted to take any chances they got.

Am I the only one who thinks that Jones didn't have a passing lane to Bedard and did have a wide open slot to take a shot? If he tries to make that pass and it gets picked off by the defenseman standing directly between him and Bedard, he would get rightly crucified for passing up an opportunity to shoot.

I'll die on this hill. The only mistake Jones made on that play was not actually scoring.

Regarding his assists to Bedard, he literally passed to Bedard for their PP goal that went in off of Foligno. Where is this poop coming from? The Hawks aren't scoring many goals at all and people are female doging about HOW they are being scored? FFS.
- Chunk

Nope Coach Luke felt the same way:

going back to yesterday's Seth Jones beatdown, appears Coach Luke thought Jones made the right play


CHGO Blackhawks
@CHGO_Blackhawks
“That was the right decision.”
#Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson breaks down Seth Jones’ decision to shoot, and the play that ultimately led to Patrick Kane’s OT winner on Saturday.

https://x.com/CHGO_Blackh.../1762920095620161709?s=20

Rumors are circulating that Brady from Ottawa see might be on the trade block, personally I don't think these rumors are true, if this true then Hawks should all in on him imo. Tampa's 1st and Toronto's 1st plus a prospect to be named later. Again I don't know how valid these Rumors are. But he would look great on the left side of Benard. Thoughts?
- Scott1977

Now we're talking, they could keep Norris. Unfortunately KD won't do it because it's too early in the rebuild

Now we're talking, they could keep Norris. Unfortunately KD won't do it because it's too early in the rebuild
- BetweenTheDots

Tkachuk would be perfect and acquiring him would fit right in with the rebuild. But unless Ottawa is under pressure to move him and Chicago has pieces Ottawa are interested in it’s not going to happen.

Am I the only one who thinks that Jones didn't have a passing lane to Bedard and did have a wide open slot to take a shot? If he tries to make that pass and it gets picked off by the defenseman standing directly between him and Bedard, he would get rightly crucified for passing up an opportunity to shoot.

I'll die on this hill. The only mistake Jones made on that play was not actually scoring.

Regarding his assists to Bedard, he literally passed to Bedard for their PP goal that went in off of Foligno. Where is this poop coming from? The Hawks aren't scoring many goals at all and people are female doging about HOW they are being scored? FFS.
- Chunk

I think so too. I know there is an image floating around from overhead and about the centerline that shows what looks like an open passing lane but, the view from ice level and at speed is going to be quite different.

Interesting take by Foligno about tanking just to get high draft choices

https://x.com/Joe_Brand1/.../1762923533989015638?s=20

Tkachuk would be perfect and acquiring him would fit right in with the rebuild. But unless Ottawa is under pressure to move him and Chicago has pieces Ottawa are interested in it’s not going to happen.
- paulr

I don't think it happens Ottawa would be foolish to trade him. Only way this happens is if Brady Tkachuk requests a trade out.

Am I the only one who thinks that Jones didn't have a passing lane to Bedard and did have a wide open slot to take a shot? If he tries to make that pass and it gets picked off by the defenseman standing directly between him and Bedard, he would get rightly crucified for passing up an opportunity to shoot.

I'll die on this hill. The only mistake Jones made on that play was not actually scoring.

Regarding his assists to Bedard, he literally passed to Bedard for their PP goal that went in off of Foligno. Where is this poop coming from? The Hawks aren't scoring many goals at all and people are female doging about HOW they are being scored? FFS.
- Chunk

No you are right. Jones didn't screw up. People don't like Jones so everything he does is wrong. He is overpaid, but he is a top pair dman in the NHL, has been since 2015 and will continue to be for a while. Our team isn't good right now and it makes it tough on guys like Jones who try to do too much and play a lot of minutes. That's just the reality and the facts.

Interesting take by Foligno about tanking just to get high draft choices

https://x.com/Joe_Brand1/.../1762923533989015638?s=20
- LAHawk

I’ve said this a few times. One fear I have about intentionally losing is, could it instill a culture where losing is acceptable? That’s why it’s so important not to intentionally water down the talent again next season in attempt to get another high draft pick. KFC has to bring in enough talent, or more importantly move the players who don’t belong in the NHL, and begin improving the NHL team and not just target the draft.

