2011-2012 Chicago Blackhawks Rumors, Ideas & Chatter Thread

[TheChicagoFan]

Wait a minute... does Stalberg only play LW? Well, I know he doesn't do Center -- is he also a RW?

It makes a difference, as if he is only a LW - then Top 6, means something a little different - in that technically he could be 6th on the LW depth chart, and that is what he is aspiring to?

If he does RW/LW - then top 6 - I guess that puts him on any of the top 3 lines...

I wonder if he knows what he is saying, with relation to his position, when compared the the depth chart.

First off, I think that post needs this:

Second, I'm pretty sure that Stalberg only plays LW. I wouldn't mind seeing him be top 6 LW on the depth chart.

 

[icehogfan08]

Patrick Kane

(wrist) thinks he might be able to participate in as many as four preseason games. Kane underwent wrist surgery to repair a scaphoid fracture on July 19th. He's still wearing a splint, but that will change soon. "I get the splint off the 15th so after that I should be able to do pretty much everything," Kane said. "I've been skating and working out. For a while there, I couldn't go full equipment with the cast. Once I got the cast off that's when I started trying to get back into the flow quickly." Chicago's training camp will open on September 17th. Stay tuned. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

 

[Capt. Serious]

Caps-Hawks in 13 days..

:yeah:

 

[southern_cross_116]

First off, I think that post needs this:

Second, I'm pretty sure that Stalberg only plays LW. I wouldn't mind seeing him be top 6 LW on the depth chart.

Yeah well no it doesn't require your damned troll smiley, leastwise not any more than anyone suggesting a guy with something like 12 goals 12 assists as a career year ought to be the top LW on a team that expects to contend for the Stanley Cup -- if you were talking about a team in contention for the lottery pick, maybe (hello Kyle Calder?! or whoever the hell their LW on that line was).

 

[icehogfan08]

Corey Crawford

is expected to enter the 2010-11 campaign as the Blackhawks number one goaltender, he knows that he can't take the job for granted. Crawford entered the 2010-11 campaign as Marty Turco's understudy, but he out performed the veteran goaltender. Crawford posted an impressive 2.30 GAA and .917 save percentage in 57 games, but he doesn't have to look hard to find examples of goaltenders who faltered after a solid rookie season. "It almost seems like you have to work harder and be a little readier when you're in that position," Crawford said, referring to being a starter. "I still have to battle and I still have to work for my ice time." (Source: Chicago Tribune)

 

[icehogfan08]

Some training camp notes

Jonathan Toews

is thrilled that his Chicago Blackhawks have acquired his younger brother David. The Blackhawks want David to develop like any other prospect and are not putting undue pressure on him because of his famous brother. "He's got a lot of talent and he's been through a few tough years with injuries, especially those important years where you develop. He's just looking for an opportunity," Jonathan said. "We worked out and skated a lot this summer, and he was pushing me as much as I was him. Who knows where he ends up, but it's nice to have him close by and talk him through some things." Expect the younger Toews to spend the season in Rockford of the AHL. (Source: csnchicago.com)

Patrick Kane

The Chicago Blackhawks have not cleared Patrick Kane (wrist surgery) for contact. The Blackhawks stated that if they were in the middle of the season Kane would be able to play but with training camp just getting started, there is no reason to rush Kane back. He will participate in the two-a-day sessions but without contact at this time. Kane is still wearing a splint on his wrist but it is more precautionary at this time. "I've been shooting and stick-handling," Kane said. "It's still little stiff but other than that the bone and everything is pretty much healed. I'm pretty much ready (to play) right now. (Doctors) said it if was the middle of the season right now and I wanted to play, I could play." Look for a big season from the right winger as he could approach the 90 point mark if he can stay healthy. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

Marian Hossa

will miss the first couple of days of training camp as he returns from attending the funeral of fellow Slovak Pavol Demitra. It remains a sad time in the hockey world as they continue to mourn the deaths of the Russian Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team. There were many who played in the NHL including the coaching staff and the hockey world is still coming to grips with the tragedy. Hossa was in Slovakia for Demitra's funeral on Thursday and should return to Chicago at the beginning of the week to start training camp. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

Jeremy Morin

Jeremy Morin (concussion) did not skate on Saturday. Morin appears to be suffering from a mild concussion. For now he is considered day-to-day. Stay tuned for more information here. (Source: Chris Kuc on Twitter)

 

[inactiveuser1]

Lets brong back Kris Versteeg ey? i liked him :tongue:

 

[icehogfan08]

The Morin injury is scary. After only 22 games last year he hasn't played since

 

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

Corey Crawford

Really hoping that he comes out strong to start the year. The shit about 2nd year goalies struggling is no joke and I'd love to see a year where the season opening starter is the same goalie that starts game 1 in the playoffs.

I like Crawford as much as anyone and I think his contract was a great deal. The team this year should be good enough that even if he does slump, they'll still be able to steal some games on his off nights... I'm really expecting the D in front of him to be better this season.

 

[Capt. Serious]

Carcillo fought Shaw today & won.

 

[icehogfan08]

Carcillo fought Shaw today & won.

Nice. If you can post a video before I get home that would be sweet

 

[Capt. Serious]

Due to NHL broadcast restrictions, the Blackhawks-Oilers preseason game will only be available in the Edmonton and Chicago metropolitan areas

 

[TheChicagoFan]

Due to NHL broadcast restrictions, the Blackhawks-Oilers preseason game will only be available in the Edmonton and Chicago metropolitan areas

Damn it.

