Sorry to hear you’re leaving JJ- we will miss the great writing.

Going from here?
-10 of the leagues 30 teams have built solid and fast lineups
- Perfect storm maybe- Hawks core is older and slower & the kids make mistakes.
-Trying to trade core players at huge discounted values will not help
-For now its stay the course

Result:
If Goalies aren’t special losses pile up.
Management is stuck with the status quo and maybe a return to the magic of games 1-2 surfaces as Hawks head toward game 20.

I’ve personally come to terms that as constructed this group isn’t a contender.
I’m just hoping they can provide us with a fast and exciting product and close games.

None of us are accustomed to seeing
this team losing and losing big.

Who is going to give you anything for Toews or Seabrook? NO ONE wants them at those contacts. This is an unwinnable situation. Keith and maybe Kane are your only two truly marketable players. And it would be hard to move Kane at 10.5...only Keith I think is marketable, but you only trade him at the TDL when the Hawks are out and someone needs that last piece for a run, THEN You could probably get a nice haul for him. But the other players are either not very good (Anisimov) or are grossly overpaid (Toews, Seabs). And Crow really has a limited market.
- kwolf68

Totally agree with this.
No trade value in these trade scenarios, Because the players are not "earning" their paychecks(unless they are being paid for past success)

Look who the cat dragged in??!!
- dpard

yeah all we need is ogie and philco...

Am I the only one that never understands a damn thing you say???
- SimpleJack

Probably, mr gump

Maybe, just maybe, the Hawks miss Hossa on the ice even more than we could have expected. Seabrook simply cannot keep up right now and Toews looks like a $6mil 2C in terms of playmaking with the puck and agility/speed with his feet.

Whatever, it's been a damn good run. Hopefully this is the low point of the year for the Hawks and they realize that they aren't the more talented team on the ice every night...so they have to work hard and work smart to get wins.

It's just baffling to me seeing the play of this team the last three weeks compared to games 1+2. That seems to come down to effort and execution. Typically, it's the coach who goes first in this type of scenario. Two more weeks of play like this and the Hawks will dig themselves a big hole in the division. Something's gotta give....
- EnzoD

Speaking of teams past their best dates, the Penguins are down 5-0 to Winnipeg after the 1st period. Turnovers galore inside their own zone and the Jets looking very quick (just another tough Central Division opponent of the Blackhawks).

And of course the Hawks miss Hossa badly on the ice and in the dressing room. But they got that oh so special cap space in return for him disappearing. Unfortunately cap space doesn't score goals, just ask Marc Bergevin how his $8 million in cap space is playing right now.

they will have their run of winning 12 of 15 or something like it at some point and yes the great lvk will come back to earth with a nice 10-12 games of losing...

and the hawks have had losing periods like this every year including 10, 13 and 15. I believe they lost 9 in a row in 2012...

what is surprising to see their ugly habits show up so early...

Speaking of teams past their best dates, the Penguins are down 5-0 to Winnipeg after the 1st period. Turnovers galore inside their own zone and the Jets looking very quick (just another tough Central Division opponent of the Blackhawks).

And of course the Hawks miss Hossa badly on the ice and in the dressing room. But they got that oh so special cap space in return for him disappearing. Unfortunately cap space doesn't score goals, just ask Marc Bergevin how his $8 million in cap space is playing right now.
- RickJ

I know you aren't high on him, but Evander Kane with Schmaltz + Patty could help ignite the offense. Yes the Penguins also have several holes in their roster this year...as they did the last two seasons when they lifted Lord Stanley's Cup.

It's my opinion that a fairly significant shakeup is needed somewhere within the organization. What that change is and when it comes is something we can only speculate on. If the team of the last 2 weeks keeps showing up, I'd expect those changes sooner rather than later. I'm just glad I didn't spend money to see last night's game live. Yikes.

I know you aren't high on him, but Evander Kane with Schmaltz + Patty could help ignite the offense. Yes the Penguins also have several holes in their roster this year...as they did the last two seasons when they lifted Lord Stanley's Cup.

It's my opinion that a fairly significant shakeup is needed somewhere within the organization. What that change is and when it comes is something we can only speculate on. If the team of the last 2 weeks keeps showing up, I'd expect those changes sooner rather than later. I'm just glad I didn't spend money to see last night's game live. Yikes.
- EnzoD

So you're saying a team with holes can win the cup?
Hmmmmmm????

http://windycitychronicle...ks-preach-bigger-picture/

Totally agree with this.
No trade value in these trade scenarios, Because the players are not "earning" their paychecks(unless they are being paid for past success)
- camfor

And if they WERE "earning" their pay the Hawks would probably be a solid playoff team and there'd be no need to trade them. Hence, why the hell would anyone take these guys to begin with?

