And I disagree with this cause Blackhawks probably will draft in top 5-7 next summer. Ottawa had 78 points last season and was seventh worst team in standings. Blackhawks need 26 points improvement which is a lot. They are lottery team and might get a high draft pick next year. Misa, Ryabkin, McQueen..they can have their elite forward prospect next summer too.
- MjulQvist

Just remember that we still have two chances to actually win the lottery w/o being "disqualified."
Maybe my hockey fanboy ranks that have Porter Matone going 2nd overall, and even if the the Hawks have a very surprising 2024-25 there will still be an excellent choice to select Malcolm Spence AND a top golaie prospect with the other first rounder. Let's not dismiss the idea that Kyle may again try and move in to a slot closer to the early parts of the draft by sandwiching draft picks and selecting a goalie with whatever picks are in their pocket when the 2nd round starts next year.

If anything has added to the Blackhawk dynamic is that the othet team's GMs and staffs know the Blackhawks have been open to moving around the slots, so they may be contacting them before other teams.

It is a long way until we see just what these additions bring and it takes time to build cohesion btween players and it's not like the defense added a stalwart vet add on the backline (Brodie).
This is also a clear situation where the Coach doesn't just attempt letting things / chemistry develop with little pressure on the results.
Richardson will be under scrutiny on how he elevates Bedard's play with strong wingers, AND stir the other players into a group that helps beating teams too. Remember upon the Luke Richardson hire, how Steven from Glencoe, said Luke didn't have head coaching chops o match up with most other coaches.
We don't have an answer to this until he shapes this current stable and coaches them to wins.
It could be a great start, a slow one, but I don't think all these adds especially the top two, TT & Bertuzzi necessarily make them a cinderella team, just won that could win more games, right?








https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/2025

The Blackhawks signed Vanacker to an ELC, 3 years $975,000 AAV.

The Blackhawks signed Vanacker to an ELC, 3 years $975,000 AAV.
- DarthKane

Signed him too early, obviously he will be a bust now!

I’d like to see JT re-emerge next season and put up a solid year. Chances are this won’t happen, but it doesn’t mean it can’t. I’d love to see him put the puck in CHI’s net the way Kane did this past season.

Just remember that we still have two chances to actually win the lottery w/o being "disqualified."
Maybe my hockey fanboy ranks that have Porter Matone going 2nd overall, and even if the the Hawks have a very surprising 2024-25 there will still be an excellent choice to select Malcolm Spence AND a top golaie prospect with the other first rounder. Let's not dismiss the idea that Kyle may again try and move in to a slot closer to the early parts of the draft by sandwiching draft picks and selecting a goalie with whatever picks are in their pocket when the 2nd round starts next year.

If anything has added to the Blackhawk dynamic is that the othet team's GMs and staffs know the Blackhawks have been open to moving around the slots, so they may be contacting them before other teams.

It is a long way until we see just what these additions bring and it takes time to build cohesion btween players and it's not like the defense added a stalwart vet add on the backline (Brodie).
This is also a clear situation where the Coach doesn't just attempt letting things / chemistry develop with little pressure on the results.
Richardson will be under scrutiny on how he elevates Bedard's play with strong wingers, AND stir the other players into a group that helps beating teams too. Remember upon the Luke Richardson hire, how Steven from Glencoe, said Luke didn't have head coaching chops o match up with most other coaches.
We don't have an answer to this until he shapes this current stable and coaches them to wins.
It could be a great start, a slow one, but I don't think all these adds especially the top two, TT & Bertuzzi necessarily make them a cinderella team, just won that could win more games, right?








https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/2025
- wiz1901

Teuvo, Bertuzzi are nice adds, Hall coming back from injury are these guys good for 60 goals?

Bedard, Kurashev good for 50ish maybe.

D!ckinson, Foligno and Donato can they pot 40 to 50 goals? Again

160 goals? Then we need the Reichel, Nazar and AAs to contribute

Then we have to talk about the 300 goals we're giving up, this has got to get better. 290 plus goals against is a top 5 finish for sure in the draft lottery. If they could get that number down to 250 that would probably put them around 80 to 90 points.

