[CoachFrenchy]

Thanks for your question!

I took a look at Winnipeg’s situation, and the biggest challenge is the salary cap. Adding Brossoit’s contract would be tough for them unless the Blackhawks retain some of the AAV. Even then, Hellebuyck is expected back in about three weeks, and Brossoit himself probably needs around 10 more days before he’s fully ready to play NHL games again.

For a short-term hole of only 2–3 weeks, I just don’t see Winnipeg paying for a goalie — especially with their cap so tight.

Now, about Brad Lambert…

He’s an interesting case. One year before his draft, he was seen as a potential top-15 pick, but he slid to 30th overall. His AHL start was strong, but the last couple of seasons have been inconsistent. He reminds me a bit of Fabian Lysell in Boston — lots of skill, great tools, but they haven’t been able to translate it to full-time NHL roles. Some players look great in the AHL but struggle to find their game in the NHL.

Right now, I don’t see Lambert as a strong fit for the Blackhawks unless Chicago wants to gamble on upside.

If I was Chicago, the two prospects I’d look at instead are:

• Connor Geekie (Tampa Bay – Syracuse AHL)
• Brennan Othmann (Rangers – Hartford AHL)

Both players are stuck in their organization’s pipeline, both play a heavier forechecking style, and both could fit what the Hawks want to build. They’re still trying to break into the NHL, and their profiles make more sense for Chicago’s system than Lambert.

Final thought:
I’ve heard some negative scouting comments about Lambert over the years, but I can’t confirm anything personally — I’ve never been close enough around him to judge that myself. Your idea isn’t bad at all, but based on the cap, the timeline, and the player fit, I think the Hawks have better options than Lambert.

[CoachFrenchy]

Welcome my friend… You’re right about the situation. Brossoit can go on a conditioning stint in Rockford, and the Hawks have enough roster flexibility to manage three goalies for a short period. It won’t hurt them at all.

Once Foligno returns, Slaggert is the most likely move if the forward group stays healthy. Everything lines up for Chicago to evaluate Brossoit properly before making a final decision.

Thanks for your post!

[CoachFrenchy]

Absolutely they should consider bringing him back — especially if Foligno and Dickinson don’t return.
Mikheyev fits perfectly in a middle-six role and he gives you the same thing every single night: speed, compete level, smart defensive plays, and strong penalty killing.

He’s 31 years old, but he still skates like a younger player and his work ethic is never in question. With close to 400 NHL games of experience, he brings leadership and reliability — two things this roster still needs.

The Blackhawks will have plenty of cap space next season, so signing him will not be a problem. I can see Chicago offering something like:

3 years at $4.5M–$5M AAV.
If Mikheyev wants more term — maybe 4 years — then the Hawks could push the AAV down a bit to make it work.

Overall:
He’s a very good fit, he fills a clear need, and he’s the type of veteran you want around Bedard and the young core.

Thanks for your question

[CoachFrenchy]

Thank you, my friend. Always happy to help and talk hockey. I appreciate your comment!

[CoachFrenchy]

Great question.

I reached out to the Waite brothers — former NHL goalie coaches with both Chicago and Montreal — to get more insight, and here’s what I was told:

From their perspective, based on the current situation with Knight and Söderblom, they don’t expect Laurent Brossoit to have a real role with the Blackhawks once he’s healthy. The crease right now belongs to those two. Chicago wants Knight to get the heavy workload, and Söderblom is still young enough that they need to see what he can become.

Now, could Brossoit get a conditioning stint and maybe a game or two?
Yes — but only under very specific circumstances:
• If there’s an injury
• If the team wants to showcase him for a potential trade
• If they want to evaluate him quickly at the NHL level

For me, that’s the only scenario where he sees action. Otherwise, there’s simply no path for him with the Hawks.

And honestly, if I’m a team like Edmonton, or any team struggling with goaltending depth, I’m keeping an eye on him. He’s a veteran, inexpensive, and could be a temporary upgrade for a playoff team needing support.

But for Chicago?
I don’t see any long-term fit. The organization is more excited about the future of Commesso and Gajan, who are both having strong seasons in their development paths. Those two are part of the next wave.

So unless something unexpected happens, I don’t expect Brossoit to play meaningful minutes for the Hawks.

[CoachFrenchy]

Great question, my friend. I love this type of roster-construction discussion.

This is exactly where a GM needs patience and discipline. Let’s be honest: the upcoming UFA class doesn’t offer much for a rebuilding team. Most of the big names are aging, and the rest are bottom-six forwards or third-pair defensemen. Chicago wouldn’t gain anything long-term by throwing money at that group. The only thing you really lose next year is some veteran leadership and experience.

Right now, you already have Teravainen, Bertuzzi, and Burakovsky to insulate your young core with Bedard, Nazar, Moore, and Greene. The urgency to add a top-six forward this summer just isn’t there. If there’s a chance to add a long-term piece who’s under 28 years old, sure — Davidson will listen. But if the market is empty or the price is sky-high, he’ll wait. And honestly, waiting might be the smartest move.

In two years, the contracts for Teravainen and Burakovsky expire, and that’s when KD will need to add legit top-six talent.
By then he’ll also have a better read on the next wave: Lardis, Kantserov, Frondell, Boisvert, Vanacker. One or two of them could absolutely make the jump, but the Blackhawks won’t rush any of them. They’ll come in when they’re ready — not before.

