Interested to see the Hawks vs Wings matchup tomorrow and how each look in their respective rebuilds.

While the Wings have a better record, they haven't looked all that great. They moved on from some players they had last year (Sprong, Fabbri, Ghost, Perron) and brought in Gus and Tarasenko while promoting Kasper and Edvinsson.

They are getting outshot most games and being bailed out by goaltending. Sounds familiar right, though I think the Hawks have generally looked better overall.
- HawkintheD

How is Kane playing. Is he still consistently dangerous, or mostly "old" Kane with still the flash of great hands now and then? He was never a speedster, I am sure he has slowed down after the hip procedure.

Call me cynical, but if the Hawks are fighting for the last playoff spot (and not getting it) in two more years, there will be pitchforks and torches surrounding the UC. SY is in year six at the helm of the Red Wings. the closest they've been to a spot was last year where they missed by a point. They didn't even do a complete tear-down.

You can't just wait for all of your draft picks to matriculate up to the big team, because not all of them are going to turn out. By no means am I saying trade everything to win now, but they will need to show marked improvement every year going forward. If they finish with 75-80 pts this year, I don't think they are really allowed to fall back (or at least they shouldn't be).

In theory, each year, your younger players are going to be getting better. Obviously, Reichel is Case 1 of that not being true, but that is kind of my point. The bar needs to continually be raised otherwise you turn into Buffalo and Det. Lots of potential, with no results.
- Chunk

I think by not doing the complete teardown or just being not awful enough to not get top 5 picks is a tough way to build a team.

I may be wrong but what i really like about the Blackhawks aggressive rebuild is as you say you just can't wait for all their draft picks to matriculate, considering the number of picks and where they picked them higher end of the draft, I'm hoping, there will be a very healthy competition for playing time soon at the nhl level. I guess in other words all our hopes aren't on a single prospect developing.

I do kind of consider we've had the teardown and this has been the 1st year of the rebuild.

I think by not doing the complete teardown or just being not awful enough to not get top 5 picks is a tough way to build a team.

I may be wrong but what i really like about the Blackhawks aggressive rebuild is as you say you just can't wait for all their draft picks to matriculate, considering the number of picks and where they picked them higher end of the draft, I'm hoping, there will be a very healthy competition for playing time soon at the nhl level. I guess in other words all our hopes aren't on a single prospect developing.

I do kind of consider we've had the teardown and this has been the 1st year of the rebuild.
- BetweenTheDots

But they were. They got Seider with the 6th overall, and were in line the next year for the 1OA and lost the lottery to end up choosing Raymond. Not bad consolation prizes, but they were bad enough to get those picks. They made some other picks that went to poop which is entirely possible with the Hawks picks as well. That's why I think the Hawks need to make sure they are constantly improving.

I agree, Williams made every throw in college. Displayed great touch, very accurate especially on the move, throwing to guys who haven't yet come out of their break.

Tell you what, I've seen nothing of that as a Bear. He's been very inaccurate not just on deep passes, 5-8 yards off, and even when he completes a pass 50% of the time he doesn't hit the receiver in stride (very little run after the catch) and rarely, if ever as a Bear, completes a pass before the receiver comes out of his break. Often late getting balls to guys who are clearly open.

And these are pro bowl receivers in Allen, Moore, Kmet and the 9th overall pick, Odunze, who I've loved at first sight with U of WSH. ........... Yea, the line is bad and the O coordinator looks like a bum but consistently being inaccurate, even on completions, has me wondering. ........... Geez, and stop letting him change plays 40% of the time. Barking calls like Manning. Kid ain't ready for full control.
- Mr Ricochet

I think that's where you have issues with the coaching staff.

But Williams is completing 61.4% of his passes which is a higher rate than Manning as a rookie. 9 TD 4 INT for a rookie I think is a pretty good ratio.

If he finishes the year with 18 touchdown passes and 8 interceptions and +3000 yards I think most people should be thrilled.

I think he goes on a heater at some point and you see it closer to 25 and 12 and 3500 but we'll see.

I think by not doing the complete teardown or just being not awful enough to not get top 5 picks is a tough way to build a team.

I may be wrong but what i really like about the Blackhawks aggressive rebuild is as you say you just can't wait for all their draft picks to matriculate, considering the number of picks and where they picked them higher end of the draft, I'm hoping, there will be a very healthy competition for playing time soon at the nhl level. I guess in other words all our hopes aren't on a single prospect developing.

I do kind of consider we've had the teardown and this has been the 1st year of the rebuild.
- BetweenTheDots

So last year with Bedard, Vlasic, Reichel, Korchinski, playing is not considered part of the rebuild?

