The news on Toews is scary. It is, and from his statement on Tuesday, there is so much unknown as to his condition. This does not seem like your typical NHL “undisclosed” situation, either. The truth is not being hidden; neither Toews nor the organization know what is contributing to his ailment, and they are actively trying to figure it out. Many have been critical of Toews’ play in recent years, and that is fine, but this has been the Hawks’ best 200-foot player over the last 13 seasons, period. He is their leader, a three-time Stanley Cup Champion, Conn Smythe winner and his name and number will be stitched on a banner and hung from the rafters of the United Center. His contributions to what has been the best era in Chicago Blackhawks hockey are immeasurable, and whether you had high hopes for the Hawks this season or if you were hoping for failure and a rebuild, it is really hard to envision the team without Captain Serious. Let’s just hope that they can pinpoint his ailment and he can successfully recover.

Without captain Jonathan Toews, the Hawks begin the season with more questions than answers. (Photograph courtesy of the NHL)

As for the 2020–21 season; now what? Circumstances have changed, the team is weaker and picturing the Hawks jumping into the playoff mix come springtime is unrealistic. In fact, this could get ugly. The defensive unit is a weak spot, they are unproven between the pipes and without Nylander, Dach and Toews, the offense is significantly affected. General Manager Stan Bowman’s half-hearted “rebuild” has just been put into overdrive. Regardless of the message to fans or the organization’s intentions for the 2020–21 season, the Hawks will not be very good. There is a real possibility that without so many key ingredients, that they will finish towards the bottom of the barrel in the league and will have a lottery pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Whether or not Bowman and company elect to re-sign Dylan Strome will not change this team for the better, and if they can move him for futures or picks, they are wise to do so.

New/old acquisition Brandon Pirri will play more than many expected early on. Centers Carl Soderberg and Mattias Janmark, originally thought to be third- and fourth-line fixtures, may now be ticketed for first- and second-line duties. While the Hawks may not win many games with those two players in those roles, all fans should be rooting for them. On one-year deals, if either Soderberg, or the one-time 19-goal scorer, Janmark, are productive, come the April 12 trade deadline, either or both could see a decent return for the Hawks’ future. Newly acquired center Lucas Wallmark may also fall into that category.

Newly acquired forward Mattias Janmark could now have a more pivotal role entering the season. (Photograph courtesy of the NHL)

Before the injuries, there are some fans that unwisely may have thought the Hawks’ were contenders heading into this season, while others were beating the “play the kids” drum as loudly as possible. Well, the latter is here. The kids will play. You will not see a complete youth movement, as the Hawks will mettle with their more experienced depth early on, but as the season chugs along, be ready to see a revolving door between Chicago and Rockford.

Some prospects may now be locks out of mini camp. Barring disappointment, it is possible or likely, that Pius Suter may be in a top-six role right away, and fans should be excited because of the tools he brings to the table. Winger Brandon Hagel had a decent 19-goal run in Rockford last season and at some point will see some NHL action. Hagel has been on loan to Thurgau in the second-tier Swiss League (SL) this season and has tallied 15 points in 14 games. Prospect MacKenzie Entwistle brings his 6-foot-3 size, speed and energy to the table. Entwistle is starting to figure out a professional game and with 26 points in Rockford in 2019–20, he is another to keep an eye on. Responsible center prospect Philipp Kurashev, fresh off a loan to Lugano in the Swiss-A league, could use more time in Rockford, but if the Hawks wisely shed some center depth at the trade deadline, he could get his first taste of the NHL in mid-April. Evan Barratt may have a longer road to being a true NHL impact player, but his skillset and hockey sense are there. He will most likely be in Rockford for the bulk of the season and rightly so, but injuries and/or trades could see him in Chicago for some games. Lastly, considering he is currently in North America playing in the World Junior Championship, inviting Czech prospect Michael Teply to camp should be something to consider.