So if we can improve on offense between 225 and 250 goals for and defense 250 to 260 goals against I'm thinking high 70s low 80s in points.
For now I'm just hoping we aren't playing in our end all night.

The Blackhawks signed Vanacker to an ELC, 3 years $975,000 AAV.
- DarthKane

That's the kid that played with a bad shoulder? Then got surgery after the season ended, nice.

The Blackhawks signed Vanacker to an ELC, 3 years $975,000 AAV.
- DarthKane

Excellent move. Full stop.

Just remember that we still have two chances to actually win the lottery w/o being "disqualified."
Maybe my hockey fanboy ranks that have Porter Matone going 2nd overall, and even if the the Hawks have a very surprising 2024-25 there will still be an excellent choice to select Malcolm Spence AND a top golaie prospect with the other first rounder. Let's not dismiss the idea that Kyle may again try and move in to a slot closer to the early parts of the draft by sandwiching draft picks and selecting a goalie with whatever picks are in their pocket when the 2nd round starts next year.

If anything has added to the Blackhawk dynamic is that the othet team's GMs and staffs know the Blackhawks have been open to moving around the slots, so they may be contacting them before other teams.

It is a long way until we see just what these additions bring and it takes time to build cohesion btween players and it's not like the defense added a stalwart vet add on the backline (Brodie).
This is also a clear situation where the Coach doesn't just attempt letting things / chemistry develop with little pressure on the results.
Richardson will be under scrutiny on how he elevates Bedard's play with strong wingers, AND stir the other players into a group that helps beating teams too. Remember upon the Luke Richardson hire, how Steven from Glencoe, said Luke didn't have head coaching chops o match up with most other coaches.
We don't have an answer to this until he shapes this current stable and coaches them to wins.
It could be a great start, a slow one, but I don't think all these adds especially the top two, TT & Bertuzzi necessarily make them a cinderella team, just won that could win more games, right?








https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/2025
- wiz1901

Interesting observation. How many coaches had the "chops" to match up with other coaches before they ever were a head coach?

Using this logic, no one could ever become a head coach for the first time. You would just rehiring fired coaches until the all died, then the league would have to shut down.

I just don't get the LR stuff. I've seen nothing but positives from this guy since the day he was hired. Especially given the situation he's been dealt.

Interesting observation. How many coaches had the "chops" to match up with other coaches before they ever were a head coach?

Using this logic, no one could ever become a head coach for the first time. You would just rehiring fired coaches until the all died, then the league would have to shut down.

I just don't get the LR stuff. I've seen nothing but positives from this guy since the day he was hired. Especially given the situation he's been dealt.
- vabeachbear

You need a stint at the re-education camp, Comrade. If the team doesn't go from the basement to the cusp of the playoffs this season, LR must be fired down onto the pavement! He is this season's whipping boy. It has been decided.

You need a stint at the re-education camp, Comrade. If the team doesn't go from the basement to the cusp of the playoffs this season, LR must be fired down onto the pavement! He is this season's whipping boy. It has been decided.
- mohel

If this season doesn't show improvement, I'm still holding Coliton responsible.

We werent talking about money.
- LFS

You asked why would the Pens keep running it back with the team they have even though they can't win a cup - and it's probably for a round or two of playoff money

Teuvo, Bertuzzi are nice adds, Hall coming back from injury are these guys good for 60 goals?

Bedard, Kurashev good for 50ish maybe.

D!ckinson, Foligno and Donato can they pot 40 to 50 goals? Again

160 goals? Then we need the Reichel, Nazar and AAs to contribute

Then we have to talk about the 300 goals we're giving up, this has got to get better. 290 plus goals against is a top 5 finish for sure in the draft lottery. If they could get that number down to 250 that would probably put them around 80 to 90 points.

