2025 26 Roster…too Soon

[OldScool]

would you say being a good goaltender when you are young might have something to do with projecting how good a goaltender will be out into the future? e.g., is it fair to say that being an above average goalie for a great team bodes well for the prospect of that goalie being above average or better once this team is better, and once he has more experience? he has been entrusted with a role very few are at that age, and he has succeeded relative to the league scoring environment. it isn't unrealistic at all to expect he should be a servicable starter in the league for years to come, barring injuries or falling off an unforseen cliff.

My point is it is too early to assess Knight and his potential due to the fact he was in an ideal situation being on one of the top teams in the league.

What happened to Jesper Wallstedt? He is arguably one of the best goalie prospects in the world, 1st round pick and went from a .910 last year to a .882 this year? Shouldn't have be progressed with age and experience?

 

[Crow]

Do you think the team that plays in front of him matters? Knight played for a loaded NTDP team, a top ranked BC team and then in Florida which has the best NHL team. That is a factor is it not in regards to his stats?

Do you think Soderblom would have a better save percentage in Florida? Marc Andre Fleury went from a 1.98Gaa and a .928 with Vegas to a 2.95GAA and a .908 for the Blackhawks. That is a MASSIVE difference isn't it? Did Fluery automatically become average overnight?

Everyone thought fluery was good here. Why are you so focused on raw stats?

 

[Crow]

My point is it is too early to assess Knight and his potential due to the fact he was in an ideal situation being on one of the top teams in the league.

What happened to Jesper Wallstedt? He is arguably one of the best goalie prospects in the world, 1st round pick and went from a .910 last year to a .882 this year? Shouldn't have be progressed with age and experience?

Definitely not too early to talk about his massive potential.

Not sure why you are expecting their stats or game to grow linearly.

 

[Giovi]

My point is it is too early to assess Knight and his potential due to the fact he was in an ideal situation being on one of the top teams in the league.

What happened to Jesper Wallstedt? He is arguably one of the best goalie prospects in the world, 1st round pick and went from a .910 last year to a .882 this year? Shouldn't have be progressed with age and experience?

Why did you address this post and not the one before it, asking why you excluded Knights first season?

 

[statswatcher]

My point is it is too early to assess Knight and his potential due to the fact he was in an ideal situation being on one of the top teams in the league.

your point is asinine. he very clearly has the potential to be a very good starting goalie. no one in their right mind looks at this player and imagines him as an ahl washout in a few years thanks to playing behind dreadful hawks teams. playing for a very good team does not undercut this fact.

 

[u2wojo]

My point is it is too early to assess Knight and his potential due to the fact he was in an ideal situation being on one of the top teams in the league.

What happened to Jesper Wallstedt? He is arguably one of the best goalie prospects in the world, 1st round pick and went from a .910 last year to a .882 this year? Shouldn't have be progressed with age and experience?

Lol...comparing a guy 19 months younger that has a grand total of 5 NHL (Knight was pushing 60 NHL games at the same age) games and using AHL stats to try to make some false equivalancy point.

 

[OldScool]

Interesting stats:

2021-2 Season:
Knight in NHL - 32 games/2.70/.908
Knight in AHL - 11 games/2.95/.905

2022-23 Season:
Knight in NHL - 21 games/3.08/.901

2023-24 Season:
Knight in AHL - 45 games/2.41/.905

2024-25 Season:
Knight in NHL - 23 games/2.40/.907

Knight has played in 80 games for Panthers and let in 6 or more only 3 times.
Knight has played in 5 games for Blackhawks and let in 6 once.

Very consistent..yet very average as NHL save % of the last 4 years is .904.

 

[u2wojo]

Probably time to stop tapping on the glass as the opinoins on Knight have been beaten to death.

Would you do the the Hawks '26 2nd for Mavrick Borque either offersheet or direct trade? Would you take Dumba to get Marchment for maybe a small add of some sort?

 

[ColbyChaos]

Playing for the best team in the NHL...

The best team in the NHL a team that was such a regular season juggernaut that they needed Chicago to beat Pittsburgh in game 81 to even make the playoffs two years ago.

 

[LavalPhantom]

Curious who is the dum dum you are all arguing with? Someone I have as blocked for a good reason clearly.

 

[ColbyChaos]

Curious who is the dum dum you are all arguing with? Someone I have as blocked for a good reason clearly.

Old school is at it again posting dumb shit lmao

 

[Malaka]

Interesting stats:

2021-2 Season:
Knight in NHL - 32 games/2.70/.908
Knight in AHL - 11 games/2.95/.905

2022-23 Season:
Knight in NHL - 21 games/3.08/.901

2023-24 Season:
Knight in AHL - 45 games/2.41/.905

2024-25 Season:
Knight in NHL - 23 games/2.40/.907

Knight has played in 80 games for Panthers and let in 6 or more only 3 times.
Knight has played in 5 games for Blackhawks and let in 6 once.

