Blackhawks 2017-2018 Season Thread

[JBM73]

I like the Saad trade, but need to read up a little more about Murphy and Dauphin before I can judge that one. Sad to see Hammer go either way.

 

[anotheridiot]

Surprised me they gave up another year of controllable Panarin. They saw Toews and Kane were upset losing Saad, how will they feel about losing their little brother?

You figure they will not be able to afford Panarin eventually, but nobody expected him to get moved.

 

[averagejoe]

I like the Saad trade, but need to read up a little more about Murphy and Dauphin before I can judge that one. Sad to see Hammer go either way.

Surprised me they gave up another year of controllable Panarin. They saw Toews and Kane were upset losing Saad, how will they feel about losing their little brother?

You figure they will not be able to afford Panarin eventually, but nobody expected him to get moved.

I like both deals.

As much as I love Hammer and appreciate what he did for the team, he's not a scorer. He's one-dimensional. And to pay a guy $4 mill a year just to block shots is expensive. Plus he can't clear the puck on his backhand.

As for Panarin - love this kid too. But he won't play physical. Doesn't go into the corners for pucks. The reality is that we already have a player like him on the team - Kane. Saad brings speed and plays physical. I think we need that type of player on the Hawks than a pair of Kane/Panarins.

 

[anotheridiot]

I think alot of people are forgetting about Fortin. That kid that would have made the club last year if he was not 19. Another smaller finesse guy that should fill a role, just dont want them to waste another year abroad of his 3 year entry deal.

I like your thoughts, but this team just plain does not play physical, so its hard to say he did not fit the team.

 

[averagejoe]

I like your thoughts, but this team just plain does not play physical, so its hard to say he did not fit the team.

Just to clarify, I'm not talking about a player who dishes out hits on a regular basis.
I'm simply referring to a guy who will fight for the puck along the boards.
Kane doesn't do it.
Panarin doesn't do it.
Ever.

So they essentially hand the puck to the opposing team rather than try.
We already have trouble winning faceoffs.
Speaking of which Kane (13.7%) and Panarin (20%) are two of the worst at the dot.
At least Saad is twice as good at the dot (44.4%).

I guess it just rubs me the wrong way that if Kane and Panarin were on the ice and they didn't have the puck, they weren't going to try to get it either.

 

[JBM73]

GM Stan Bowman's gamble on Connor Murphy huge for Blackhawks' future

 

[JBM73]

I'd still like to see them move Anisimov. Not a fan of his game. But, the biggest question for the team will be how well Kempny, Murphy, Rutta and Forsling hold down the 3-6 dman spots. That's a big risk. Wouldn't be surprised to see them sign another cheap veteran to a one year deal.

 

[anotheridiot]

I'd still like to see them move Anisimov. Not a fan of his game. But, the biggest question for the team will be how well Kempny, Murphy, Rutta and Forsling hold down the 3-6 dman spots. That's a big risk. Wouldn't be surprised to see them sign another cheap veteran to a one year deal.

Yeah, funny how Rutta was not mentioned in that article, as well as Jurco being the bench guy after he was protected from the expansion draft over, well, so many others on that projected list.

Still wondering why so many of these reporters have forgotten about Fortin possibly making that line with Kane. I dont think there is much question that Fortin beats out DeBrincat next year.

 

[JBM73]

Yeah, funny how Rutta was not mentioned in that article, as well as Jurco being the bench guy after he was protected from the expansion draft over, well, so many others on that projected list.

Still wondering why so many of these reporters have forgotten about Fortin possibly making that line with Kane. I dont think there is much question that Fortin beats out DeBrincat next year.

Prospect Profile: Alexandre Fortin

Definitely sounds like he brings the speed this team is looking for.

 

[JBM73]

A couple of internet sources are claiming the Hawks are interested in Michael Del Zotto.

 

[anotheridiot]

............as stan lets Rasmussen walk.

Is this supposed to be a sign to Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabs and Crow?

