Bowman confident in young centers

[Ton]

Stan doesn't think we are thin at center at all, in fact he thinks it's a strong point in the organization with all the kids coming up he said it would be pointless to go out and grab a center when we will have a flood of them in the next few years.



He seems to have a lot of confidence that Kruger can be the #3 C and bumping Bolland up to line 2, which places Sharp with TK.



I suppose we do need to experiment at some point and start letting these young kids fill a role. Kruger has been a top player in Europe and a highly touted prospect, it's about time he gets a shot. Stan probably figures he'll see what Kruger can do and if it isn't working out he can nab someone by the trade deadline considering all the cap space he has to work with.



I also think it's interesting that he mentioned Smith playing center as well. Makes me wonder if the plan is: Toews, Bolland, Kruger, Smith down the middle.

Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman continued to defend his offseason decisions Wednesday, re-iterating his position the team is not thin at the center position.



"I don't look at it that way, that we are thinner," Bowman said at the opening of Blackhawks/Stanley's Kitchen & Tap restaurant at O'Hare Airport. "Ben Smith played really well in the playoffs. He played a lot of center in Rockford. And [Marcus] Kruger. Both those guys were probably two of our more effective forwards in the playoffs.



"They're young, but there is something to be said for that. Kruger was one of the top 2 centers for Sweden in the World Championships. I think he's ready for the next step."



Kruger continues to come up as a key component for the Hawks moving forward. He played 12 games combined between the regular season and the playoffs after a surprise decision to bring him over from Europe late in the year. He had one assist and showed good instincts but didn't have the puck enough.



"It's kind of like Nick Leddy," Bowman stated. "You can be as confident as you want, but you're playing in the best league in a pressure situation.



"He had no training camp with us. Kruger was dropped in here in a tough situation and he responded pretty well. He's been working out. He‘ll be stronger and have a full camp. He's got an edge to him too. He's feisty."



It's believed Joel Quenneville wanted Kruger to start last year with the Hawks and would have made him their third line center. Expect that to be his role when this season starts, which means Patrick Sharp doesn't have to start the year in the middle.



Though the Hawks say they're happy with what they have, it doesn't mean they didn't try to get better.



"We talked to a number of people," Bowman explained. "It's hard to find centers, and they get tons of money.



"We wouldn't have done some of the other things I thought we needed to do if we went out and spent $3.5 million on a center. I mean, I agree center is a very important position. It is the strength of our prospects right now. It's in the middle. We have [Kevin] Hayes, [Mak] McNeill, Phillip Danault. If we are talking a year or two from now we are going to be trying to be moving guys to the wing as opposed to looking for centers."



As for Ryan Johnson or John Madden or another center, there's simply no room right now, according to Bowman.



"We have 14 forwards right now who are in the mix for our team," he said. "We don't want to block out too many guys. That's why I signed all these guys to one-year contracts.



"Now we might re-sign most or all of them, or we might say these guys that we like are developing. On July 1 a lot of these free agents are looking for multi-year deals. If I signed a couple of centers to three-year deals then we would have to jettison some of these guys because we believe in our system here of developing players. We'll see how it plays out, but that's why we want to leave enough room in the budget."



Bowman made the decision to sign his crop of free agents instead of overspending on a center. Time will tell if that was the right call.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4667348/bowman-confident-in-his-young-centers

 

[MassHavoc]

I think the way the team and positions were solidified by some of the acquisitions, the team will be stronger overall and not put so much presure on the centers. WIth the spotlight off I expect them to perform better than expected. With all the jumbling and injuries last year it was easy to focus on the centers and point out how bad they really are. I expect the superstars to play much better this year alleviating some of the need for having to have the greatest centers in the world. Opposing teams will be forced to focus everything they have on the top two lines and the bottom two will shine again.

 

[Shredder]

The center issue is overblown. As long as Bolland stays somewhat healthy, we've seen enough times in the playoffs what this group is capable of without [insert prototypical #2 center] in the lineup.



Much more interesting will be to see how the defense copes without Campbell. Yes, the contract was pretty awful, but after he toned down the flair from his debut season with the Hawks in 2008-09, he became a really solid defenseman. While not exactly fatal, I think a failure to retain Campoli could prove costly in the early going.



