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January 5, 2:00 PM ET
Chat with Jesse Rogers

Jesse Rogers
  (2:15 PM)

Sorry Im late, folks. Welcome to our weekly hawks chat. Live from Philly this week where the hawks will take on the Flyers. Both teams prac today so we're ready for a little 2010 finals rematch. Fire away!

Alec (LaGrange)

Do you think Kane has a chance of rebounding? 2 goals in the last 20 games! You even mentioned he was moved off the 1st PP unit. Can he become a scorer and not just a distributor?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:17 PM)

Of course he can..but he's going to have to make it happen himself...puck and chances just wont come to him like other guys who are snipers, etc. He has to make it happen...he'll always be more of a playmaker than scorer but 2 in 20 simply isnt good enough and he knows it. Maybe having hossa next to him again will help

Keith (Waupaca, WI)

Hey Jesse, Can you elaborate on why Brian Connelly was passed up over Olsen? I'm not necessarily against it, just curious. I liked Olsen's game during camp but based on stats it seems like Connelly's earned it.

Jesse Rogers
  (2:19 PM)

I cant tell you for sure what they think of Connnely cause I havent asked but I will tell you they've been wanting to give Olsen, who is bigger and a first round pick a chance..and here it was...they do reward for performance--look at shaw, he's a 5th rd pick--so if Connelly deserves it he'll get a look...just know theyve been wanting olsen up here

Jason (NY)

Jesse, just recently heard beauchemin of ANA is on the block. Hawks need to go after this guy, he is a UFA at the end of the season, and hit 3x more than Hammer did last year. Send a pick and a prospect towards ANA for him, but soon, the hawks cant wait to get in a bidding war for him at the deadline. Hawks playoff D lines would be:keith seabrookleddy beaucheminhjarlmasson montadorthat would look mighty good, your thoughts?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:21 PM)

Have a couple questions about Anaheim in here since Bob Murray said almost all are avail..we'll see if he means it..he also said he wont trade a core guy unless he gets a core guy back..what playoff team is going to do that unless they are just stacked at one position..anyway, I think Stan will spend big on a forward..big as in key prospects and salary cap space..he'll go less for a d-man in my opinion..just someone better than their #6 now...

Nick (Chicago)

HBO's 24/7 has not really showcase the coaches has having the cleanest of mouths. Last year Boudreau was throwing f-bombs all the time. This year Tortorella and Laviolette used quite a lot of fowl language as well. Are Q and Havi also like that? I feel they are both the type that would be more gentle/patient in nature.

Jesse Rogers
  (2:23 PM)

Q prob curses less than those guys but still can get its all relative but yeah they are more "reserved" compared to Torts or Boudreau but not compared to school teachers. :)

Eric (Cary)

Jessie, it seems to me that the Hawks are rotating a lot of prospects up from Rockford. Are they primarily auditioning for roster spots with the Hawks or somewhere else do you think?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:25 PM)

All of the above...its all part of the process...good/winning teams mix in young guys and get thier feet wet so they're ready when you really need them...since they are "short" a player or two and have cap space it also allows other teams to see terms of specific showcasing I think Jeremy Morin was up for that reason but otherwise its all part of the bigger picture process

Sean (Boston)

do you think jimmy hayes has the hands and big body to become a buff like player on the power play?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:26 PM)

Remains to be seen. JUst havent seen enough of his hands to know..and if he has the know-how to position himself,etc. Doesnt really have a good teacher here for that so we'll see. Obviously he has the body

the ox (northwest side)

hey jesse i know you will be bombarded with carcillo stuff but if the league is going to punish people longer and stronger because of repeat offenses why would teams take a chance on any of the so-called sandpaper guys? thanx go hawks!

Jesse Rogers
  (2:29 PM)

Cause they are willing to deal with the tradeoff...they knew what they were getting and I think they were actually somewhat pleased with him until this one...they want a rebel rouser to keep things alive over a long season..i truly believe that Q wanted a little chaos in there after a "quiet" season last yr. My prob is playoff thing to cost a good team a game in dec. but in april/may not so good. I asked Q that today and he didnt backpedal..he said they have to keep an eye on him, make sure he doesnt cross the line

Mike (Great White North)

Will we see Emery Friday if we lose tonight?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:30 PM)

Pretty sure we'll see craw either way tomorrow. Barring a shutout or something out of the ordinary

Roger_Maye (Aurora)

This team at times comes out flat, never gets it going and loses to a bad team. I thought they learned their lesson last year with how valuable points are, why are they coming out flat for some games, LA Kings, and the Oil 2 prime examples

Jesse Rogers
  (2:32 PM)

Evry game is diff...they've had some bad ones agianst bad teams but the edm is a win if not for carcillo, plain and is 1-0 in the 2nd coming out bad? 2 pp goals later Edm was alive and cooking...granted its still 2-2 but once you give life to other team it can be hard to take control back...L.A. is on a run with a new coach..they are not a bad team so you can live with it here or there..they are like 14-4 at home or whatever..

