I wouldn't trade that #35 along with #19 and Benson is ^th on my new list with Barlow #7

We simply do not know who will go where after #5 and the more defenders off the board before #35, and before # 19 we win.
- wiz1901

If they got Yager at #19 and Ziemmer at #35, that would be great too. Was impressed with Ziemmer in the game I saw.

I wouldn't trade that #35 along with #19 and Benson is ^th on my new list with Barlow #7

We simply do not know who will go where after #5 and the more defenders off the board before #35, and before # 19 we win.
- wiz1901

Not following you, Wiz. Are you saying you wouldn't trade the 19th and 35th to move up for Benson? ..... If not, would you trade any other of the 2nd rounders to move up to grab Benson?

I really like the kid but am getting concerned about the size of the top 6 and Benson is smallish and not a center.

Besides the obvious top guys who would you package the 19th and 35th, or a different 2nd rounder, for?...... I think if Michkov falls past 4, and each further slot, KD might have a decision to make.

Very appealing though to have 4 2nd rounders to infuse the pipeline with possible answers and legit talent.

I expect KD will look to add talent around around Bedard. The rumour mill has been ripe with name like Boeser and Garland. But what about trading #19 or one of the 2024 or 2025 1st round picks for Dubois from Winnipeg? He’ll be 25 to start next season and an RFA in the summer of 2024. He makes $6 million per season and I’d guess an extension would cost about the same.

There's some interesting trade targets and cap casualties out there the Hawks could possibly dabble in:

Taylor Hall (2 years; $6m AAV remaining) - Could be a good fit next to Bedard. Still has the ability to put pucks in the net and might be one of the better scoring wingers out there that could be readily had. Wonder if Boston gives up their 2025 1st round pick for us to take his contract off his hands? They've gotta re-sign Bertuzzi and Orlov so clearing that contract goes a long way.

Elias Lindholm (1 year; $4.85m AAV remaining) - Only 28 years old and has another year left on his deal before he's due a new contract and a likely-sizable extension. Depending on cost, he could be a sneaky good add for the Hawks to cement the top two C's for the foreseeable future. Was a 40-goal scorer in '21-22 and had a "down" year this past season even though he still put up 64 points. Calgary has next to no cap space next season as the new deals for Huberdeau and Weegar kick in. Might be a prime opportunity to take advantage of that.

Nick Schmaltz - (3 years; $5.85m AAV remaining) - Wouldn't be a Blackhawks trade without bringing back a former body. Schmaltz (listed as a center but can flank on the outside) would help the offense in the top-six. He's been just about a PPG player these last two seasons, but hasn't played a full season in 5 years so there's some injury risk there. He's cost-controlled and still only 27, yet Arizona isn't winning anytime soon and reportedly could be looking to move him this summer.

There's some interesting trade targets and cap casualties out there the Hawks could possibly dabble in:

Taylor Hall (2 years; $6m AAV remaining) - Could be a good fit next to Bedard. Still has the ability to put pucks in the net and might be one of the better scoring wingers out there that could be readily had. Wonder if Boston gives up their 2025 1st round pick for us to take his contract off his hands? They've gotta re-sign Bertuzzi and Orlov so clearing that contract goes a long way.

Elias Lindholm (1 year; $4.85m AAV remaining) - Only 28 years old and has another year left on his deal before he's due a new contract and a likely-sizable extension. Depending on cost, he could be a sneaky good add for the Hawks to cement the top two C's for the foreseeable future. Was a 40-goal scorer in '21-22 and had a "down" year this past season even though he still put up 64 points. Calgary has next to no cap space next season as the new deals for Huberdeau and Weegar kick in. Might be a prime opportunity to take advantage of that.

Nick Schmaltz - (3 years; $5.85m AAV remaining) - Wouldn't be a Blackhawks trade without bringing back a former body. Schmaltz (listed as a center but can flank on the outside) would help the offense in the top-six. He's been just about a PPG player these last two seasons, but hasn't played a full season in 5 years so there's some injury risk there. He's cost-controlled and still only 27, yet Arizona isn't winning anytime soon and reportedly could be looking to move him this summer.
- TommyHawk

I’d take Schmaltz, if Arizona packages him with #6 overall for #55.