On paper, this:

Keith, Seabrook, Campbell, Hjalmarsson, Campoli, Leddy



...looks quite a lot better than this:

Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, Leddy, Montador, O'Donnell

 

[MassHavoc]

The center issue is overblown. As long as Bolland stays somewhat healthy, we've seen enough times in the playoffs what this group is capable of without [insert prototypical #2 center] in the lineup.



Much more interesting will be to see how the defense copes without Campbell. Yes, the contract was pretty awful, but after he toned down the flair from his debut season with the Hawks in 2008-09, he became a really solid defenseman. While not exactly fatal, I think a failure to retain Campoli could prove costly in the early going.



On paper, this:

Keith, Seabrook, Campbell, Hjalmarsson, Campoli, Leddy



...looks quite a lot better than this:

Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, Leddy, Montador, O'Donnell

Very much agree, especially about Campoli.

 

[Ton]

I agree Shredder, the center situation is exaggerated. Bolland is more than capable of playing up to the 2nd line, whether or not Kruger can handle the 3rd line C duties remains to be seen, but we have until the deadline to decide if we need to make a move or not. At this point, I'd say I'll take the risk, this team shouldn't have a problem staying in the hunt until then even if Kruger can't handle it.



If all else fails, we can shift Sharp back to C and bump Kruger down to the 4th line if there are no other options at the deadline.



Our D core is of more concern to me as well, I think Campoli signing would certainly help ease the loss of Campbell and depending on Leddys development, we may not miss a beat. Still questions that will be answered.

 

[the canadian dream]

Not going to double guess Bowman as he is a NHL GM for a reason.



However...I just get a tad bit baffled when I hear him say he has enough confidence that Kruger can take #3 center duties. I am not anti-Kruger. I am excited about the guy but from what I saw in the games he did play here last season..nothing hinted to me that he is ready for #3 center duties let alone being on a NHL active roster. He looked completely like a fish out of water out there...not ready for North American ice. I would rather see Kruger logging North American ice time on the farm for a season myself but I guess you gotta give the guy more of a shot at the NHL level..let him adjust with the players Bowman wants him playing with? I think it's a mistake myself but.....



he's a Bowman. I am a schlub at a computer who also has porn windows open.

 

[PatrickSharpRules]

If Bowman thinks Kruger is ready to be a 3rd line shut down type center in this upcoming season he is in denial. I didn't see a thing that hinted towards him being ready for a full time center position on any line. Thats just me.

 

[PatrickShart]

I'm sure they've seen a lot more of Kruger over the last few years than we have.



He stepped into the NHL after just ending his other season on a completely different ice surface with a different speed.



The NHL was in the thick of a playoff race at a different speed and all brand new players. I think if Scotty likes him, thats a plus. He looked good defensively and never was afraid to stick his nose in corners or around the net.



I'd like to see what he does after a full camp and preseason before saying he can or can't do it.



Same with Smith. There were times he looked lost in a few of the first playoff games. These 2 have only played 12/13gms respectively but are 2 pretty good young players.

 

[BiscuitintheBasket]

The thing with Bolland is that we have seen more of how effective he is as a 3rd line center over a 2nd line center, which I think has more to do with his injuries. Both Scotty and Savy speak very highly of Bolland and how skillful he is offensively, but how willing he is to play any role.



If it comes to Bolland going to the 2nd line that his wingers would be Sharp and Hossa since those two have shown strong chemistry. The bigger issue is who will be with Toews and Kane.



With Kruger I was pleased with his on the spot insert into the playoff lineup and see a guy that can be gritty despite his size. Good potential there, and if Scotty speaks highly of him, who am I to disagree with someone with so much success.



Smith is more of a while card for me. Not because of skill or potential, but planned slotting and development with this team.

 

[Ton]

I'm not sure I agree with that, I never thought Sharp and Hossa ever had any chemistry.



If Sharp were to play as a winger, I would think it would be with T/K and Brunette with Bolland/Hossa.

 

[BiscuitintheBasket]

I'm not sure I agree with that, I never thought Sharp and Hossa ever had any chemistry.



If Sharp were to play as a winger, I would think it would be with T/K and Brunette with Bolland/Hossa.

Come to think of it, I think I would be fine with Brunette\Bolland\Hossa. Could be a nice productive line, though I think the bandwagon would hate the small number of Hossa goals and not notice the ton of Hossa assists.