So if we can improve on offense between 225 and 250 goals for and defense 250 to 260 goals against I'm thinking high 70s low 80s in points.
For now I'm just hoping we aren't playing in our end all night.
- BetweenTheDots

Assuming most of these guys play 75 games

Bertuzzi Bedard TT (25, 40, 20) 65
Hall Nazar Russian (20, 12, 18) 50
Reichel\Hayes D!ckinson Kurashev (4/7, 15, 12) 38
Old guys and AA and Donato and rest of line up maybe like 48 total between all them

Vlasic Jones - (4, 15) 19
Korch Martinez - (8, 5) 13
Guys that are left - 15 total

Thats 248 which isn't overly optimistic but assumes some health. It could be more depending on who comes up when or if someone goes on a heater. Like if the power play gets hot, for example, Bedard could have 45 goals and Bertuzzi could have 30. It could be less and LR will probably get fired if they're under 230. Over-under you set at maybe 240.

High end I think 260 which puts them dead square in the middle of the packish. Or somewhere between 19 and 22 on the low end.

Arizona scored 254 last year and I think this year's Hawks team has more talent.

Based on being able to exit the zone - I think the goals allowed will be closer to 260 range which is also about the middle of the pack.

I think the team is going to be close to a playoff spot or sitting in one for parts of the season. The difference between 8 and 13 isn't really that huge and I think theyre out of the bottom 5 now.

Since you asked bottom 5 are: San Jose, Anaheim, Calgary, Columbus and Montreal

I think what is starting to be seen is guys signing their ELC's early on, more as their trying to get an edge competing for what will end up being limited NHL slots. In other words, getting a headstart on their professional development within the system.

I guess as a counter to those continuing development through college ranks. It must seem like snoozing is losing. Interesting to see how that works out, and if others take that tack as well. I guess you can argue that some have already.

You need a stint at the re-education camp, Comrade. If the team doesn't go from the basement to the cusp of the playoffs this season, LR must be fired down onto the pavement! He is this season's whipping boy. It has been decided.
- mohel

Sir, yes sir!

Just remember that we still have two chances to actually win the lottery w/o being "disqualified."
Maybe my hockey fanboy ranks that have Porter Matone going 2nd overall, and even if the the Hawks have a very surprising 2024-25 there will still be an excellent choice to select Malcolm Spence AND a top golaie prospect with the other first rounder. Let's not dismiss the idea that Kyle may again try and move in to a slot closer to the early parts of the draft by sandwiching draft picks and selecting a goalie with whatever picks are in their pocket when the 2nd round starts next year.

If anything has added to the Blackhawk dynamic is that the othet team's GMs and staffs know the Blackhawks have been open to moving around the slots, so they may be contacting them before other teams.

It is a long way until we see just what these additions bring and it takes time to build cohesion btween players and it's not like the defense added a stalwart vet add on the backline (Brodie).
This is also a clear situation where the Coach doesn't just attempt letting things / chemistry develop with little pressure on the results.
Richardson will be under scrutiny on how he elevates Bedard's play with strong wingers, AND stir the other players into a group that helps beating teams too. Remember upon the Luke Richardson hire, how Steven from Glencoe, said Luke didn't have head coaching chops o match up with most other coaches.
We don't have an answer to this until he shapes this current stable and coaches them to wins.
It could be a great start, a slow one, but I don't think all these adds especially the top two, TT & Bertuzzi necessarily make them a cinderella team, just won that could win more games, right?








https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/2025
- wiz1901

I don't think they are going to even give LR a chance to screw up anymore of the young guys this season. Maybe Slaggert makes the roster and LR can play him out of position and bounce him from line to line like he did with the German.

90% of the future is gong to playing elsewhere. Most in Rockford, where another guy over his head, who doesn't even live in Rockford, has the future in his hands.

Wiz, is this an NHL roster or a retirement tour for Foligno, Hall, Maroon, AA, Smith, Brodie and Martinez?

I don't think they are going to even give LR a chance to screw up anymore of the young guys this season. Maybe Slaggert makes the roster and LR can play him out of position and bounce him from line to line like he did with the German.

90% of the future is gong to playing elsewhere. Most in Rockford, where another guy over his head, who doesn't even live in Rockford, has the future in his hands.