 

[icehogfan08]

Andrew Shaw

was happy to get into a fight with Daniel Carcillo during a scrimmage on Sunday. "I've grown up watching him [and] always looked up to him," said Shaw. "I've kind of mimicked his style of play. I've always enjoyed doing that role. He knows how it goes. I'm not mad at him or anything. It's just the way of the game. I play exactly like him." Daniel Carcillo said that Shaw "remind me a bit of myself." Shaw, who was taken by Chicago in the fifth round of the 2011 NHL entry draft, had 54 points and 135 penalty minutes in 66 OHL games last season. (Source: Chicago Sun-Times)

 

[icehogfan08]

Roster trimmed

The Blackhawks assigned forwards Mirko Hoefflin and Ludvig Rensfeldt, as well as goaltenders Mac Carruth, Johan Mattsson and Kent Simpson to their respective junior clubs on Monday afternoon.

The team roster now stands at 54 active players.

 

[icehogfan08]

Bolland messing with Toews

Dave Bolland was back to being a pest on Monday, aggravating Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews in their afternoon scrimmage. Bolland hooked Toews a few times during the second half of their scrimmage.

“He caught my hand pretty good off the draw and he kept messing with me, so I gave him a whack,” Toews said.

Bolland said he was having some fun.

“I think we all know how Tazer is so it’s always fun playing around with him,” he said. “Everyone’s getting ready for the real games now against some other teams.”

Olesz shines

Rostislav Olesz had two good scrimmages on Monday, lined up mainly with Andrew Brunette and Toews. Olesz had a goal and two assists in the two games.

“He had his best day today,” Quenneville said. “He was more comfortable, had good pace.”

Toews agreed.

“He’s a solid skater, has good hands and he’s one of those strong, skilled European players who doesn’t have too many holes in his game,” he said. “He can play on the power play and PK, play defensively, too, because he’s strong and quick. It’s not difficult to play with him.”

 

[icehogfan08]

Marian Hossa

joined his teammates on the ice for the first time at training camp on Wednesday. He missed the first five days of camp to attend the funeral of close friend Pavol Demitra, who died tragically in a plan crash on Sept. 7, in Slovakia and to welcome his baby daughter into the world. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

Patrick Sharp

(appendectomy) is still hoping to play in the Chicago Blackhawks' season opner on October 7th. Sharp had an emergency appendectomy on September 19th. He was initially expected to miss three-to-four weeks, which will make it difficult for him to be ready in time for the opener. On the plus side, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville reported that "(Sharp) said he's excited about where's he at and he wanted to do some working out." We'll keep you posted. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

 

[icehogfan08]

Michael Frolik

looks to have found a home in Chicago on the third line. Frolik had some trouble adjusting to the Blackhawks after being dealt there at the trade deadline but picked things up in the playoffs with five points in seven games. He will line up on the third unit alongside Dave Bolland and more than likely Bryan Bickell in what should be a nice scoring and defensive line for the Blackhawks. Look for 20 goals and 50 points from Frolik with more possible if he is able to play on the top two lines with any regularity. (Source: Chicago Sun-Times)

Andrew Brunette

is looking like the leading candidate to join Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane on the Blackhawks top line this season. If true, then Brunette's fantasy value gets a huge boost as the 38-year-old knows how to score and should get some nice setups from the outstanding Toews. Brunette will likely see power play time on the second unit as Marian Hossa should remain on the top line but still will be playing with Patrick Sharp and Dave Bolland and that isn't too shabby as well. Grab him in the late middle rounds of deeper drafts if he remains on the top unit. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

Steve Montador

has been playing alongside Duncan Keith in training camp. The Blackhawks signed Montador to a four-year/$11 million contract on Free Agent Frenzy day and have been pleased thus far as his play should allow Chicago to split up their two best defensemen, Keith and Brent Seabrook. "Anytime you get a new partner, there is always a period where you adjust and learn each other's tendencies," Keith said. "I think we're learning, and we're getting better as we go along. He's a right-handed shot and has a real hard shot. He moves the puck good. The more and more we play together, the more we'll get used to each other's tendencies." Montador had a very good all-around fantasy season with 26 points, 83 penalty minutes and a plus-16 rating for Buffalo. He could be even better this season in Chicago. Draft him accordingly. (Source: Chicago Sun-Times)

Brandon Saad

continues to turn heads at the Blackhawks' training camp. He scored the game-winning goal Friday night against the Capitals and played a very strong game against the Penguins Thursday evening. Hawk management did not envision Saad graduating to the NHL this season, but the 18-year-old's play has seemingly changed its mind. "It's not something I think we envisioned," coach Joel Quenneville said. "But every year, every training camp, there's always somebody who will grab your attention and you have to look at their case a little differently. (Saad) has done that." Keep an eye on Saad. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

 

[DMelt36]

Watching our 3rd/4th liners and AHL players take the Red Wings top players into OT today makes me very, very excited about this team's present and future. Loving what I'm seeing from guys like Smith, Pirri, Saad, and more. I know it was just preseason, but that was a great game to watch today.

 

[icehogfan08]

Daniel Carcillo

missed Monay's practice because of an illness. With the start of the regular season still two weeks away, we don't anticipate this having any impact on Carcillo's ability to play in the opener. He had six points and 127 penalty minutes in 57 games with the Philadelphia Flyers last season. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

Rob Klinkhammer

didn't participate in Monday's practice due to an undisclosed injury. Klinkhammer signed a one-year deal with the Blackhawks in July. Although he's still competing for a roster spot, we wouldn't be surprised if he starts the season in the minors. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

Brett McLean

has been placed on waivers by the Chicago Blackhawks. McLean hasn't appeared in an NHL game since the 2008-09 season and it looks like he probably won't start the 2011-12 campaign in the NHL. Even if he does manage to play in the NHL, he isn't expected to have any fantasy value in 2011-12. (Source: Chicago Tribune)