Steve (Mount Prospect)

Buccigross' prediction article has my head in the clouds thinking that Shea Weber could be available. If he comes back from his concussion without incident is there ANY chance the Hawks could put a package together? I'd be sick if Buccigross is right and he ends up in Detroit.

Jesse Rogers
  (2:34 PM)

Anything can happen but I doubt it...and if he's avail about 15 teams will come calling..dont you think nash would want to go outside the division if at all possible? I do. The hawks have enough to get him but ma, nash would be wise to at least send him east...

Jesse Rogers
  (2:34 PM)

Man this, cheesesteak Im eating is good. Sitting in middle of Philly "market" eating and typing. :)

Matt (Troy, MI)

I know the tendency has been to shuttle Stalberg up and down the lines; why doesn't Q keep him with Bolland and Bickell (or whomever at RW)? He had some monster games on the 3rd line and then levelled off a little (scoring wise) when promoted to the 2nd line. Still like hi play overall this year.

Jesse Rogers
  (2:36 PM)

Good question. I think he will end up there..they are short on the top 6..They will trade for one and maybe find a young guy for that spot then things will fall more into place..i predict Stalberg will be on the 3rd for the playoffs

Andrew (60618)

Whats your thoughts right now on Frolik and Bickell? They've been terrible. Whats it gonna take for them to either turn it around or get cut loose?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:38 PM)

Terrible is a little strong ONLY cause they havent been too bad in their own zone..I like Frolik's defensive game..I think he should stay on the 3rd line and bickell should be on the 4th but right now its the other way around...Bickell is making very little so he could be a throw in, in a bigger trade...frolik has some value to the hawks..he's on the PK and I think will work his way back to the 3rd line but he just cant score! I dont have the answers

Tommy (Skokie)

What are the chances the Hawks get a big time forward like Iginla, Nash, Ryan, Doan, or E. Staal??

Jesse Rogers
  (2:40 PM)

All of them? Kidding. Maybe Ryan or Doan...Dont see the others..I do see the hawks making a big trade...and I think they will go after the best center or promiment left wing that makes the most sense in terms of the package they give up...I still think the would def prefer a player on the last yr of his deal..

Michael G (Villa Park)

OK so our Power play unit is basically last in the league right? Then can you explain how we're the best team (points wise) in the NHL right now? Do you actually see the Blackhawks going far into the playoffs with this bad of a power play?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:42 PM)

Yes because the year they won the cup (or maybe the year before that. i cant rememebr), they had a medicore pp in the reg season and it took off in the playoffs..anything can happen as long as they have the talent..its been weirdly streaky this year..they were bad then in the top 10 and now bad again....still dont like the back-end there in terms of a pilot...but it can get hot at anytime since so much the answer is yes to your question

Steve (Downers Grove)

What would it take to get Tuomo Ruutu back on the team? I always liked him when he was here, just felt between his back and ankles he got a stacked deck. He brings the tenacity and aggressiveness and scoring we lost with Brouwer.

Jesse Rogers
  (2:44 PM)

Not much I dont think...He will def, 100 percent, ok maybe 99% be traded. If they needed a 3rd line guy he'd be perfect..not sure if he fits their 2nd line need but you could do a lot worse...mid level to good prospect and a pick? something like that...he MIGHT work between say hossa and sharp

Matt (Troy)

With Edmonton looking like a potential spectator again for this year's playoffs, is there any chance the Hawks can get Ladislav Smid? He'd be a good stay at home option to shore up the back end.

Jesse Rogers
  (2:46 PM)

I think the hawks looked at him a yr ago so he might be attractice except he has another yr on his deal..I def think they want a d-man on the last yr of his contract...they might take a forward with a few left but not a defenseman is my guess

Charles (Libertyville)

The goal against the Oilers that Scott and Lepisto are getting blamed for, as I saw it, Scott took the body and Lepisto took his man away from the front of the net. It looked like it was more on Stalberg and the other forwards than on the d-men. I realize Lepisto can't afford to make mistakes if he wants to play, but I am not sure that was a mistake. Agree, disagree?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:47 PM)

Not really..he followed the guy like to the back of the net leaving the slot open..yes, stalberg was trailing but lepisto got out of position in my opinion...not all on him but I just dont think Q trusts his decision making