I expect KD will look to add talent around around Bedard. The rumour mill has been ripe with name like Boeser and Garland. But what about trading #19 or one of the 2024 or 2025 1st round picks for Dubois from Winnipeg? He’ll be 25 to start next season and an RFA in the summer of 2024. He makes $6 million per season and I’d guess an extension would cost about the same.
- DarthKane

PLD is a RFA this summer and will be an UFA in the summer of 24, DK. He also has stated he wants to play in Montreal a few times. I think his plan his to sign his QO and become a FA after next season. So I don't think he has any interest in signing an extension with any team other than the Habs.

There's some interesting trade targets and cap casualties out there the Hawks could possibly dabble in:

Taylor Hall (2 years; $6m AAV remaining) - Could be a good fit next to Bedard. Still has the ability to put pucks in the net and might be one of the better scoring wingers out there that could be readily had. Wonder if Boston gives up their 2025 1st round pick for us to take his contract off his hands? They've gotta re-sign Bertuzzi and Orlov so clearing that contract goes a long way.

Elias Lindholm (1 year; $4.85m AAV remaining) - Only 28 years old and has another year left on his deal before he's due a new contract and a likely-sizable extension. Depending on cost, he could be a sneaky good add for the Hawks to cement the top two C's for the foreseeable future. Was a 40-goal scorer in '21-22 and had a "down" year this past season even though he still put up 64 points. Calgary has next to no cap space next season as the new deals for Huberdeau and Weegar kick in. Might be a prime opportunity to take advantage of that.

Nick Schmaltz - (3 years; $5.85m AAV remaining) - Wouldn't be a Blackhawks trade without bringing back a former body. Schmaltz (listed as a center but can flank on the outside) would help the offense in the top-six. He's been just about a PPG player these last two seasons, but hasn't played a full season in 5 years so there's some injury risk there. He's cost-controlled and still only 27, yet Arizona isn't winning anytime soon and reportedly could be looking to move him this summer.
- TommyHawk

Lindholm is the only one that interests me. Hall and Schmaltz both are a giant meh to me. Boston doesn't have anything to add besides picks and I don;t think they are trading any more futures since Bergeron and Krejci both will be gone.

Not following you, Wiz. Are you saying you wouldn't trade the 19th and 35th to move up for __________?.
- Mr Ricochet

All these past trade move ups in my humble do not apply to this draft class.

The implication that the top 4-5 prospects chosen last year don't fall into this years board until after that top 5 sitting there now, and the entire thickness of the prospect class has me thinking I am not relinquishing an early pick an early teen pick for the prices (picks) those past trades reflect from other drafts.

I feel mighty comfortable with the guy on the board at #35, and am completely comfortable choosing a 4th player at #44.

I understand why everyone is trying to move us lower, as I started this a couple blogs back.

I am gonna bet that IF the Blackhawk GM feels comfortable enough to trade #19, and #44 to move lower, he will have his sights on a kid coming in sooner than later.

If not that player at #19 has a very good chance to bloom with time, as does each and every of the top 99.

This "currency" bullfeathers may be just that- GM KD looking for a way to get a second impact guy in this group, by trading, but I am just not sure they have a market on "currency" that catapults them up.

I like to see Dante Fabbro brought in for later round currency so we have a right hander after we trade the others He's going to be 25.

Pick ‘em:

Florida vs Carolina
Vegas vs Dallas

Anyone interested in liatening to Mike Doneghey,here is the link

https://www.nbcsports.com...-lottery-2023-draft-class

30min interview

Edit: he said if a guy can't skate they take him off their board
Probably wouldn't have drafted Cam Barker almost 20 years ago!

I expect KD will look to add talent around around Bedard. The rumour mill has been ripe with name like Boeser and Garland. But what about trading #19 or one of the 2024 or 2025 1st round picks for Dubois from Winnipeg? He’ll be 25 to start next season and an RFA in the summer of 2024. He makes $6 million per season and I’d guess an extension would cost about the same.
- DarthKane

I would be ok with Luc for the #19 pick if he would sign a long term extension and be enthusiastic about playing in Chicago. He has played in Columbus and Winnipeg. Chicago is quite a step up in size from those cities. Maybe crime has thrown some shade on Chicago, but I am pretty sure there are many players that would still endorse playing in Chicago for the Hawks.