As I said Keith is extremely valuable still. Not that I'd want to move him, but he's a guy I could see being moved if the Hawks fell into the abyss.

Teams do not often get fleeced in trades unless, for instance, a team makes the wager that a prospect coming their way turns out to be really good.

That being said, the residual value of a trade involving a favorite Blackhawk whose best years are behind him is not going to yield a steal of a prospect- like the infamous Lou Brock from MLB

Besides, no one really expects the "old" core players to leave town until they are gassed out from one last valiant try by the GM and coach to extract even a smaller amount of what those players purport to have left in the tank.

So Keith can sound less than enthusiastic, and Toews + Seabrook can sound real nice and contrite in an interview. Sharp will still give it a go, too.

It may be just the last straw when those guys sit significant minutes on the pine or on a cushioned press box seat. We do know everyone can see what is happening so we do not expect them dealt - if jettisoned the return would be insignificant. Believe It!

I fear any trade is just going to be to improve one position but a different position becomes worse. Minor league recall and or current young NHL Blackhawks could be inserted in a greater role. But all that is really done is to reassemble the desk chairs

I do see some sense but also feel that there could be minimal gain if Dineen assumed command. What would he do differently. Do you suppose the players are suddenly going to do cartwheels out of sheer happiness over the change. No, not really.

I would be very happy if we could move the fight song to the rink, "Bear down, Chicago Hawks."

I am afraid in the end it is more appropriately NOT "Here Come the Hawks" but instead "There go the Hawks."

So you're saying a team with holes can win the cup?
Hmmmmmm????
- dpard

If they have the best player in the world (Crosby) and a Top 10 Player in the world (Malkin), yes. The Hawks have one player in their class, Kaner.

This is most likely the low point for the season. Things should get better from here powered by professional ego. But don't look for miracles because breaking up arguably the best scoring line in the NHL was monumentally stupid. Kane is paying and will continue to pay the price. Giving away one of the league's best defensive defensemen for nothing was another obvious big nail in the coffin. http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=85982

Willie Mays got old. Michael Jordan got old. Bobby Hull got old. The Blackhawks today have several aging players. Like it or not, it's not 2010. Heck, it's not 2013.

No, Towes is not a "bum". Nor is Seabrook. But, there's no denying Toews is NOT the same player he was, even 3 years ago. Besides, any player making $10.5 million, shouldn't need a stud like Saad to make HIM better. Toews should make other wingers he plays with better.

It was apparent to my eye even last year Seabrook was skating like he's pulling a freight train. He's get beat way too often today.

Is Q to blame--or partly to blame? Maybe. Maybe part of the blame rests with Q. But, the coach doesn't "play". He only puts out the best 18 skaters he has.
On the other hand, do the hawks need to practice more? Absolutely. Esp. the power play.
For years, Q has had top shelf talent, playing at their prime, so he had short, easy practices. That isn't the case today. He has aging players skating with young guys who need as much practice together as they can get.

I place the majority of the "blame" for this current team on Stan's doorstep. He handed out this ridiculous contracts. Would anyone sign Seabrook to FIVE more years--TODAY? The AA contract was equally baffling.
The contracts and trades full squarely on Stan.

Going forward....you can either stay the course, and likely miss the playoffs. Or, squeak in and get bounced in the first round again.
Or, you can start planning for the future--right now. And, move some of the sacred cows that still have value.
What's a better scenario....losing with Toews, Seabrook, Keith, etc...and having no young talent to take their place? Or, losing WITHOUT some of those guys now, but having the chance at rebuilding with picks and prospects?

Rocky and McDounough won;t like either scenario....because it will mean lean years and fewer butts in the seats.
- tompo1015

This was almost my exact post last night. Couldn't agree more. Gotta move these guys while they still have stuff in the tank.

I'm tired of the rebuilding talk. I hope they go the opposite direction. Go for broke!

The NHL can opt out of the CPA September 1, 2019; that's less than two seasons away. Maybe with a new CPA they'll be able to dump or rework some of these contracts. Toews, Seabrook, Keith, Anisimov; they aren't producing to their cap hit. So maybe that's some light at the end of the tunnel.

But in the meantime, I think the Blackhawks should just go for broke. They might be able to move one of those contracts, maybe two, but not all of them, and not all this season. Why sit around and hope for that to happen?