Nice comments from writer Frank Seravalli on Vlasic.

https://www.dailyfaceoff....-love-for-his-strong-play

So last year with Bedard, Vlasic, Reichel, Korchinski, playing is not considered part of the rebuild?
- LAHawk

Considering they really didn't want KK to play in the NHL, Reichel and Vlasic are nice pieces left from the previous GM and Bedard was lucky as (frank) to draft him and they have the salary cap where they want it, i guess kind of but for me it starts this season. It can start whenever you think it started.

But they were. They got Seider with the 6th overall, and were in line the next year for the 1OA and lost the lottery to end up choosing Raymond. Not bad consolation prizes, but they were bad enough to get those picks. They made some other picks that went to poop which is entirely possible with the Hawks picks as well. That's why I think the Hawks need to make sure they are constantly improving.
- Chunk

That is a big deal not hitting on the picks, i do like our chances more with getting a 1st OA, 2nd OA, 8 total 1st round picks in 3 years with 2 more next season.

I know listening to the Ducks feed they really liked KD bringing in a bunch of vets to play along side the kids.

Realistically the only player for now that you will have to pay is Bedard which really gives KD a lot of flexibility.

Nice comments from writer Frank Seravalli on Vlasic.

https://www.dailyfaceoff....-love-for-his-strong-play
- boilermaker100

An interesting bit here too. I don't know if I'd say "vastly improved", but definitely better.

"if you really dive into the numbers, they were 3-7-1 going into the weekend, especially coming off of that loss. People were saying, the same old Hawks team as last year and I don’t think that’s the case. I think this Hawks team has vastly improved, just has actually just been a little bit unlucky to start the year. The only teams with a worse expected goals versus actual goals differential so far this season heading into the weekend, was a list of four teams that included the Oilers and the Preds, who we view as sort of drastically underachieving so far. The Hawks are in that same kind of category based on what they’ve been able to generate but not finish on, and I think they’re probably in store for some more luck swinging the opposite way."

How is Kane playing. Is he still consistently dangerous, or mostly "old" Kane with still the flash of great hands now and then? He was never a speedster, I am sure he has slowed down after the hip procedure.
- LAHawk

He's been pretty good, like you mention with a flash here or there. That was really their best move of the Summer, bringing him back and maybe getting Talbot.

An interesting bit here too. I don't know if I'd say "vastly improved", but definitely better.

"if you really dive into the numbers, they were 3-7-1 going into the weekend, especially coming off of that loss. People were saying, the same old Hawks team as last year and I don’t think that’s the case. I think this Hawks team has vastly improved, just has actually just been a little bit unlucky to start the year. The only teams with a worse expected goals versus actual goals differential so far this season heading into the weekend, was a list of four teams that included the Oilers and the Preds, who we view as sort of drastically underachieving so far. The Hawks are in that same kind of category based on what they’ve been able to generate but not finish on, and I think they’re probably in store for some more luck swinging the opposite way."
- breadbag

It's much more enjoyable to watch a Blackhawks game since we aren't playing in our own end all night.

I've been checking out nhledge and it verifies the eye test, Blackhawks at even strength the year before 38% in the offensive zone this year slightly over 40%. Less time in the dzone as well

Call me cynical, but if the Hawks are fighting for the last playoff spot (and not getting it) in two more years, there will be pitchforks and torches surrounding the UC. SY is in year six at the helm of the Red Wings. the closest they've been to a spot was last year where they missed by a point. They didn't even do a complete tear-down.

You can't just wait for all of your draft picks to matriculate up to the big team, because not all of them are going to turn out. By no means am I saying trade everything to win now, but they will need to show marked improvement every year going forward. If they finish with 75-80 pts this year, I don't think they are really allowed to fall back (or at least they shouldn't be).

In theory, each year, your younger players are going to be getting better. Obviously, Reichel is Case 1 of that not being true, but that is kind of my point. The bar needs to continually be raised otherwise you turn into Buffalo and Det. Lots of potential, with no results.
- Chunk

You'll get no argument on the first bolded part. For as much love as SY gets here on the board and locally, I don't think the Wings rebuild under him has been all that impressive. I get it's an INC at this point I'll take Teuvo and Bertuzzi at what they signed for vs Copp and Compher and their deals.

Reichel was a case last year for sure. He is looking more like a guy that could be part of the future now and making a case that development at the NHL level isn't always linear.

There is a great write up on him in The Athletic and how he is finding chem with Maroon and Smith.

You'll get no argument on the first bolded part. For as much love as SY gets here on the board and locally, I don't think the Wings rebuild under him has been all that impressive. I get it's an INC at this point I'll take Teuvo and Bertuzzi at what they signed for vs Copp and Compher and their deals.