 

[JBM73]

Sam Gagne's name also being linked to the Hawks. Gagne and Kane played on a dominant line together in the OHL for a season.

 

[averagejoe]

per Rotoworld:

Patrick Sharp could rejoin the Chicago Blackhawks when he becomes a free agent tomorrow, per TSN's Bob McKenzie.
Sharp spent parts of 10 seasons with the Blackhawks between 2005 and 2015. He'll need to take a significant pay cut from the $5.9 million per season he had been making over the last five years if he wants to return to Chicago. The 35-year-old eight goals and 18 points in 48 games with the Stars last season.

I hope so.

 

[JBM73]

per Rotoworld:

Patrick Sharp could rejoin the Chicago Blackhawks when he becomes a free agent tomorrow, per TSN's Bob McKenzie.
Sharp spent parts of 10 seasons with the Blackhawks between 2005 and 2015. He'll need to take a significant pay cut from the $5.9 million per season he had been making over the last five years if he wants to return to Chicago. The 35-year-old eight goals and 18 points in 48 games with the Stars last season.

I hope so.

Yep, current rumors are that he'll sign a 1 year deal at less than $1 mil., and that the Hawks are looking to sign or trade for a veteran depth defenseman, possibly John Moore or John Merrill.

 

[JoeyTourettes]

Pretty much confirmed that Sharpie is coming back. I'm luke warm on this. I LOVED Patrick Sharp from 2009-2015... the 28-33 years. I can see the need to replace some of Hossa's leadership in the locker room.

I'm just not sure how a 35 year old guy coming off of hip surgery really get's us closer to another cup? You add in some of the questions surrounding his personal life and the personal life of some of his teammates the last time he was here- and that argument for leadership takes a hit.

Again- if they can swing it under the cap- If Sharp is willing to take a league minimum deal with some incentives. Great. Hopeful- I just don't see Patrick Sharp being a reason they would have beatin the Preds last year.

 

[JBM73]

Hawks reportedly to sign F Tommy Wingels.

 

[averagejoe]

Sounds like we're getting the band back together!

​

I'm just not sure how a 35 year old guy coming off of hip surgery really get's us closer to another cup?

Similar to the NFL, sometimes it's the system.
You wonder why guys can perform under one regime and not another.
I'll take an old, gimpy Sharpie.
Another guy who wins 47.5% of faceoffs. Hawks need to win at the dot.

 

[anotheridiot]

 

[JoeyTourettes]

Projected Lines?
F1 Saad, Toews, Panik
F2 Sharp?, Anisimov, Kane
F3 Jurco, Schmaltz, Hartman
F4 Bouma, Kero, Wingels

D1 Keith, Murphy
D2 Kempny, Seabrook
D3 Forsling, Rutta

G Crawford, Forsberg

This is what was projected today, but I'm not so sure about it. I'd like to see Fortin, DeBrincat, Hayden, and Hinostroza get shots at some spots. Don't know much about Bouma & Wingels- anyone shed some light? What I've read about Wingels is he's tough (lead in hits) but not very skilled.
I also think Sharp should be moved down to the 3rd line and not have to face top 6 opponents.

I hope beyond hope that Murphy can be what Bowman sees in him. I say they STILL need at least one more vet defender.

Saad re-energizes Toews, Kane hits it off with another young one, and Murphy becomes something in a bigger market. They need Keith and Seabrook to be all-pros again and Crawford needs to have another amazing season. Hopefully they can gel.

 

[JBM73]

Don't know much about Bouma & Wingels- anyone shed some light? What I've read about Wingels is he's tough (lead in hits) but not very skilled.

From what I've read, they're both very similar players. Good skaters, tough to play against, have shown some offensive skill in the past but have struggled offensively the last year or two. Good 4th line players.

I think Stan's plan is to learn from the mistakes of last year in terms of rushing the young kids. Let them spend more time in Rockford like Hartman did, which seemed like it paid off.

The lines you posted are probably where they're at right now, at least to start. That 3rd D pairing scares the heck out of me, though.