Wiz, is this an NHL roster or a retirement tour for Foligno, Hall, Maroon, AA, Smith, Brodie and Martinez?
- stevefrmglencoe

Well i think he did pretty good with Bedard, Vlasic, Korchinski and Kurashev so far. Sometimes time is needed to develop players

I don't think they are going to even give LR a chance to screw up anymore of the young guys this season. Maybe Slaggert makes the roster and LR can play him out of position and bounce him from line to line like he did with the German.

90% of the future is gong to playing elsewhere. Most in Rockford, where another guy over his head, who doesn't even live in Rockford, has the future in his hands.

Wiz, is this an NHL roster or a retirement tour for Foligno, Hall, Maroon, AA, Smith, Brodie and Martinez?
- stevefrmglencoe

LOL.

Good to see this place is still crazy as ever.

Signed him too early, obviously he will be a bust now!
- breadbag

The timing of this signing of definitely off. KD could have waited a few weeks and signed him for $970,000. That extra $5,000 will totally derail the rebuild.

#KDFail

I think what is starting to be seen is guys signing their ELC's early on, more as their trying to get an edge competing for what will end up being limited NHL slots. In other words, getting a headstart on their professional development within the system.

I guess as a counter to those continuing development through college ranks. It must seem like snoozing is losing. Interesting to see how that works out, and if others take that tack as well. I guess you can argue that some have already.
- SC116

Starts to put pressure on guys to not suck as well. If Reichel doesn't play well there's plenty of guys looking for that spot now. Same for Korch or anyone, really.

Starts to put pressure on guys to not suck as well. If Reichel doesn't play well there's plenty of guys looking for that spot now. Same for Korch or anyone, really.
- fattybeef

Forces the kids to earn their spots on the big club, and marinate in RFD if they’re not ready.

If this season doesn't show improvement, I'm still holding Coliton responsible.
- scottak

That's well played.

Assuming most of these guys play 75 games

Bertuzzi Bedard TT (25, 40, 20) 65
Hall Nazar Russian (20, 12, 18) 50
Reichel\Hayes D!ckinson Kurashev (4/7, 15, 12) 38
Old guys and AA and Donato and rest of line up maybe like 48 total between all them

Vlasic Jones - (4, 15) 19
Korch Martinez - (8, 5) 13
Guys that are left - 15 total

Thats 248 which isn't overly optimistic but assumes some health. It could be more depending on who comes up when or if someone goes on a heater. Like if the power play gets hot, for example, Bedard could have 45 goals and Bertuzzi could have 30. It could be less and LR will probably get fired if they're under 230. Over-under you set at maybe 240.

High end I think 260 which puts them dead square in the middle of the packish. Or somewhere between 19 and 22 on the low end.

Arizona scored 254 last year and I think this year's Hawks team has more talent.

Based on being able to exit the zone - I think the goals allowed will be closer to 260 range which is also about the middle of the pack.

I think the team is going to be close to a playoff spot or sitting in one for parts of the season. The difference between 8 and 13 isn't really that huge and I think theyre out of the bottom 5 now.

Since you asked bottom 5 are: San Jose, Anaheim, Calgary, Columbus and Montreal
- fattybeef

You may need to sharpen your addition skills.

You asked why would the Pens keep running it back with the team they have even though they can't win a cup - and it's probably for a round or two of playoff money
- fattybeef

I didnt ask.

Quiz time. Name 17 Hawk players who were on the 2013 and 2015 Cup teams. I got 14 off the top of my head, had to think about one, and had to look up the other two.

https://www.yardbarker.co...ckhawks_quiz/s1__20788666

Quiz time. Name 17 Hawk players who were on the 2013 and 2015 Cup teams. I got 14 off the top of my head, had to think about one, and had to look up the other two.

https://www.yardbarker.co...ckhawks_quiz/s1__20788666
- boilermaker100

Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp, Hjalmmarsson, Keith, Seabrook, Bickell, Oduya, Rozival, Crawford, Kruger, Shaw, Saad…

Now just guessing…Rundblad, and ???