Reichel was a case last year for sure. He is looking more like a guy that could be part of the future now and making a case that development at the NHL level isn't always linear.

There is a great write up on him in The Athletic and how he is finding chem with Maroon and Smith.
- HawkintheD

Those 2 along with Donato are probably the 3 biggest in season or TDL trade chips KD has (along with draft picks). Be interesting to see if he is an active or does like last year and actually extends someone like a Donato.

Also what is Kurashev? Last year's Kurashev or this years model that resembles the previous 3 years ? His contract is up again after the season, and do the Hawks want to take him to arbitration again?

Interested to see the Hawks vs Wings matchup tomorrow and how each look in their respective rebuilds.

While the Wings have a better record, they haven't looked all that great. They moved on from some players they had last year (Sprong, Fabbri, Ghost, Perron) and brought in Gus and Tarasenko while promoting Kasper and Edvinsson.

They are getting outshot most games and being bailed out by goaltending. Sounds familiar right, though I think the Hawks have generally looked better overall.
- HawkintheD

Doesn't matter how long guys marinate for if they aren't good.

It's much more enjoyable to watch a Blackhawks game since we aren't playing in our own end all night.

I've been checking out nhledge and it verifies the eye test, Blackhawks at even strength the year before 38% in the offensive zone this year slightly over 40%. Less time in the dzone as well
- BetweenTheDots

I saw that too, just a slight improvement in possession and being on the attack a bit more and the defense less. The numbers support it, we are like with the pack a lot more in terms of possession rather than down in the toilet.

Call me cynical, but if the Hawks are fighting for the last playoff spot (and not getting it) in two more years, there will be pitchforks and torches surrounding the UC. SY is in year six at the helm of the Red Wings. the closest they've been to a spot was last year where they missed by a point. They didn't even do a complete tear-down.

You can't just wait for all of your draft picks to matriculate up to the big team, because not all of them are going to turn out. By no means am I saying trade everything to win now, but they will need to show marked improvement every year going forward. If they finish with 75-80 pts this year, I don't think they are really allowed to fall back (or at least they shouldn't be).

In theory, each year, your younger players are going to be getting better. Obviously, Reichel is Case 1 of that not being true, but that is kind of my point. The bar needs to continually be raised otherwise you turn into Buffalo and Det. Lots of potential, with no results.
- Chunk

It should be next year.

After "seasoning" in Rockford this year - Korch should be a 35 point player on the blue line and running one of the power play units and Nazar should be a 40-50 point player his first full year.

They should spend assets to get another top 6 forward.

Maybe not make the playoffs but they should have enough scoring and depth to be in the conversation. It'll be Bedards 3rd full year and the 4th since the rebuild started. If the goal was to be in the mix in 5 then that's how that math works.

If not - and they missed on Korchinski and Levshunov isn't quite ready to take the reigns and Nazar can't translate his AHL play to the NHL and they don't throw assets around to bring in another piece - I think that is more of a Kyle problem then anything else and fans should be irritated.

Considering they really didn't want KK to play in the NHL, Reichel and Vlasic are nice pieces left from the previous GM and Bedard was lucky as (frank) to draft him and they have the salary cap where they want it, i guess kind of but for me it starts this season. It can start whenever you think it started.
- BetweenTheDots

The rebuild started when they gutted the team and jettisoned Dach to draft Nazar and picked Korchinski as their guy to build the blue line around (until of course they drafted Levshunov this past year).

What originally made me respond to your post is you pointing out his deeper or touch throws are overthrown so as little to no chance for it to be picked off. I thought that too maybe 3ish games back and as each game goes by I think it's true that he's being too careful about getting picked... I do agree but,

I thought that has nothing to do with him not leading an open receiver, not throwing before the receiver completes his route, him under throwing Odunze, and others this yr, by 8-10 yards on the bomb Sunday, badly overthrowing backs on swing screens behind the line of scrimmage in WSH and simply being inaccurate often. Nothing to do with not showing that innate rhythm, feel, touch, the sync the great ones have and he showed in college. And what adds to the concern is he's throwing to 3 veteran pro bowlers, Odunze and a scat back who can catch outa the backfield...... Kid has more weapons than any 1st overall QB has ever had and by a bunch.

I'm not comparing him to Daniels or anyone else cuz it really doesn't matter. Williams has made some damn fine throws but for me I see some red flags acknowledging it's 8 games into his rookie season with a goof head coach, seemingly a way out of his league offensive coordinator and a horrid O line.