But I have been comfortable with the way both Hossa and Sharp have played together in terms of positioning and reading who is\is not going for the puck.





Bottom line is that I am not sold on Sharp coming off of center. He has decent points there and a nice f/o%.

 

[Shantz My Pants]

From what I saw of Kruger in the stint he had, he is not ready physically for the NHL. He was easily pushed around and was quite timid. I'm sure the timid part was being in the NHL but why waste him on the 4th line when he can develop on the 1st or 2nd in Rockford?

 

[roshinaya]

I don't buy either that Krüger will be on the 4th, he would be wasted there. If he is going to be on the big team it's as a 3rd or 2nd line center. Otherwise he ought to be in RFD playing big minutes. Training camp will anyways show us how things work out. If it turns out something is horribly wrong then I could see Bowman do a trade for a center early in the season. And I am glad that Bowman didn't do a knee-jerk reaction and signed a mediocre center to a ridiculous price. Everyone crying about him not getting a 2nd line center fail to realize that there wasn't much on the market this year, especially not worth throwing a lot of money at. And there is a lot more to it than just adding any player of a certain position. The Hawks seem adamant that they get a suitable player for the Blackhawks system both in character, skills and style.

 

[GoBucky]

Kruger put on 15 lbs of muscle in the offseason, so he's been working out as if he's been told he's got the lead for a center spot on the big club.

 

[EspoForever]

Not going to double guess Bowman as he is a NHL GM for a reason.



However...I just get a tad bit baffled when I hear him say he has enough confidence that Kruger can take #3 center duties. I am not anti-Kruger. I am excited about the guy but from what I saw in the games he did play here last season..nothing hinted to me that he is ready for #3 center duties let alone being on a NHL active roster. He looked completely like a fish out of water out there...not ready for North American ice. I would rather see Kruger logging North American ice time on the farm for a season myself but I guess you gotta give the guy more of a shot at the NHL level..let him adjust with the players Bowman wants him playing with? I think it's a mistake myself but.....



he's a Bowman. I am a schlub at a computer who also has porn windows open.

I am on your side...thinking Kruger is not ready yet, but Stan must SAY he is confident whether he believes it or not. If he really is confident, then it builds confidence in his player. If he is not, it makes him seem "disinterested" in getting another player...and that helps in any trade or FA talk that is happening that even the great eklund does not know about. SARCHASM!



Also, right now we DON'T KNOW what our biggest problem will be this season. What if we go get a center, spend our whole cap and Kruger really gets it going...then Corey gets hurt and Salak is a flop?? I do think it is wise to reserve cap space for the unknown.



One other fact is that he stated that the #1 priority after signing Corey is to get Sharp signed...if he were to go spend his cap that would mean he lied to a core player...you don't get to do that very often before you get back to where we were in 1999.



But what do I know...I am only a shlub who is to lazy to open a porn window this morning...grin.

 

[Ton]

Kruger put on 15 lbs of muscle in the offseason, so he's been working out as if he's been told he's got the lead for a center spot on the big club.

I can't imagine that Bowman would have as much confidence in him as he does right now if Kruger was not working hard towards getting stronger for the NHL. I agree with most that he was somewhat weak in his stint last year (not soft, he tried playing physical but was outmatched IMO) but he has 5-6 months to prepare for the next season. Plenty of time to put on that 15 lbs, so I believe it.



Also, Kruger was a top 6 forward for Sweden in the World Championships this year. The competition isn't exactly Olympic quality, but it certainly is still a high level of play and he did fairly well in helping them reach the Gold Medal game.



Granted, I haven't seen him play, but from the looks of things, I think he will impress people at camp and the through out the season.

 

[PatrickShart]

I am on your side...thinking Kruger is not ready yet, but Stan must SAY he is confident whether he believes it or not. If he really is confident, then it builds confidence in his player. If he is not, it makes him seem "disinterested" in getting another player...and that helps in any trade or FA talk that is happening that even the great eklund does not know about. SARCHASM!



Also, right now we DON'T KNOW what our biggest problem will be this season. What if we go get a center, spend our whole cap and Kruger really gets it going...then Corey gets hurt and Salak is a flop?? I do think it is wise to reserve cap space for the unknown.



One other fact is that he stated that the #1 priority after signing Corey is to get Sharp signed...if he were to go spend his cap that would mean he lied to a core player...you don't get to do that very often before you get back to where we were in 1999.