The blue line, though not one to brag about, has a little more stability than it did a year ago—for now.  It is expected that Ian Mitchell will get his shot, and it will be interesting to see if he is as good as advertised. Nikita Zadorov, acquired in the Brandon Saad trade, will be a regular, as will Calvin de Haan, Connor Murphy, Adam Boqvist, Duncan Keith and yes, Brent Seabrook; remember him? Will the Hawks be able to unload the hefty contracts of Seabrook, Keith, de Haan or Murphy come the trade deadline? Seabrook, never, and the others, probably not in this economic climate unless the Hawks eat a big chunk of salary and cap hit.

Considering how much this unit will be playing in their own end of the ice though, injuries will happen and the combination of that and what may be inconsistent play from some will result in call ups and some younger kids getting a crack in the lineup. Wyatt Kalynuk, Lucas Carlsson and Nicolas Beaudin could all factor into that. Alec Regula is an intriguing prospect with high upside, but he is likely to see the entire season in Rockford. Another rearguard worth noting is Anton Lindholm. The lesser name in the Saad trade has played NHL minutes in Colorado and has been coveted by Bowman for some time. At 26, Lindholm knows a pro game and, should younger prospects be better served with time in Rockford, Lindholm could provide support in the back.

Coming back from injury, Brent Seabrook and others will be busier than ever in their own zone. (Photograph courtesy of NBC Sports)

A season of change is ahead, that is for sure. The number of different players and combinations that will be in and out of the lineup is impossible to predict, but if you are betting, take the over. At this point, anything is in play. Limit your expectations in the win column, as some games will not be much fun to watch. That said, keep an eye on the lineup as pieces of the Blackhawks’ future may be on the ice, and earlier than expected.

The post ANALYSIS: The Blackhawks’ kids will play appeared first on The Rink.

The-Rink.com co-hosts Jeff Osborn , and John Jaeckel are joined by The Rink writers Andy Campbell and Sean Fitzgerald to talk about the big trade of the day.

• • • Brandon Saad and Dennis Gilbert to Colorado for Nikita Zadorov and Anton Lindholm

Watch the entire replay of the Facebook live right here:

Watch the entire replay of the Youtube live right here:

Please do us a favor. Subscribe, rate this episode, share with your friends, and even write us a review. The best reviews will be read on the air.

Also, please help spread the word to more #RinkRats and visit our sponsor www.PUCKHCKY.com. Use the discount code “THERINK” for 10% off all orders.

Are you a RinkRat who also owns a business? Our data shows RinkCast listeners are (like you) affluent, discerning, and want to patronize like-minded brands. As part of our growth, we’re looking for an exclusive advertiser, at a VERY low cost.  Email podcast@the-rink.com for more details

The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 3, Episode 25 – Brandon Saad trade reactions appeared first on The Rink.

Saad was drafted by the Blackhawks in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 30, 2015, with defenseman Michael Paliotta and center Alex Broadhurst for forwards Artem Anisimov, Marko Dano, Jeremy Morin, Corey Tropp and a fourth round pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Saad was re-acquired two seasons later from Columbus in the infamous Artemi Panarin trade on June 23, 2017. Saad has a year remaining on his current contract.

Gilbert is a 2013 third-round draft pick (91st overall) of the Blackhawks and played 21 games with the team this past season.

TRADE ALERT: The #Blackhawks have acquired defensemen Nikita Zadorov and Anton Lindholm from Colorado in exchange for Brandon Saad and defenseman Dennis Gilbert. pic.twitter.com/rUf1xLoPbc

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 10, 2020

Coming to the Blackhawks are 25-year-old defenseman Nikita Zadorov and 25-year-old AHL defenseman Anton Lindholm. Zadorov played in 64 games for the Avalanche last season, scoring 13 points (four goals, nine assists) and accruing 65 penalty minutes. Zadorov signed his one-year qualifying offer of $3.2 million just prior to the trade being announced.

Lindholm has played 66 career games with the Avalanche, but has been mostly an AHL-level player. Last season, he played 45 games with the Colorado Eagles and had a paltry three points (one goal, two assists). He carries one more year on his contract with $742,500 owed in salary.

The post BREAKING: Blackhawks trade Saad, Gilbert to Colorado for Zadorov, Lindholm appeared first on The Rink.