Erik (SF, CA)

Alright Jesse, I eluded to this in a tweet last night. What are YOUR memories of the Cup clincher in Philly? Did you find it hard as a Hawks fan to keep the balance between journalist and fan?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:51 PM)

First off, no i dont find it hard to keep the balance..Whats hard is simply being critical of individuals who you kind of like...Duncan Keith is a great example..dont love critcizing him but I have no prob doing it..can make it tough and I have had some issues with players but job comes before anything else in this for memories, mine are of being on the ice after the game..complete pandomonium..did a couple of interviews with players and cant remember one quesion or answer i asked..but bigger for me was the parade..being on the bus with the players, now that I remember everything..but that night, being on the ice comes back

Josh (Niles)

With the call-up of Olsen and if he stays with the team, who looks to be the new odd man out of the 3rd D-pair when Montador returns?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:53 PM)

You'd have to think Lepisto if youre talking about off the roster...but Im not sure what the plan would doubt he's last in the depth chart

Zack (Harvey)

Jesse, you have the coolest job. How'd you get it/where to start?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:54 PM)

Well I took my lumps doing the hawks pre and postgame on the radio for WSCR when they stunk and no one listened but that got my foot in the door with the NHL and hawks, etc. And since bascially no one in chicago knew/covered hockey back then when they got good and ESPN needed a reporter I was asked..with prob very little competition. lol.

RJ (Chicago)

Jesse, when do the Hawks start thinking about resigning these 1 year guys or guys who are UFAs on July 1st? Mayers, Scott, Carcillo, Burno,

Jesse Rogers
  (2:57 PM)

Been thinking a little bit about that myself. They are allowed to talk starting Jan. 1 so it can happen at anytime...But do they really need to? Why not see what your big pic plan is at end of still have exclusive rights till july 1 and none of those guys are major stars in their prime, etc. I actually the easiest one could be scott...4th line/D/cheap/relaible in the sense you know what youre getting...maybe he and Mayers would be the two..I dont see bomb or bruno back...maybe not even mayers..they signed them all to 1 year for a reason...let young guys get ready to take over so I think they will reasses at end..just a guess

Nate (Chicago)

Just saw your post about Carcillo starting his suspension. How does that work with him having a serious injury? Is this a loophole in the system due to the always minimal leaked information about players' health?

Jesse Rogers
  (2:59 PM)

I think so. This is a little bit unchartered territory for me as a reporter..doesnt happen much but I think the hawks have been sly from the het go..Q has made no pronoucement about his injury. Since he was kicked out that night they didnt have to say anything then either. usually they would say "not returning with a lower body" but that would clue in the league hes hurt...Im not sure, cause you can prac if youre suspended but he's not so who knows...but supposed to serve after healthy..thats the spirit of the rule..still developing on this one

Sean (Rosemont)

What can we expect from shaw moving forward?? I know he is young, but can he make an immediate impact?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:01 PM)

I am def intrigued by this kid. Hes a little runt type but has some skill...Ive seen very little of him so we'll learn shortly..Olsen is a 1st round pick so want to see him as well...lots of storylines tonight!

Colin (Chicago)

You think it's O'Donnell and Olsen for third pairing tonight, or can you see Scott dressing? I doubt Q would want to throw Olsen with Scott, and O'Donnell can probably help Olsen out more than any of the other Dmen.

Jesse Rogers
  (3:01 PM)

Itll be O'Donnell and Olsen unless last min change...

Matt (Libertyville)

Is it really worth it to trade solid prospects for a rental player?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:01 PM)

Um, if youre on the verge of a cup, 1000 percent, yes

R.P. (312)

How does the salary cap work in terms of injuries and call-ups? I know Carcillo isn't on IR (yet) but assuming he goes on and they tag Shaw as his replacement, is that a net save of $250k or is there some different way that's calculated?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:03 PM)

No. Reg IR saves you nothing and even long term only saves you if youre up against the cap..thats the short version of all counts so no REAL carcillo makes less than a mil so no big savings there's NHL number counts as long as hes up here

Charlie (Section 119)

Jesse- How good can Olsen be? I like his frame, like his attitude, and was wondering if there is a player in the NHL today that he could be like if he reached his full potential. Thanks.

Jesse Rogers
  (3:04 PM)

Good question. I could be way off but i wonder if Seabrook or a poor man's version of seabrook is the answer...still need to see his skating but his play reminds me a little of him...havent askedthat question to anyone in the know..maybe i will

Jesse Rogers
  (3:04 PM)

Thats if he reaches his full potential as you said..not always easy to do

Friend of The Feather (Chickasha, OK)

One weakness among several I see with the Hawks is constantly getting beatt in the crease 5-5 or on the penalty kill. Have you addressed this with Q? Would love to hear his thoughts because it isn't a problem that is solved with FA.

