Does the new Buffalo GM have good people around him in the front office to turn the Sabres around? What would Buffalo want, anyway, for the other Kane?
- jhawk59

If the price is right, let's take a shot with him. Could be a game changer. Then I'm guessing no Duchene/#4 D-Man....

But but but no human can withstand that many hits.
- L_B_R

We will see how long he lasts after he returns from injury and his skating is worse. Maybe he turns out to hang on like Rozival has.

If the price is right, let's take a shot with him. Could be a game changer. Then I'm guessing no Duchene/#4 D-Man....
- Matt_Foleys_bro

I am wary of this other despite his talent. Rick blog makes sense. I also know salary has to be figured in and that probably is difficult to do early in NHL season. Let's see how DeBrincat and Fortin progress.

Lurker here, saw this article and thought it would be appreciated here, and thanks
to all for a great debate about our Hawks and to JJ for a great blog.

http://www.macleans.ca/sp...-can-fix-hockey-its-easy/

I am wary of this other despite his talent. Rick blog makes sense. I also know salary has to be figured in and that probably is difficult to do early in NHL season. Let's see how DeBrincat and Fortin progress.
- jhawk59

You know its funny, I very rarely listen to Eklund's podcasts but I did today for some reason I can't explain. Russ Cohen makes the statement that the Hawks know that they were absolutely taken to the cleaners trading Panarin for Saad but they had to do it because of the comparative contract situations. In essence he proclaims Panarin as great, a steal by Columbus. Of course, that's after 5 games of a new season.

I say bullsh$t. I firmly believe in horses for certain race courses and Brandon Saad fits the Hawks to a T, IMO. And I hated Panarin's game because I knew the team would never win in the playoffs with a guy like him who would and will never engage to the extent necessary when it counts the most. I was totally thrilled when Stanbo bounced his Russian ass outta Chicago. (Just my opinion of course.)

I believe about the same with Evander Kane - great natural talent, skilled, big and tough but until somebody can re-arrange his focus into being a team first player focused on winning as a group he will always just be 'great potential' and nothing more than that. And then soon he will fade away into a guy just trying to stay in the league playing for bottom feeder teams with little chance to win anything.

End of sermon.

We will see how long he lasts after he returns from injury and his skating is worse. Maybe he turns out to hang on like Rozival has.
- jhawk59

He is lucky that he is older as it will help cut down on the # of players seeking retribution for Ryans cupless miss deeds.Man I miss the Nucks days.

If you think Phaneuf is faster than Seabs, you're gonna have a bad time.
- JRoenick97

Get a clue. Phanuef playing next to Keith might be an ALL STAR every year.

Still plays over 20 minutes a night & kills PK's & plays the PP.

Seabrook is done. The game has left him in the dust.

Good to hear that 38-8-88 was the 2nd line at practice today

If they can pick up where they left off opening night we're really going to start causing teams matchup nightmares because we essentially have 2 top lines(something we haven't had since 2015).

Sharp-Anisimov-DeBrincat is a very solid 3rd line compared to most contending teams

Wingles, Kero, Hayden, etc....lots of great 4th liners on this roster too

Rolling 4 lines come playoff time is more important than anything else, and we should be able to make that happen with the pieces we have.

So again, when we upgrade the roster with the cap space we have IMO it MUST be a defenseman and not a forward that we acquire.

As I've said Keith-Seabrook(despite their regression) are a legit top pairing. And between Rutta, Kempny, Forsling, and Murphy we can form a legit bottom pairing. But not a legit 2nd pairing IMO. We need another very solid defenseman added to this roster, to balance out 3 D pairs, to spread out the minutes so 2 and 7 don't get worn down, etc. Then when you combine that with us getting healthy and gaining chemistry/rhythm with our 4 forward lines, I think there will eventually be hope for our puck possession and advanced metrics to drastically improve by seasons end and as we enter the playoffs.

I say bullsh$t. I firmly believe in horses for certain race courses and Brandon Saad fits the Hawks to a T, IMO. And I hated Panarin's game because I knew the team would never win in the playoffs with a guy like him who would and will never engage to the extent necessary when it counts the most. I was totally thrilled when Stanbo bounced his Russian ass outta Chicago. .
- RickJ

Yeah I was pretty jazzed when I heard the news

I'm gonna let the season play out and see how much Seabrook has left in the tank come playoff time before i consider him done for good(or want him traded), maybe we can squeeze out one more solid run before he's completely useless. But make no mistake he's on a much faster track to being completely useless than anyone would have hoped to see when he signed that contract extension. Might only have another 2 years before he's unplayable, let alone not worth 7mil per year. I feel bad for him because i know he's a warrior and puts in the effort, but you can just see how painfully lagging he is now on most plays and how he gets left in the dust against faster teams(AKA most of the league). Just pray he does the best he can and that its good enough for one more run along side Keith who can maybe help make up for some of his mishaps(even though Keith has regressed himself).