And he's playing for an organIzation/ownership that as a kid I couldn't see home games cuz they were not sold out so they were blacked out, same ownership group that had one of the greatest teams ever in 85 and by 86 Marshal started the exodus of a team that never got to the Super Bowl again with all the HOFers on that 85 club.

Whatever Williams ends up being he'll probably be the greatest Bear QB ever.
- Mr Ricochet

Kurt Warner was talking about Caleb getting into bad habits of throwing only with his arm b/c he isn't comfortable in the pocket due to the amount of pressure he consistently sees.

I get he has talent around him but watch some of the breakdowns by really knowledgeable (and qualified) guys on youtube. WRs are not getting open.

Caleb has missed throws and the timing has been off. No doubt. That screen play you referenced Caleb actually made the right throw. The DB pushed the blocking WR up the field Caleb had to throw over the top of the DB. That play was read immediately and Caleb threw it away.

Caleb also several games around 70% completion tells me he can be an very accurate QB.

Those 2 along with Donato are probably the 3 biggest in season or TDL trade chips KD has (along with draft picks). Be interesting to see if he is an active or does like last year and actually extends someone like a Donato.

Also what is Kurashev? Last year's Kurashev or this years model that resembles the previous 3 years ? His contract is up again after the season, and do the Hawks want to take him to arbitration again?
- LAHawk

Kurashev was the same player he was last year as he is this year.

Positionally bad, defensively bad, skating good - even on a bad team someone has to score and last year he was that guy who happened to be just smart enough to take it to the house when the whole team went to Bedard. The year before that it was Taylor Raddysh and AA getting 20 each.

I don't think Kurashev has any place on the team as they move forward. Is not a consistent threat offensively, is terrible off the puck, on the boards and defensively. Should be enough talent coming that he won't be in the top 6 and he isn't good enough or hard enough on the other side of the puck to play in the bottom 6.

Those 2 along with Donato are probably the 3 biggest in season or TDL trade chips KD has (along with draft picks). Be interesting to see if he is an active or does like last year and actually extends someone like a Donato.

Also what is Kurashev? Last year's Kurashev or this years model that resembles the previous 3 years ? His contract is up again after the season, and do the Hawks want to take him to arbitration again?
- LAHawk

Kurashev is what he is at this point. I don't see him in the long term plans. He's not top 6 and is not a two way forward who can contribute in a meaning full way in the bottom 6.

It should be next year.

After "seasoning" in Rockford this year - Korch should be a 35 point player on the blue line and running one of the power play units and Nazar should be a 40-50 point player his first full year.

They should spend assets to get another top 6 forward.

Maybe not make the playoffs but they should have enough scoring and depth to be in the conversation. It'll be Bedards 3rd full year and the 4th since the rebuild started. If the goal was to be in the mix in 5 then that's how that math works.

If not - and they missed on Korchinski and Levshunov isn't quite ready to take the reigns and Nazar can't translate his AHL play to the NHL and they don't throw assets around to bring in another piece - I think that is more of a Kyle problem then anything else and fans should be irritated.
- fattybeef

Got anyone in mind? maybe a 90+ pt Selke finalist who most think is too soft?

The rebuild started when they gutted the team and jettisoned Dach to draft Nazar and picked Korchinski as their guy to build the blue line around (until of course they drafted Levshunov this past year).
- fattybeef

I feel like we were in a soft rebuild for a while but management couldn't stick to their guns on it. Things kicked off for real on March 18th 2022 when Hagel was traded to Tampa. That was when KD started to make waves sending away a real good "now" player for some future 1st round picks.

Kurashev was the same player he was last year as he is this year.

Positionally bad, defensively bad, skating good - even on a bad team someone has to score and last year he was that guy who happened to be just smart enough to take it to the house when the whole team went to Bedard. The year before that it was Taylor Raddysh and AA getting 20 each.

I don't think Kurashev has any place on the team as they move forward. Is not a consistent threat offensively, is terrible off the puck, on the boards and defensively. Should be enough talent coming that he won't be in the top 6 and he isn't good enough or hard enough on the other side of the puck to play in the bottom 6.
- fattybeef

Why do I keep hearing from the sports-talk guys that he's good defensively? I never understood that.

Why do I keep hearing from the sports-talk guys that he's good defensively? I never understood that.
- Chunk

Compared to the other dreck they had at forward, he was comparatively good?

The rebuild started when they gutted the team and jettisoned Dach to draft Nazar and picked Korchinski as their guy to build the blue line around (until of course they drafted Levshunov this past year).
- fattybeef

Well i think there is more than 1 phase to a rebuild, 1st part is the teardown, accumulation of assets and balancing the checkbook. Done done and done. 2nd part is building it back up which is where we are at now, i guess i just view it differently, the exciting part of the rebuild is almost here.