KD can still add one or two bottom-six veterans for experience, PK help, faceoffs, or specific holes in the lineup. But that’s a low-cost move, not a franchise-changing move. For me, the real excitement is at the trade deadline and next offseason — that’s when we’ll really see KD’s long-term strategy unfold.

Now, about Svechnikov…

He’s an excellent talent. No doubt. Skills, size, scoring touch. On paper, he fits the Hawks’ timeline perfectly: only 25 years old and signed for three more seasons at a reasonable number.

But — and this is important — when a team is willing to move a young, productive player, there’s usually a reason. I called a friend of mine who covers Carolina, and here’s what he told me:
• The issue is inconsistency and effort.
• Brind’Amour demands heavy forechecking, winning battles, and crashing the net.
• Those aren’t Svechnikov’s strengths.
• The Hurricanes aren’t actively shopping him, but every year someone in Carolina “wants out.” It’s almost become a tradition over there.

Would I trade for him if I were GM?
Only if the price is reasonable and only if I’m convinced his effort level won’t be an issue in Chicago.
The Hawks can’t afford to give up major assets for a player who might not bring the battle level they want in their culture.

Right now, I think Carolina hangs on to him unless he forces their hand.

If Davidson gets the right player at the right age and the right term, he’ll do it.
If not, he’ll trust the development pipeline and stay patient — and honestly, that might be the smartest move for the rebuild.

[CoachFrenchy]

Thanks for your question, my friend.

1) Absolutely.
Blashill has full control when it comes to game-day decisions like going 12/6 or scratching a defenseman. Of course he and Kyle Davidson talk — every good coach and GM do — but when it comes to roster usage, pairings, matchups, and system decisions, that’s Blashill’s bench. He has the power to decide who plays and who sits.

2) As for sending a player to Rockford, that’s a different process. A coach doesn’t make that move alone.
Here’s how it normally works:
• The coach goes to the GM and explains why he thinks a player might need a reset or a short break in the AHL.
• They discuss the situation together, including who could be called up from Rockford.
• Davidson then talks with Rockford’s coaching staff to make sure the timing makes sense and that there’s the right opportunity for the player.
• After all of that, Davidson makes the final call.

But right now, I don’t see it happening for two reasons:

1. Rinzel and Levshunov are long-term pieces.
The Blackhawks believe their development is better served in the NHL than in the AHL. They want them learning at the highest level, even if there are bumps.

2. There’s no defenseman in Rockford pushing hard for a call-up.
It’s not like the Canadiens situation with Engstrom, who dominated the AHL and earned his call-up. Rockford doesn’t have a D-man right now forcing the organization’s hand.

So in the end, it’s a combination of two things:
Rockford needing someone to step up, and either Rinzel or Levshunov showing a dip big enough to justify the move.
We’re not there yet.

[CoachFrenchy]

Because my time is limited, I can’t reply to every comment individually, but I want everyone to know that I read every message—whether it’s in the forums or under my articles. Many of you raised concerns about the 7D/11F setup, the development of Levshunov or Rinzel, and the overall direction of the Blackhawks. So here’s my take based on watching multiple games every night and digging into league-wide stats.

1. About playing 7D/11F

This setup looks unusual, but here’s the reality:
Most NHL teams today rely on 9 forwards and 4 defensemen for 75–80% of the game.

— Around 3 forwards on every team play only 7–8 minutes
— The third pairing on defense often plays 12–13 minutes
— The workload is carried by the top players

Teams with strong depth (like Carolina) can still roll four lines, but they’re the exception.

Because of more power plays and more overtime games this season, TOI for top players naturally goes up. So whether a team dresses 11 or 12 forwards doesn’t dramatically change how coaches deploy their best players.

2. About the Blackhawks specifically

Chicago is using 11F/7D because of injuries and a lack of forward depth, not because it’s a long-term plan. Their blue line is also unbalanced:
• Vlasic plays at a legit top-pair level
• A couple of others are closer to 2nd-pair calibre
• The rest are still finding their way and are more 3rd-pair style

Despite that, their goals against numbers (ignoring the Buffalo game) have been impressive.
Let’s be honest: Knight is making the defense look better than it actually is. He’s been outstanding and is covering a lot of structural weaknesses.

This is normal for a rebuilding team. Chicago is still in the middle stage of their rebuild, and the roster isn’t fully constructed yet. The schedule gets tougher soon, and at some point we might see them return to a traditional 12F/6D lineup.

3. Development of Levshunov and Rinzel

For now, I prefer both of them to stay in the trenches and continue developing. Levshunov is progressing well, and Rinzel’s healthy scratch seems to have helped reset and refocus him. They are learning the pro game at the right pace.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

4. AHL perspective (Rockford)
• Lardis is playing well
• Allan and Edmonds aren’t bad — but not NHL-ready yet
• Korchinski (KK) has had a strong month of November
• Development is trending in the right direction

5. Trade Deadline Outlook

Chicago will likely be sellers, which means roster spots will open later in the season.
We could see NCAA or European prospects join the team once their seasons end.

Final Thought

It’s a long season, injuries will change things, and young players will get opportunities. Enjoy the ride — this is part of the rebuild journey.

[CoachFrenchy]

Welcome my friend

[CoachFrenchy]

Slaggert draws back into the lineup with Burakovsky out.

Bertuzzi is on the top line with Bedard & Greene.

Teuvo slots back into the 2nd line with Nazar & Moore.

Dach up to the 3rd line with Donato & Mikheyev.

[Author]

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