In fact, I have a hard time imagining the team trading Toews or Kane or Keith in the next couple of years. They are still the faces of the franchise. But they need more around them. If AA or Seabrook are tradable for upgrades in talent and/or cap space to get someone else, do it. But if not, and maybe if so, Stan needs to move other players to upgrade key positions.

I think Stan needs to consider moving Murphy. He's young, cost controlled, has upside, and his contract is tradable. I think he has value to other teams. He just doesn't have immediate value to the Blackhawks apparently. That's a lot of contract to be sitting in the press box consistently. How long before he is an every day player assuming Q is his head coach? This season? Next? The one after that? Might be able to get a more solid D that Q actually plays for him now.

Honestly, I'm not sure Hartman and Schmaltz are top six talent on a cup contender right now either. Ideally, the team acquires others to take those roles; Duchene and/or EKane, etc., and they just slide to the third line. But if they need to be included, they should do it.

It's time for DeBrincat to spend some time in Rockford. He can get more ice time against inferior opposition and work on some things. He's had a taste of NHL life, he knows what to expect now, give him a chance to work on it. But if he is the chip needed in a deal to get some better players, do it.

Suppose it doesn't work. Who cares? At least they tried. Is this team really going to rebuild around ADB, Schmaltz, Hartman, and Murphy? Are they going to carry this club in six years when Kane and Toews contracts are up? I don't think so.

Double down. Take some chances on some guys. Rent-some-players. At least it'd be fun to watch. Better than the last ten days of hockey we've seen.

I feel that the biggest problem with this team is McD. I wonder if Stan's hands are tied on contract signings due to McD. You know, Jim Cornelison has run his course, but he is trotted out there game in and game out. We still see new adds with Toews and Kane, being "what they want to be".

McD has done an excellent job getting this team in the Chicago (and national) market, but now it is time for Stan to drive the bus and set the team up as he wants to. McD needs to kick Bettman to the curb, so the NHL can be a major sport in this country. Rocky, it is time for you to push your weight and get'er done.

- bogiedoc

Why do you find this absurd? When was the last game you remember Toews being the best player on the ice... How about Seabrook? These guys are weighing the team down because of the contracts that Stan gave them. Kane has earned his 10.5. Toews is at best a 8 MIL hit and even that might be high for his point totals. When was the last time he scored a clutch goal to win an important game? One of the highest paid players in the league should be a force night in and night out. How many shots on goal did he have last night?

I'm tired of the rebuilding talk. I hope they go the opposite direction. Go for broke!

The NHL can opt out of the CPA September 1, 2019; that's less than two seasons away. Maybe with a new CPA they'll be able to dump or rework some of these contracts. Toews, Seabrook, Keith, Anisimov; they aren't producing to their cap hit. So maybe that's some light at the end of the tunnel.

But in the meantime, I think the Blackhawks should just go for broke. They might be able to move one of those contracts, maybe two, but not all of them, and not all this season. Why sit around and hope for that to happen?

In fact, I have a hard time imagining the team trading Toews or Kane or Keith in the next couple of years. They are still the faces of the franchise. But they need more around them. If AA or Seabrook are tradable for upgrades in talent and/or cap space to get someone else, do it. But if not, and maybe if so, Stan needs to move other players to upgrade key positions.

I think Stan needs to consider moving Murphy. He's young, cost controlled, has upside, and his contract is tradable. I think he has value to other teams. He just doesn't have immediate value to the Blackhawks apparently. That's a lot of contract to be sitting in the press box consistently. How long before he is an every day player assuming Q is his head coach? This season? Next? The one after that? Might be able to get a more solid D that Q actually plays for him now.

Honestly, I'm not sure Hartman and Schmaltz are top six talent on a cup contender right now either. Ideally, the team acquires others to take those roles; Duchene and/or EKane, etc., and they just slide to the third line. But if they need to be included, they should do it.

It's time for DeBrincat to spend some time in Rockford. He can get more ice time against inferior opposition and work on some things. He's had a taste of NHL life, he knows what to expect now, give him a chance to work on it. But if he is the chip needed in a deal to get some better players, do it.

Suppose it doesn't work. Who cares? At least they tried. Is this team really going to rebuild around ADB, Schmaltz, Hartman, and Murphy? Are they going to carry this club in six years when Kane and Toews contracts are up? I don't think so.

Double down. Take some chances on some guys. Rent-some-players. At least it'd be fun to watch. Better than the last ten days of hockey we've seen.
- matt_ahrens

It's either one or the other. Status quo is not entertaining nor is it a Cup Contending roster, IMO.