All these past trade move ups in my humble do not apply to this draft class.

The implication that the top 4-5 prospects chosen last year don't fall into this years board until after that top 5 sitting there now, and the entire thickness of the prospect class has me thinking I am not relinquishing an early pick an early teen pick for the prices (picks) those past trades reflect from other drafts.

I feel mighty comfortable with the guy on the board at #35, and am completely comfortable choosing a 4th player at #44.

I understand why everyone is trying to move us lower, as I started this a couple blogs back.

I am gonna bet that IF the Blackhawk GM feels comfortable enough to trade #19, and #44 to move lower, he will have his sights on a kid coming in sooner than later.

If not that player at #19 has a very good chance to bloom with time, as does each and every of the top 99.

This "currency" bullfeathers may be just that- GM KD looking for a way to get a second impact guy in this group, by trading, but I am just not sure they have a market on "currency" that catapults them up.

I like to see Dante Fabbro brought in for later round currency so we have a right hander after we trade the others He's going to be 25.
- wiz1901

As I start looking at guys expected to go in the late teens, like Honzek and Barlow, on YouTube the reality of how deep the draft is hits home. Makes one think staying put and having multiple picks is wise. Nothing is a sure thing but with 6 picks in the first 2 rds the chances of getting a few NHLers is very good.

I've posted I'm alright keeping the picks or moving up too and still feel that way. I'm also wondering if KD will trade a 2nd rd pick this yr for a 1st next yr to spread the arrival of possible NHLers out a bit.

I love the ability to be flexible and having numerous options. I think KD can be flexible enough to exploit opportunities as they present and still keep the big picture plan in place.

Simply said the draft is deep and KD has a lot of options with cap space, numerous picks and is not backed into a corner having to do anything. We know KD isn't afraid to be bold, he showed that as a rookie GM last yr, so anything is possible if not probable.

If they got Yager at #19 and Ziemmer at #35, that would be great too. Was impressed with Ziemmer in the game I saw.
- totem

Would be pretty wild if Yager fell all the way to 19. I remember he was top 5 going into the season and see some mocks have him late first now. Deeeeep draft

If they got Yager at #19 and Ziemmer at #35, that would be great too. Was impressed with Ziemmer in the game I saw.
- totem

I, we, hit the jackpot. I'm grateful for the highlights of players we get on YouTube but they don't give enough context to get a better understanding of a bigger picture of a player.

Shift by shift film of a player does that, including warts that a highlight package doesn't, and I ran across that of a few players, including Koehn Ziemmer on YouTube. If any readers have some time it is well worth it.

A link to some shift by shift film of a few players sure to be drafted this yr. https://www.youtube.com/@thepuckenthusiast

As I start looking at guys expected to go in the late teens, like Honzek and Barlow, on YouTube the reality of how deep the draft is hits home. Makes one think staying put and having multiple picks is wise. Nothing is a sure thing but with 6 picks in the first 2 rds the chances of getting a few NHLers is very good.

I've posted I'm alright keeping the picks or moving up too and still feel that way. I'm also wondering if KD will trade a 2nd rd pick this yr for a 1st next yr to spread the arrival of possible NHLers out a bit.

I love the ability to be flexible and having numerous options. I think KD can be flexible enough to exploit opportunities as they present and still keep the big picture plan in place.

Simply said the draft is deep and KD has a lot of options with cap space, numerous picks and is not backed into a corner having to do anything. We know KD isn't afraid to be bold, he showed that as a rookie GM last yr, so anything is possible if not probable.
- Mr Ricochet

It has the potential to be one of the most interesting/entertaining Hawks drafts in decades. June 28 can’t come soon enough.