Jesse Rogers
  (3:05 PM)

Yeah, he talks about awareness...Ive said it before many times this team is not built to play in its own zone, especially the defense...they need a lot of one and dones to be successfull..meaning the puck goes in, theyre quickness retireves or chases it down and it gets out..once they are stuck in there...2,4,5, etc not great around the net

James M (PA)

Do we see Ben Smith again this year? Is he to be traded?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:06 PM)

I have no idea. That is a mystery to me. He could be traded...but how shaw gets a run with the top line and Smith doesnt is beyond me..just based on the end of last yr i think he deserved a that one i dont have an answer to

Zack (Harvey)

Jesse, prediction for tonights game?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:08 PM)

Boy this is a tough one..I talke to D. Briere (you can hear full interview in my blog) and he admitted after the HBO series and the cameras leaving--this is thier first game--they have a diff feel in the room..they might have a comedown from the winter classic to star the game...the hawks are playing 3 rookies, 2 making debuts...I say the energy those guys bring helps the hawks more than their inexperience hurts them so i think hawks win

Joe Koperski (Lisle)

Jesse, I wish you still did the post game for the Hawks. I remember listening to you driving home from every Hawks game, the new guy stinks, man do I miss that, any chance you could do that for ESPN 1000

Jesse Rogers
  (3:09 PM)

Thanks but would be hard since we dont have the games..and we air bulls games many nights...and youre right judd sirott stinks (hes a friend of mine but he stinks)

Dave (Phoenix)

You mentioned the Hawks most likely wouldn't bother to re-sign Carcillo, but given what just happened and that he is likely to miss a huge portion of the rest of the season, couldn't they get him back for fairly cheap next season?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:11 PM)

Yeah, I guess so. Def will be cheap..I just see them giving that role to one of their own..try to catch lightning and move one BUT we have a long way to go this yr if he plays so maybe the playoffs will tell the story...I dont know if hes out long term or not...

Sean (Indy)

With all the injuries, suspensions, and lack of you think its time to trade for a second line center?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:12 PM)

Sure but it takes two to tango..and you want the right not as easy as it sounds...especially at that posiiton with 7 weeks till deadline

Mike (Belvidere, IL)

Safe to write Kyle Beach off as a prospect? He's spent a lot of time in the minors for a high pick and is showing very little improvement (and now out with a significant injury).

Jesse Rogers
  (3:12 PM)

Yes. I think its safe

Dave N (Philadelphia)

Morin, Shaw, Pirri, and Hayes all with top-6 and/or PP time; Ben Smith: nada. It can't purely be a talent thing. Are the Hawks trying to hide his potential come trade time, get potential suitors to bite on Morin or Pirri? Did the concussion knock his progress back that much?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:14 PM)

All good questions except for the "hide his potential part" the rest I wonder myself..have tried to get to the bottom of but havent..incidentally media scheduled to talk with bowman about carcillo, only get that chance a few times a year so hopefully get some of these answers...not all for Q, some are for read the blog tonight/tomorrow!!

Paige (Cleveland)

I read that at the Winter Classic the Philly fans were assulting the Ranger fans, are Philly fans that mean?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:15 PM)

Its the finals 2 yrs ago i didint see anything bad so I guess it just depends..outdooor? beer? bad combo right?

Ryan Maloney (Plainfield)

Jesse, if you were to hold a fantasy NHL draft of all current players wouldn't Toews be selected #1 by most everybody?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:16 PM)

Not necessarily..fanatsy is about offensive stats right? Sedins are money in the pocket...hawks spread things out a little too much I think right? hed be up there for sure but henrik and daniel have put up more points last few yrs

jojo (in a van down by the river)

Jesse, how much (if any) video does Q use in preparation? Do the players get video homework?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:18 PM)

Oh yeah. PLenty....actually just heard a story about the cup season..each player was assigned a player from the opposing team to scout and then report back to the whole team..ya know, toews would say "Sami Salo likes to go to his right". They're supposed to call thier buddies, watch tape, etc. Apprantly adam burish put his report to song and made fun of "his guy" etc. anyway, they use video before every game. video guy travels with team

kevin (lagrange)

which is more likely to happen: Toews gets 50 goals, 3 hawks get 40 goals, or 1 hawk gets 100 points?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:19 PM)

hmm...prob not the 50 goals...I guess 100 points...just hard to spread the puck around enough to get 3 guys getting 40..tough one

Zack (Harvey)

Our Hawks have a better chance at winning with Carcillo off the ice. True or False?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:20 PM)

There is no answer. Have just as good a chance with him as me he's not that valuable but he brings something..obviously he lost last game for them...6, 1/2 dozen of the other

Steve Foxhall (Naperville)

Can you offer some insight why Mike Kitchen still has a job with the power play being so bad.