Very consistent..yet very average as NHL save % of the last 4 years is .904.

Honestly, I can’t speak to the coaching strategies or systems exactly of Florida, but I will admit I have never thought more bout their defense being more than ass. Roast me, I’m not a fan. Forsling is good, ekblad I like more than most — Montour is meh and so is OEL/schmidt. They have had holes in the backend for years, and it’s covered by a very strong forward group with that of Barkov/Reinhart/Bennett.

I think even if Florida was a juggernaut defensively it’s fair to say he was tested some nights there; and generalizing or correlating that to what he has to deal with on the hawks back end right now and attributing a 6 goal night to him solely is pretty hilariously ass backward

 

[Hattrick Kane]

For next year, the Hawks are currently sitting at 64.5 million against the cap.

Using my by best estimate, the floor is going to be 68-70 million next year. With only Kaiser and Crevier extensions likely, that’ll put the hawks close to the floor.

That’s why getting Weber’s contract was so important. Now even if the hawks miss out on Marner, they don’t have to give some marginal player a stupid contract to make the floor. It’s a very solid backup plan by Davidson.

Now let’s look at San Jose. 52 million with basically a full roster already. Shakir might get a decent raise. They do need to find a goalie to play with Askarov, but nobody is available that would be expensive.

They gotta spend 16-18 million just to hit the floor. That’s at least one bad contract. These are the challenges of the skyrocketing cap, something to keep in mind moving forward.

 

[CanadianHawks]

For next year, the Hawks are currently sitting at 64.5 million against the cap.

Using my by best estimate, the floor is going to be 68-70 million next year. With only Kaiser and Crevier extensions likely, that’ll put the hawks close to the floor.

That’s why getting Weber’s contract was so important. Now even if the hawks miss out on Marner, they don’t have to give some marginal player a stupid contract to make the floor. It’s a very solid backup plan by Davidson.

Now let’s look at San Jose. 52 million with basically a full roster already. Shakir might get a decent raise. They do need to find a goalie to play with Askarov, but nobody is available that would be expensive.

They gotta spend 16-18 million just to hit the floor. That’s at least one bad contract. These are the challenges of the skyrocketing cap, something to keep in mind moving forward.

SJ might be pounding on the door for MTL to give them the last year of that Price contract or Philly to give that Ellis contract

Weber move was smart all the way around

Expecting Broissant will end up somewhere for dirt cheap. Maybe Canes. They love often hurt goaltenders.

Seems like all signs point to Brodie being bought out. I thought they might have him ride the pine for most of next year as a 7th but the buyout calculator barely has any cap for the 2nd year of the buyout. Something like 3.25 next year and 250 K in the 26/27 season

 

[Flahawkfan]

So what does this team really need for next year?

Lets compare the records for last year vs. this year:
YEAR GP W L OT PTS P% GF GA Diff
2024-25 68 20 39 9 49 .360 184 243 -59
2023-24 68 19 44 5 43 .316 150 242 -92

Priorities:
1) A new coach with a new system. Still too many goals are being given up. No improvement has been seen from last years goals against - This is a reflection on all 3 type of players i.e. Forwards, Defence and Goalies. This team lacks structure and has way to many giveaways. Most recent game they gave up 6 goals - How many shots did Knight face as a 1-timer from the slot? There was minimal response to this and after they did it 2 or 3 times, you would have thought the hawks would have adjusted. Thats coaching.

2) Goaltending - I'm sorry Arvid Soderblum is not the 1B goalie here. He is about to be rewarded with a contract for winning 8 games out of 32. Yes, I realize the Blackhawks are a mess, but this guy doesn't steal enough games for the Hawks. He is fragile. There is a huge difference between him and Knight. I think back to the dynasty years with Crow and Darling or Crow and Raanta. I don't see it here. I see a Niemi and Huet pairing in these 2. I hope the hawks don't give up on Broissant and invite him to training camp next year to see if he still has it. If Broissant doesn't show it, Drew Commesso can replace Soderblum and win 1/4 of his starts. To offset that, Knight gets the true #1 goalie and plays 60 games.

3) D pairings - Again with the transition over to Sorenson we have seen a great improvement in Defence goal scoring from the LRich era. One area that hasn't seen improvement from last years is goals given up. We have a lot of puck moving D-men in the system and they are good at that, but we still don't have a shutdown pair. I look at again the dynasty period with Hjalmarson and pretty much anyone he was paired with. Are one or two of these kids the answer, maybe. For us to improve dramatically we need a shutdown pairing (this is not only on the D-men, but the forwards need to learn how to backcheck - Bertuzzi, CB, Kurashev and others i'm looking at you).