It's either one or the other. Status quo is not entertaining nor is it a Cup Contending roster, IMO.
- EnzoD

totally agree.

I know you aren't high on him, but Evander Kane with Schmaltz + Patty could help ignite the offense. Yes the Penguins also have several holes in their roster this year...as they did the last two seasons when they lifted Lord Stanley's Cup.

It's my opinion that a fairly significant shakeup is needed somewhere within the organization. What that change is and when it comes is something we can only speculate on. If the team of the last 2 weeks keeps showing up, I'd expect those changes sooner rather than later. I'm just glad I didn't spend money to see last night's game live. Yikes.
- EnzoD

I don't think they would hesitate to pull the trigger on a deal if one becomes available. And the good thing about it is that there are some desperate teams out there who would trade - Montreal, NYR, Buffalo, Florida, Arizona. But the contract numbers have to make sense to both sides.

I'd have no problem with a guy like Evander Kane if he sticks to hockey - but who do you offer in exchange that causes the Sabres to do a deal?

The major core of this team has won a lot of trophies in the past 7-8 years. Three Stanley cups, Olympic medals, a World Cup and individual accomplishments. Hard work has paid off for the Hawks but it almost looks as like there's a lack of desire, or hunger to win anymore. It's hard for fans to fathom but in the minds of some athletes, what more is there to win? They've won it all at a young age and have years of financial security, it's possible that it's hard to find that extra gear anymore unless guys get a change of scenery.

This was almost my exact post last night. Couldn't agree more. Gotta move these guys while they still have stuff in the tank.
- Toew Drags 4 Daze

Get over yourselves - the core is NOT being traded - at least not in the next 2-3 years!!!!!

Get over yourselves - the core is NOT being traded - at least not in the next 2-3 years!!!!!
- dahawks8819

Thanks for the insight Stan

The major core of this team has won a lot of trophies in the past 7-8 years. Three Stanley cups, Olympic medals, a World Cup and individual accomplishments. Hard work has paid off for the Hawks but it almost looks as like there's a lack of desire, or hunger to win anymore. It's hard for fans to fathom but in the minds of some athletes, what more is there to win? They've won it all at a young age and have years of financial security, it's possible that it's hard to find that extra gear anymore unless guys get a change of scenery.
- NewfieStud

The truth is Toews, Keith, Seabrook, and Sharp don't have an extra gear anymore. This is who they are. Just shadows of their former selves. Aged, regressed, worn down to solid players, but no longer elite at their positions and unable to carry a team. They are all very flawed now.

So, there's that....and that would be worse enough. But oh no it doesn't stop there, not by a long shot.

Coach Q's system has gone stale. The overall effort isn't there. The style of play hasn't adjusted and the rest of the league skates circles around this team.

The special teams, mainly the PP, aren't good enough. Haven't been for years.

The Dcore overall is one of the worst in the league, Keith and Seabrook are getting worse and worse and the guys behind them in the depth chart aren't that good, with no prospects in the system that look anything like a future #1, 2, or 3 defenseman.

Overall role players/supporting cast talent isn't really that impressive. Talent is the most important thing and the Hawks just don't have it as much as the elite teams do.

Front office has made horrible decisions left and right that have led to an inferior roster. Too many bad contracts. No way to move them. Stuck in rut of epic proportions. This franchise is headed straight towards a complete tear down and rebuild.

The truth is Toews, Keith, Seabrook, and Sharp don't have an extra gear anymore. This is who they are. Just shadows of their former selves. Aged, regressed, worn down to solid players, but no longer elite at their positions and unable to carry a team. They are all very flawed now.

So, there's that....and that would be worse enough. But oh no it doesn't stop there, not by a long shot.

Coach Q's system has gone stale. The overall effort isn't there. The style of play hasn't adjusted and the rest of the league skates circles around this team.

The special teams, mainly the PP, aren't good enough. Haven't been for years.

The Dcore overall is one of the worst in the league, Keith and Seabrook are getting worse and worse and the guys behind them in the depth chart aren't that good, with no prospects in the system that look anything like a future #1, 2, or 3 defenseman.

Overall role players/supporting cast talent isn't really that impressive. Talent is the most important thing and the Hawks just don't have it as much as the elite teams do.

Front office has made horrible decisions left and right that have led to an inferior roster. Too many bad contracts. No way to move them. Stuck in rut of epic proportions. This franchise is headed straight towards a complete tear down and rebuild.
- SimpleJack

How long has coach Q been behind the bench now? Must be close to 10 years? All coaches have a shelf life at some point. Even ones that have been highly successful as Q.