I'm gonna let the season play out and see how much Seabrook has left in the tank come playoff time before i consider him done for good(or want him traded), maybe we can squeeze out one more solid run before he's completely useless. But make no mistake he's on a much faster track to being completely useless than anyone would have hoped to see when he signed that contract extension. Might only have another 2 years before he's unplayable, let alone not worth 7mil per year. I feel bad for him because i know he's a warrior and puts in the effort, but you can just see how painfully lagging he is now on most plays and how he gets left in the dust against faster teams(AKA most of the league). Just pray he does the best he can and that its good enough for one more run along side Keith who can maybe help make up for some of his mishaps(even though Keith has regressed himself).
- SimpleJack

Couple of bad games. Well, more like couple of games with some bad plays. Otherwise very solid.

He is slower now. Don't know what's up with that.

Get a clue. Phanuef playing next to Keith might be an ALL STAR every year.

Still plays over 20 minutes a night & kills PK's & plays the PP.

Seabrook is done. The game has left him in the dust.
- Goalie-33

A few things to remember.

1) We are long way from playoff time, so the important thing at the moment is just banking points and getting wins.
2) The Hawks had a fairly busy schedule to start against some of the better teams from last season.
3) Some new coaching staff, systems and a lot of new faces.

The season is a long one with a lot of hockey to go.

A few things to remember.

1) We are long way from playoff time, so the important thing at the moment is just banking points and getting wins.
2) The Hawks had a fairly busy schedule to start against some of the better teams from last season.
3) Some new coaching staff, systems and a lot of new faces.

The season is a long one with a lot of hockey to go.
- breadbag

I can go further with what you say
And first let me say nothing wrong with your comments

Not to beat a dead horse story to all the fans who do not want to make an association with the McDonough-Dineen burping to the BS in your Star or National Enquirer tabloid horsecrap, but the fact is that conversation happened, McDonough had a reaction, and both Q and Stan are on the clock if things shake out badly.

By this I mean all hands are on deck observing and hearing others comment about each facet of team play.

Nothing is not seen. So if the PP remains a ridiculous orchestration, if Seabrook really is fallen behind skating, if fast teams still give us a problem, if we do not have at least two solid pairs defensemen then how can we expect to motor quickly up ice, if DeBrincat and Schmaultz are especially fragile ....

There has to be answers, answers to problems or shortcoming. The answers may not be too appealing. I really believe we have some nice prospects but unless they are A Mathews ready type, this team is going to struggle to be .500.

I Won't go as far as to say the record and points so far is accomplished in an unimpressive fashion, but there are declining defensemen, youthful defensemen who need how long to become better, two skill but fragile offensive forwards hard to depend upon, and then just how well is our CAPTAIN going to hold up. P Kane is a stud and we are not getting maximum production out of him

We need maximum production out of Kane midst all the uncertainty.

Nice accolades for Carlsson. Hope that adds up to experience to play effectively in the NHL. Besides Snuggerud, I'd say he's the closest blueline prospect to make a difference. Krys, Mitchell, and Jokiharju are many years away.
- AEL_Fox

Not sure about many. A couple maybe.

Haven't really seen Krys, but I was impressed in camp by Jokiharju, and watching Mitchell the other night, you'd never guess he was the freshman on the D unit for the #1 ranked team in the country. Very poised, fast and strong with the puck.

Scott Powers @ByScottPowers
2m

.@FrankProSports with a front-office perspective on Brent Seabrook's contract with the Blackhawks

https://theathletic.com/1...blackhawks-in-the-future/

Scott Powers @ByScottPowers
2m

.@FrankProSports with a front-office perspective on Brent Seabrook's contract with the Blackhawks

https://theathletic.com/1...blackhawks-in-the-future/
- jt19

Jeez, what 5 or 6 more years I gotta hear about Seabs contract

Trust me, there are far worse things you could have wrong with your favorite NHL team.

Looks like Schmaltz is back tomorrow night and Eddie O will be calling the game with Doc...Eddie is also planning on Thursday's home game as well with Pat. Article in the trib this morning.

http://www.chicagotribune...casts-20171016-story.html

Lurker here, saw this article and thought it would be appreciated here, and thanks
to all for a great debate about our Hawks and to JJ for a great blog.

http://www.macleans.ca/sp...-can-fix-hockey-its-easy/
- gazza53

Thx gazza! Welcome.

Scott Powers @ByScottPowers
2m

.@FrankProSports with a front-office perspective on Brent Seabrook's contract with the Blackhawks

https://theathletic.com/1...blackhawks-in-the-future/
- jt19

So . . . I am 99% sure the Hawks QUIETLY shopped Seabrook this summer before they dealt Hammer. Because they didn't want to have to deal Hammer. QUIETLY meaning, they reached out to his hometown Canucks and tried to work something with Tanev coming back (larger deal, more players involved). Never went anywhere, and you see what happened.

All that said, I think they see the contract now as a mistake. Are they panicking? No, and now is not the time. Will their be a compliance buyout (or buyouts) with the new CBA that is likely? Yes, probably.