But what do I know...I am only a shlub who is to lazy to open a porn window this morning...grin.

A true IHN member is never, EVER too lazy to open a porn window. Step it up.

 

[CLWolf81]

I don't buy either that Krüger will be on the 4th, he would be wasted there. If he is going to be on the big team it's as a 3rd or 2nd line center. Otherwise he ought to be in RFD playing big minutes. Training camp will anyways show us how things work out. If it turns out something is horribly wrong then I could see Bowman do a trade for a center early in the season. And I am glad that Bowman didn't do a knee-jerk reaction and signed a mediocre center to a ridiculous price. Everyone crying about him not getting a 2nd line center fail to realize that there wasn't much on the market this year, especially not worth throwing a lot of money at. And there is a lot more to it than just adding any player of a certain position. The Hawks seem adamant that they get a suitable player for the Blackhawks system both in character, skills and style.

While you're absolutely right about this, what I don't like is the fact that Stan believes in the kids being ready. 2nd line center is a tough position for any kid to start at, especially on a team like this. From what I saw last week, McNeill wasn't ready and from what I saw last year, Kruger definitely needs time in Rockford.



My other issue is with Bolland. If he gets injured again, then what? Will Sharp have to center again, leaving the Toews-Kane line just to suit the fact theres a center on each line? If anything else, getting that center option was something we needed, more as a backup option.



We didn't have to shell out millions to some mediocre free agent center. I just wanted a guy with a reputation who could win faceoffs, be a decent point-maker and be smart defensively at center... He could have been a 30-40 point guy and I wouldn't have cared. I'd have been happy. That never happened. Can I see Kruger doing it? Only with the right people.



I don't see Kruger or McNeill being that backup option right now. Maybe in a year or two, but not now.

 

[PatrickShart]

If something happens to Toews...Sharp can slide to center...and the Hawks are still deeper than last year, because of some of the other signings. Last year, not having a guy like Kruger then Bolland taking his 20+ games injured again, guys like Frolik or Kopecky had to play out of position. Some say Olesz can/has played center.



Smith - Sharp - Kane

Brunette - Kruger - Hossa

Bickell - Bolland - Frolik



The other factor - which is big - is if Kruger can't swing it, Bolland or Toews goes down, they will have ample cap room to make a deal during the season.

 

[Ton]

While you're absolutely right about this, what I don't like is the fact that Stan believes in the kids being ready. 2nd line center is a tough position for any kid to start at, especially on a team like this. From what I saw last week, McNeill wasn't ready and from what I saw last year, Kruger definitely needs time in Rockford.



My other issue is with Bolland. If he gets injured again, then what? Will Sharp have to center again, leaving the Toews-Kane line just to suit the fact theres a center on each line? If anything else, getting that center option was something we needed, more as a backup option.



We didn't have to shell out millions to some mediocre free agent center. I just wanted a guy with a reputation who could win faceoffs, be a decent point-maker and be smart defensively at center... He could have been a 30-40 point guy and I wouldn't have cared. I'd have been happy. That never happened. Can I see Kruger doing it? Only with the right people.



I don't see Kruger or McNeill being that backup option right now. Maybe in a year or two, but not now.

I can't imagine that Q would put a kid in a position that he will not succeed in. That said, I think if Kruger were to make the team, it would not be as a 2nd line C unless he absolutely earned it over Bolland. At this point I think it's safe to say our 2nd line C is Bolland or possibly Sharp again.



I don't really have a problem with either of those choices, although I prefer Bolland if Kruger can handle NHL time, which to me eludes to the fact that he would be in the 3rd line C slot. Apparently Smith is a capable center as well, but I find that hard to believe he'll be effective at the NHL level, his game is more suited on the wing.



Either way, I agree with PMXC, we are a little bit deeper at C this year and have more options in regards to natural centers.



As far as wanting that 30-40 point center, I always said Marcel Goc would have been an awesome choice, but if Stan truly has this much confidence in our C prospects, there would be no reason to attain one.



Playing Q for a moment:



Sharp/Toews/Kane

Brunette/Bolland/Hossa

Bickell/Kruger/Frolik

Carcillo/Mayers/Smith



Stalberg



IR: Olesz, when he comes back if we have a healthy line-up I'd probably bump Bickell down to line 4 and place Olesz there.



I like the look of that.