It has the potential to be one of the most interesting/entertaining Hawks drafts in decades. June 28 can’t come soon enough.
- Chief4Feathers

Right on, Chief. And not just draft day will be interesting/entertaining but leading up to it too as fans discuss what might happen or what the options are. Just like the board is doing now.

Anyone interested in liatening to Mike Doneghey,here is the link

https://www.nbcsports.com...-lottery-2023-draft-class

30min interview

Edit: he said if a guy can't skate they take him off their board
Probably wouldn't have drafted Cam Barker almost 20 years ago!
- captainserious

Thanks for the link........ When asked how many goalies do the Hawks have with a 1st rd grade Doneghey said none! Also goes on to say it seems there are very few NHL goalies who are workhorses anymore and that it's a 1A 1B kind of thing with goalies.

Guess one could read that a few ways with one being the organIzation won't use top assets on a goalie?

Anyone know if there is going to be a draft party at the UC? If there is and someone hears about it please post details here. Thanks in advance.

Would be pretty wild if Yager fell all the way to 19. I remember he was top 5 going into the season and see some mocks have him late first now. Deeeeep draft
- Assman22

Someone you didn't expect to, is going to drop to #19.

I am strongly encouraging them to not trade away any of the 2nd rounders, and let the draft fall to them.

If he doesn't want to use that many picks and trade 4th for 3rds next year, fine, but use all your lottery tickets for the next 3 drafts, build one hell of a farm system that is the envy of every team in the league.

That farm system can be used to get that top guy you need, when it makes sense to add him. Its not now, its two years from now.

Anyone know if there is going to be a draft party at the UC? If there is and someone hears about it please post details here. Thanks in advance.
- powerenforcer

Don't know about the UC, but it sounds like Wiz is throwing one in Nashville, think he said at Legends Corner on Broadway.

Going to try and at least make it there for a beer if i can.

Someone you didn't expect to, is going to drop to #19.

I am strongly encouraging them to not trade away any of the 2nd rounders, and let the draft fall to them.

If he doesn't want to use that many picks and trade 4th for 3rds next year, fine, but use all your lottery tickets for the next 3 drafts, build one hell of a farm system that is the envy of every team in the league.

That farm system can be used to get that top guy you need, when it makes sense to add him. Its not now, its two years from now.
- vabeachbear

I could not agree more with this comment.

Someone you didn't expect to, is going to drop to #19.

I am strongly encouraging them to not trade away any of the 2nd rounders, and let the draft fall to them.

If he doesn't want to use that many picks and trade 4th for 3rds next year, fine, but use all your lottery tickets for the next 3 drafts, build one hell of a farm system that is the envy of every team in the league.

That farm system can be used to get that top guy you need, when it makes sense to add him. Its not now, its two years from now.
- vabeachbear

I agree the only way i move up is if they add a 3rd to 7th pick and/or salary dump

Thanks for the link........ When asked how many goalies do the Hawks have with a 1st rd grade Doneghey said none! Also goes on to say it seems there are very few NHL goalies who are workhorses anymore and that it's a 1A 1B kind of thing with goalies.

Guess one could read that a few ways with one being the organIzation won't use top assets on a goalie?
- Mr Ricochet

Goalies are too hard to project... There might be five starters in the league drafted in the first...

Someone you didn't expect to, is going to drop to #19.

I am strongly encouraging them to not trade away any of the 2nd rounders, and let the draft fall to them.

If he doesn't want to use that many picks and trade 4th for 3rds next year, fine, but use all your lottery tickets for the next 3 drafts, build one hell of a farm system that is the envy of every team in the league.

That farm system can be used to get that top guy you need, when it makes sense to add him. Its not now, its two years from now.
- vabeachbear

Exactly. A few guys always fall a lot further than expected in the first. Wouldn’t mind moving up to grab an impact guy tho if the price is right

Anyone interested in liatening to Mike Doneghey,here is the link

https://www.nbcsports.com...-lottery-2023-draft-class

30min interview

Edit: he said if a guy can't skate they take him off their board
Probably wouldn't have drafted Cam Barker almost 20 years ago!
- captainserious

This is a great interview. Most interesting is how he advocated Davidson dealing for picks as high as possible in the first round.