Is he a candidate for a "platoon" with Murphy and Franson. No, that is asinine. has he lost half a step? Yeah, probably. But he is still a very solid top 4 defenseman in the NHL. Overpaid? Sure. But because of Bowman's work this summer, the Hawks are also for once not in cap hell anymore. And it's Rocky's money, which he has more of than likely all of us combined.

Sure, Seabrook's Corsi through 6 games is underwater. So are a lot of guys on the team and I believe the team as a whole. It's stilly for everyone to start procliaming Seabrook done.

Wait and see on his contract and hw that plays out. Right now, don't panic.

Gate and I interview Craig Custance tonight on the Shoutcast, will provide a link early tomorrow Am or check Shoutcast twitter.

So . . . I am 99% sure the Hawks QUIETLY shopped Seabrook this summer before they dealt Hammer. Because they didn't want to have to deal Hammer. QUIETLY meaning, they reached out to his hometown Canucks and tried to work something with Tanev coming back (larger deal, more players involved). Never went anywhere, and you see what happened.

All that said, I think they see the contract now as a mistake. Are they panicking? No, and now is not the time. Will their be a compliance buyout (or buyouts) with the new CBA that is likely? Yes, probably.

Is he a candidate for a "platoon" with Murphy and Franson. No, that is asinine. has he lost half a step? Yeah, probably. But he is still a very solid top 4 defenseman in the NHL. Overpaid? Sure. But because of Bowman's work this summer, the Hawks are also for once not in cap hell anymore. And it's Rocky's money, which he has more of than likely all of us combined.

Sure, Seabrook's Corsi through 6 games is underwater. So are a lot of guys on the team and I believe the team as a whole. It's stilly for everyone to start procliaming Seabrook done.

Wait and see on his contract and hw that plays out. Right now, don't panic.
- John Jaeckel

Compliance buyout fosh in 2 years.

So . . . I am 99% sure the Hawks QUIETLY shopped Seabrook this summer before they dealt Hammer. Because they didn't want to have to deal Hammer. QUIETLY meaning, they reached out to his hometown Canucks and tried to work something with Tanev coming back (larger deal, more players involved). Never went anywhere, and you see what happened.

All that said, I think they see the contract now as a mistake. Are they panicking? No, and now is not the time. Will their be a compliance buyout (or buyouts) with the new CBA that is likely? Yes, probably.

Is he a candidate for a "platoon" with Murphy and Franson. No, that is asinine. has he lost half a step? Yeah, probably. But he is still a very solid top 4 defenseman in the NHL. Overpaid? Sure. But because of Bowman's work this summer, the Hawks are also for once not in cap hell anymore. And it's Rocky's money, which he has more of than likely all of us combined.

Sure, Seabrook's Corsi through 6 games is underwater. So are a lot of guys on the team and I believe the team as a whole. It's stilly for everyone to start procliaming Seabrook done.

Wait and see on his contract and hw that plays out. Right now, don't panic.
- John Jaeckel

I think in the next CBA buyouts will be easier for teams and that might be his future. I also wonder if he will be healthy enough to finish out his contract.

Get a clue. Phanuef playing next to Keith might be an ALL STAR every year.

Still plays over 20 minutes a night & kills PK's & plays the PP.

Seabrook is done. The game has left him in the dust.
- Goalie-33

I forgot that I don't reply to you anymore because you are clearly blind and have no hockey sense. Do you know who else stil plays 20 minutes a night and on the PP and PK? (frank)ing Seabrook. You know Phaneuf makes MORE than Seabs right? 7m cap hit. Everything you've said proves that you literally have no idea what you're talking about

So . . . I am 99% sure the Hawks QUIETLY shopped Seabrook this summer before they dealt Hammer. Because they didn't want to have to deal Hammer. QUIETLY meaning, they reached out to his hometown Canucks and tried to work something with Tanev coming back (larger deal, more players involved). Never went anywhere, and you see what happened.

All that said, I think they see the contract now as a mistake. Are they panicking? No, and now is not the time. Will their be a compliance buyout (or buyouts) with the new CBA that is likely? Yes, probably.

Is he a candidate for a "platoon" with Murphy and Franson. No, that is asinine. has he lost half a step? Yeah, probably. But he is still a very solid top 4 defenseman in the NHL. Overpaid? Sure. But because of Bowman's work this summer, the Hawks are also for once not in cap hell anymore. And it's Rocky's money, which he has more of than likely all of us combined.

Sure, Seabrook's Corsi through 6 games is underwater. So are a lot of guys on the team and I believe the team as a whole. It's stilly for everyone to start procliaming Seabrook done.

Wait and see on his contract and hw that plays out. Right now, don't panic.
- John Jaeckel

But on a back to back we would all agree that murphy physically is going to fare better then SEABS. If it was me I would sit Franson WED and SEABS thurs. A fatigued Seabs is not better then Murphy. You need points but you also need to not have him totally run out of gas before the playoffs. If you think he looks slow in Reg season the playoffs are faster.