4) Forwards - We have improved in scoring more goals this season. 22% is a significant improvement. This comes from players like Donato and Turbo (and the D-men). Two or 3 More goal scores should help this team and if you can increase the amount by 15% from this year to next year you should be moving up the standing to the middle. Much of the pain we feel is coming from this group not being Defense responsible. Again hopefully a new coach and a system will help this.

So back to my original question, what would I like to see KD do in the off season.

1) HIre a new coach that has proven he can win. Sullivan if available would be a dream. I also want to see that the new coach (staff) has developed young talent. No more unproven coaches.

2) Sign 1 mid tier players that can slot for players like Kurashev, Reichel, Veleno or Maroon. Sign 1 high end talent that can play with Bedard.
DRaft a center that can slot into the second line immediately prefer Misa over Hagens due to 3" size advantage.

3) remove Broadie, and martinez from this roster and see what are you best 6 options including Allan. I would like to move on from Murphy but we need a RHD to fill that spot, but I would not be adverse to trade him and Kaiser for a replacement.


Nazar Bedard HIGH End Signing
Donato draft choice Slaggart
Mikeyev Teravinnen Mid Level Signing
Foligno Dickenson Dach

Vlasic Levshuov
EDM Murphy
Kaiser Crevier
Allan

Knight
Commesso/Brosiaant

 

[Pertti]

So what does this team really need for next year?

Lets compare the records for last year vs. this year:
YEAR GP W L OT PTS P% GF GA Diff
2024-25 68 20 39 9 49 .360 184 243 -59
2023-24 68 19 44 5 43 .316 150 242 -92

Priorities:
1) A new coach with a new system. Still too many goals are being given up. No improvement has been seen from last years goals against - This is a reflection on all 3 type of players i.e. Forwards, Defence and Goalies. This team lacks structure and has way to many giveaways. Most recent game they gave up 6 goals - How many shots did Knight face as a 1-timer from the slot? There was minimal response to this and after they did it 2 or 3 times, you would have thought the hawks would have adjusted. Thats coaching.

2) Goaltending - I'm sorry Arvid Soderblum is not the 1B goalie here. He is about to be rewarded with a contract for winning 8 games out of 32. Yes, I realize the Blackhawks are a mess, but this guy doesn't steal enough games for the Hawks. He is fragile. There is a huge difference between him and Knight. I think back to the dynasty years with Crow and Darling or Crow and Raanta. I don't see it here. I see a Niemi and Huet pairing in these 2. I hope the hawks don't give up on Broissant and invite him to training camp next year to see if he still has it. If Broissant doesn't show it, Drew Commesso can replace Soderblum and win 1/4 of his starts. To offset that, Knight gets the true #1 goalie and plays 60 games.

3) D pairings - Again with the transition over to Sorenson we have seen a great improvement in Defence goal scoring from the LRich era. One area that hasn't seen improvement from last years is goals given up. We have a lot of puck moving D-men in the system and they are good at that, but we still don't have a shutdown pair. I look at again the dynasty period with Hjalmarson and pretty much anyone he was paired with. Are one or two of these kids the answer, maybe. For us to improve dramatically we need a shutdown pairing (this is not only on the D-men, but the forwards need to learn how to backcheck - Bertuzzi, CB, Kurashev and others i'm looking at you).

4) Forwards - We have improved in scoring more goals this season. 22% is a significant improvement. This comes from players like Donato and Turbo (and the D-men). Two or 3 More goal scores should help this team and if you can increase the amount by 15% from this year to next year you should be moving up the standing to the middle. Much of the pain we feel is coming from this group not being Defense responsible. Again hopefully a new coach and a system will help this.

So back to my original question, what would I like to see KD do in the off season.

1) HIre a new coach that has proven he can win. Sullivan if available would be a dream. I also want to see that the new coach (staff) has developed young talent. No more unproven coaches.

2) Sign 1 mid tier players that can slot for players like Kurashev, Reichel, Veleno or Maroon. Sign 1 high end talent that can play with Bedard.
DRaft a center that can slot into the second line immediately prefer Misa over Hagens due to 3" size advantage.

3) remove Broadie, and martinez from this roster and see what are you best 6 options including Allan. I would like to move on from Murphy but we need a RHD to fill that spot, but I would not be adverse to trade him and Kaiser for a replacement.