No you are right. Jones didn't screw up. People don't like Jones so everything he does is wrong. He is overpaid, but he is a top pair dman in the NHL, has been since 2015 and will continue to be for a while. Our team isn't good right now and it makes it tough on guys like Jones who try to do too much and play a lot of minutes. That's just the reality and the facts.
- breadbag

There 32 NHL teams so yeah Jones can be a top pairing defenseman but not on a good or even average team. He’s a great skater, he has a good shot but he’s below average defensively and he has poor on ice vision and a low hockey IQ.

I’ve said this a few times. One fear I have about intentionally losing is, could it instill a culture where losing is acceptable? That’s why it’s so important not to intentionally water down the talent again next season in attempt to get another high draft pick. KFC has to bring in enough talent, or more importantly move the players who don’t belong in the NHL, and begin improving the NHL team and not just target the draft.
- paulr

I think the important thing this season is they haven't been intentionally tanking at all. The team is playing hard start to finish. There were setbacks with injuries, goaltending, and the issue with Perry, but coach/GM isn't just throwing guys out there and watching losses pile up.

LR is trying to get the most out of the team. He is starting the goalie that he feels gives them a chance to win. KD when faced with the long injury list, didn't just call up filler the whole time, he got some waiver wire pick ups, he traded for a little depth. When they canned Perry he traded a pick for Beauvillier.

The Hawks did a deep rebuild, but resigning guys like Mrazek, Foligno, Jason D, they all send that message that do want to keep improving from this point and it's not a sell everything to rebuild mode. The ship is changing course. I think if they were phoning it in and tanking, we wouldn't see them compete so hard in games, it would be way more of those 4-1 and 5-1 losses.

There 32 NHL teams so yeah Jones can be a top pairing defenseman but not on a good or even average team. He’s a great skater, he has a good shot but he’s below average defensively and he has poor on ice vision and a low hockey IQ.
- paulr

Do you honestly think that's what any of his coaches or previous coaches think about him? Some of his recent play and some of our recent goals scored were off plays he made that go directly against your personal assessment of him. I don't think he is a top 10-15 dman in the league, but he would play in the top pair on most teams.

I think the important thing this season is they haven't been intentionally tanking at all. The team is playing hard start to finish. There were setbacks with injuries, goaltending, and the issue with Perry, but coach/GM isn't just throwing guys out there and watching losses pile up.

LR is trying to get the most out of the team. He is starting the goalie that he feels gives them a chance to win. KD when faced with the long injury list, didn't just call up filler the whole time, he got some waiver wire pick ups, he traded for a little depth. When they canned Perry he traded a pick for Beauvillier.

The Hawks did a deep rebuild, but resigning guys like Mrazek, Foligno, Jason D, they all send that message that do want to keep improving from this point and it's not a sell everything to rebuild mode. The ship is changing course. I think if they were phoning it in and tanking, we wouldn't see them compete so hard in games, it would be way more of those 4-1 and 5-1 losses.
- breadbag

Player's never tank, front offices do.

I am encouraged that KD resigned Mrazek, Foligno, and Richardinson (although I though Richardinson would have his highest value as he is having a career year,).

Would love to see them sign a couple of mid-tier UFA's (deBrusk/Monahan are my choices) that can play top 6 minutes, but won't need high dollar long term contracts, and a veteran depth defenseman for when injuries/youngsters need a break.

Hopefully Hall can come back, and AA has a year relatively free from injury. Can Colton Dach be healthy and force his way onto the squad?

I don't see Nazer on the big club at the start of the year.

Io guess if the Hawks get Cellebrini he would start with the big club.

Pivotal year for Reichel

Anderson/Reese Johnson/Entwhistle/Kachook are just roster fillers if resigned.

Jones has been noticeable in not passing to Bedard. I’ve been noticing it all season. Maybe this stems from Jones wanting the Captaincy but them clearly having it waiting for Bedard. Seth suffers from being a good player on a bad team, and either needs to waive his NMC or suck it up. Can’t have a negative attitude on a team losing every night.