Jesse Rogers
  (3:21 PM)

Cause he hasnt done it by himself and they would say (maybe rightly) its on the players not one coach..what coach is known for his pp work?

Phill (Chicago)

Not too impressed with Bickell this year, any change Bowman is going to trade him and give a player like Hayes a permenant spot on the team

Jesse Rogers
  (3:22 PM)

Sure..but not alone for bobby ryan..bickell is a throw in as part of a bigger likes his size, sees his 17 goals last yr., his salary (500k) and say throw him in..

Joe (Chicago)

What d-man can you see the hawks going after before the trade deadline?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:23 PM)

Hard to know..they are keeping pretty tight but I know they liked Smid and they should like Tim Gleason from carolina...perfect fit..thats the type they want

Randy (Aurora)

With none of the Blackhawks being voted in by the fans, who do you honestly think will actually make it to Ottawa? Obviously, Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Keith, et al. are all the usual contenders, but who do you see actually going? I doubt it'd by all five of them.

Jesse Rogers
  (3:25 PM)

I think it will be all 5. But I havent crunched the numbers...for sure...19,88,81 on rep alone and 10 won the MVP last yr and is having another good one so he should make it...maybe 2 doesnt but if he keeps playing like this I think he should..

Joe (Chicago)

what rockford player have you been most impressed with so far?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:26 PM)

Reakky tough call..such small sample size. no on morin or smith, 2 have yet to play, pirri had one game...heck, hayes. he scored and threw his body around a little. but again so few games to i missing someone?

James M (PA)

I've been rewatching the Cup finals and, man, one thing that sticks out to me at least is how badly hammer has regressed. He used to be aggressive and sharp, now he seems timid and dopey.. Am I wrong? What happened?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:29 PM)

Hammer is an interesing one..He's good. There is no doubt about that when you look around the league and see what guys are making and what they can and cannot do..but he's not progressing to higher levels..something happened confidence wise or when he got paid..hes good but not near great like he seemed to be on his way to being..hard to fig him out..he's like a B- player with no chance of moving into A category...sometimes he's C cause you gotta fall into a few more points and aply a bit smarter in your own end but he does enough well COMPARED to d-men around the league

Bryan (Anaheim)

Love what you said about what Burish did with his "song." Would also love to see him in a Hawks jersey again. Can Stan make that happen for me?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:31 PM)

Good question. I would do it in a heartbeat...if not a HUGE deal somewhere..I would trade for Ruttu, Tim Gleason, and Burish and start the parade...something like that....d-man, forward, gritty guy...they can do it...or put most of their resources in that forward...lots of options

Matt (Libertyville)

What other team scares you the most right now? (I realize that trades could change things.)

Jesse Rogers
  (3:32 PM)

In the west, not many...prob Niemi, I mean SJ. lol. Only cause I think he can steal playoff series..he's got that mental toughness we saw in 2010..dont like Van and obviosuy det is a worry but i think the hawks win

Rich (Chicago)

What current Hawk are you closest to?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:32 PM)


Jesse Rogers
  (3:33 PM)

Kidding...prob keith or sharp

Sean (Wheaton)

Do you feel Leddy's ability to lead the rush has compensated for the loss of Campbell?

Jesse Rogers
  (3:35 PM)

Sure. I want to see him do it more...really want to see if he contnues to take gaurantee..see hammer...but yeah, love those fact I like the rushes better than campbell cause there is a finish to the play..campbell went deep many times with the puck(which was good)but that was it..hes stuck in corner and not much came of it...still liked his game but I see more in leddy if he can get idea if he will

Jesse Rogers
  (3:37 PM)

Thats it for today..time to climb the rocky steps and then get ready for the game..thanks for the questions...grat stuff...follow me on twitter @espnchihawks for all the latest...still work to be done on this carcillo situation. injury plus suspension..should know more after talking to blog has some cool stuff in it already and more coming...I asked kane to recreate the winning goal moment from the finals and he did a very much scaled down version this morn which I recorded on video and then I interviewed check out the blog this aft and then again tonight of course for all the postgame stuff. talk to you next week and tonight on tiwtter. thanks again!