Nazar Bedard HIGH End Signing
Donato draft choice Slaggart
Mikeyev Teravinnen Mid Level Signing
Foligno Dickenson Dach

Vlasic Levshuov
EDM Murphy
Kaiser Crevier
Allan

Knight
Commesso/Brosiaant

Wasn't defence lot better under Richardson, problem was that our young stars didn't score. After coaching change there was sort period when scoring was high until it has dropped back to Richardson times.

I want more vets, no free passes for kids. Teach them to fight for the time in paradise.

 

[Toews2Bickell]

So what does this team really need for next year?

Lets compare the records for last year vs. this year:
YEAR GP W L OT PTS P% GF GA Diff
2024-25 68 20 39 9 49 .360 184 243 -59
2023-24 68 19 44 5 43 .316 150 242 -92

Priorities:
1) A new coach with a new system. Still too many goals are being given up. No improvement has been seen from last years goals against - This is a reflection on all 3 type of players i.e. Forwards, Defence and Goalies. This team lacks structure and has way to many giveaways. Most recent game they gave up 6 goals - How many shots did Knight face as a 1-timer from the slot? There was minimal response to this and after they did it 2 or 3 times, you would have thought the hawks would have adjusted. Thats coaching.

2) Goaltending - I'm sorry Arvid Soderblum is not the 1B goalie here. He is about to be rewarded with a contract for winning 8 games out of 32. Yes, I realize the Blackhawks are a mess, but this guy doesn't steal enough games for the Hawks. He is fragile. There is a huge difference between him and Knight. I think back to the dynasty years with Crow and Darling or Crow and Raanta. I don't see it here. I see a Niemi and Huet pairing in these 2. I hope the hawks don't give up on Broissant and invite him to training camp next year to see if he still has it. If Broissant doesn't show it, Drew Commesso can replace Soderblum and win 1/4 of his starts. To offset that, Knight gets the true #1 goalie and plays 60 games.

3) D pairings - Again with the transition over to Sorenson we have seen a great improvement in Defence goal scoring from the LRich era. One area that hasn't seen improvement from last years is goals given up. We have a lot of puck moving D-men in the system and they are good at that, but we still don't have a shutdown pair. I look at again the dynasty period with Hjalmarson and pretty much anyone he was paired with. Are one or two of these kids the answer, maybe. For us to improve dramatically we need a shutdown pairing (this is not only on the D-men, but the forwards need to learn how to backcheck - Bertuzzi, CB, Kurashev and others i'm looking at you).

4) Forwards - We have improved in scoring more goals this season. 22% is a significant improvement. This comes from players like Donato and Turbo (and the D-men). Two or 3 More goal scores should help this team and if you can increase the amount by 15% from this year to next year you should be moving up the standing to the middle. Much of the pain we feel is coming from this group not being Defense responsible. Again hopefully a new coach and a system will help this.

So back to my original question, what would I like to see KD do in the off season.

1) HIre a new coach that has proven he can win. Sullivan if available would be a dream. I also want to see that the new coach (staff) has developed young talent. No more unproven coaches.

2) Sign 1 mid tier players that can slot for players like Kurashev, Reichel, Veleno or Maroon. Sign 1 high end talent that can play with Bedard.
DRaft a center that can slot into the second line immediately prefer Misa over Hagens due to 3" size advantage.

3) remove Broadie, and martinez from this roster and see what are you best 6 options including Allan. I would like to move on from Murphy but we need a RHD to fill that spot, but I would not be adverse to trade him and Kaiser for a replacement.


Nazar Bedard HIGH End Signing
Donato draft choice Slaggart
Mikeyev Teravinnen Mid Level Signing
Foligno Dickenson Dach

Vlasic Levshuov
EDM Murphy
Kaiser Crevier
Allan

Knight
Commesso/Brosiaant

this team picks mckenna and thats a good thing

 

[BHFAN92]

ok since I cant seem to find this information anywhere is Kevin Korchinski a LHD or RHD? I know both Lev and EDM are RHD but who else in Blackhawks prospects core is RHD?

 

[Mrfenn92]

ok since I cant seem to find this information anywhere is Kevin Korchinski a LHD or RHD? I know both Lev and EDM are RHD but who else in Blackhawks prospects core is RHD?

Korchinski and Del Mastro are lefties. Allan and Kaiser also. Levshunov and Rinzel are righties

 

[u2wojo]

ok since I cant seem to find this information anywhere is Kevin Korchinski a LHD or RHD? I know both Lev and EDM are RHD but who else in Blackhawks prospects core is RHD?

Korchinski is left shot, EDM is left shot that plays a lot of RD, and Rinzel is the only other righty besides Lev and Crevier.