Player's never tank, front offices do.

I am encouraged that KD resigned Mrazek, Foligno, and Richardinson (although I though Richardinson would have his highest value as he is having a career year,).

Would love to see them sign a couple of mid-tier UFA's (deBrusk/Monahan are my choices) that can play top 6 minutes, but won't need high dollar long term contracts, and a veteran depth defenseman for when injuries/youngsters need a break.

Hopefully Hall can come back, and AA has a year relatively free from injury. Can Colton Dach be healthy and force his way onto the squad?

I don't see Nazer on the big club at the start of the year.

Io guess if the Hawks get Cellebrini he would start with the big club.

Pivotal year for Reichel

Anderson/Reese Johnson/Entwhistle/Kachook are just roster fillers if resigned.
- LAHawk

Yeah, you are right.

It is sink or swim time for guys like Reichel, Kurashev, Phillips, etc If they want to be part of the group going forward, they need to take that next step. All of them to me, too inconsistent right now.

I do think KD expected more with Hall, Perry, AA, who effectively ended up adding almost nothing in the long run for this season. If those guys had stayed around and in the lineup and Bedard avoided the broken jaw, we probably wouldn't be in dead last right now.

Interesting take by Foligno about tanking just to get high draft choices

https://x.com/Joe_Brand1/.../1762923533989015638?s=20
- LAHawk

What's he going to say, we really want to lose the rest of the games? I mean they are trying and doing their best most games i watch, just the consequence of rebuilding.

Foligno signs for 2 more years, he obviously doesn't like the losing but he likes the money and i appreciate him taking this on and being a role model for the kids.

KD signs Mrazek, D!ckinson for 2 more at a generous pay rate. So now the rebuild begins with getting better. KD has plenty of bullets in the chamber for the next 2 drafts so he signs all of his guys to 2 year contracts and as the team gets better talent which i believe it will, those guys may in fact be traded in 2 years for futures to continue building the talent pool and now create layers

Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bmiEf70o-w

Bedard immediately set himself up to receive the pass right after dropping it to Jones, prior to Jones going over to the glove side to start shooting. That's when the pass had to happen, if it was going to happen. Very similar to a pick and roll in basketball. Kaner is not involved in the play yet, some might call that cherry picking. Almost as if he knew it was about to go down. I can't imagine that wasn't brought up in the film session, that possibility. LR is right not to call out his guys publicly. That belongs behind closed doors.

Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bmiEf70o-w

Bedard immediately set himself up to receive the pass right after dropping it to Jones, prior to Jones going over to the glove side to start shooting. That's when the pass had to happen, if it was going to happen. Very similar to a pick and roll in basketball. Kaner is not involved in the play yet, some might call that cherry picking. Almost as if he knew it was about to go down. I can't imagine that wasn't brought up in the film session, that possibility. LR is right not to call out his guys publicly. That belongs behind closed doors.
- 333inthe3rd

Did Jones not pass because he has a problem with Bedard or because he didn’t see or understand the developing play?

Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bmiEf70o-w

Bedard immediately set himself up to receive the pass right after dropping it to Jones, prior to Jones going over to the glove side to start shooting. That's when the pass had to happen, if it was going to happen. Very similar to a pick and roll in basketball. Kaner is not involved in the play yet, some might call that cherry picking. Almost as if he knew it was about to go down. I can't imagine that wasn't brought up in the film session, that possibility. LR is right not to call out his guys publicly. That belongs behind closed doors.
- 333inthe3rd

He could have tried to pass it through coverage to Bedard, but it had risk of being picked off. Are we really trying to analyze split second of every passing lane possible? It's ridiculously nit picky. You could also argue Bedard could have done more to get open. Why did he drop pass and then not find a better area to get open? Why didn't Kurashev do more when he had the rebound on his stick? Maybe Jones should have circled behind the Wings net instead of shooting. There are tons of possible plays. The coach isn't going to call out a player for taking a shot from a scoring area.

Kane was cherry picking because it's 3 on 3 OT. The play often devolves into trading these chances back and forth and that's been Kane's MO in those situations many times before. We watched him cheat offensively for his whole career.