Guess I could have tagged anyone on this topic but as of now I don't expect Nazar or Moore to be NHL centerman conceding it's way too early to tell. ..... One thing Hawk's fans know is how damn hard it is to somehow get even a middle of the road 2C.

Of course that didn't stop em from winning 3 cups. .......... Right now Nazar, Misiak, Moore, Ludwinski are great to have in the pipeline hoping one can be that 2C.
- Mr Ricochet

That's why i say best available, best available, best available

Hey Bread, no bad intentions, just a pinch of sarcasm. Indeed, I really doubt they would trade picks away for a "win now" move. I'm looking more at a player like Boldy where if he was available I would 100% go after. He's still very young, locked in, and has proven over a few years that he can produce. I think that completely fits into the direction of the team. With a few teams disappointing their owners/GM's at the moment, there may be players available who wouldn't be previously.

Regarding the superstars comment, I don't think you need, or can afford, too many of those. They've added 5 first round talents in the last two years. Pretty much all of them are showing extremely well in their respective leagues. You never know who will ultimately prove it until they get to the show. At this point in time, they have five more 1st round picks in the next three years, not even looking at the 2nd and 3rd rounders that are showing well. If you can pull 3-4 high end players out of that in addition to about 5-6 support pieces, (just in the forward ranks), you are done. I'm simply admitting that you aren't going to build your entire team through the draft.
- Chunk

I think they are a bit aways from winning now. BUT. If in hockey fantasy land and Marner is available for 3 firsts and a Reichel I'd probably do that deal.

Florida can't possibly resign everyone next year. So maybe someone decent there is available esp since they have no first rounders the next two drafts.

Ottawa I think will have guys available. They have some solid young pieces in place and they may be looking to send a no one is safe message for a bit of a retool. Unfortunately the Hawks have no NHL ready players to send them but with their cap situation maybe assets are preferable.

Stamkos, Tofolli or maybe Eberle for a year is probably fine for Hall insurance.

I think sitting on some assets to try and put a package together for Marner or the German if either of them wants out would be neat. There's the Hossa add.

I don't think the Leafs can conceivably pay 3 forwards over 11 million without rounding out the line up (same is true in Florida). I think they would benefit from doing something similar to what Colorado did and moving one big guy to get a haul of picks and do a quick retool and target Matthews 28 or 29 year for a cup run. That way they get some valuable futures to develop or more for assets but can still put an entertaining product out there.

Nope and until Ollie Moore starts scoring, I won't count on him being the answer, so draft me some more prospects b/c the Boldy, Stuzles isn't on the market, and higher end and neither are the higher end Hughes brother, or Simon Edvinsson, or Logan Cooley
- wiz1901

What if Norris is available though?

Logan Cooley- 6 goals and 19 assists. -10 I thought he would have better stats. You never know with rookies.
- bjphawkfan

Started out hot but the problem with the NHL is the grind. Most younger players aren't prepared for that physically let alone mentally.

Lot of potential and lot of skill. After a solid off season he should have better results next year and by his third year I'd expect to see a solid 65-80 point dynamic player.

I never am able to separate a lot of the prospects in mocks from the idea I am wanting them as future Blackhawks to the idea at the initial start of the mock, that this are a reflection of where I think Team Wiz would take them. An then as we get closer I tweak some of the NHL team's needs into. I also for whatever reason start having my draft full of goalie runs, and later tier defenseman runs. And the other thing is size, it is back as a true preference at various players in the draft.

My list has Cayden Lindstrom as the guy to be selected second overall.
You notice from past practices, that if a team picking early takes a foreign league player,(Juraj Slafkovsky) usually makes the transition over to North American the next season.
So, I am gonna see that not changing horses to a giant Russian or good scoring winger Russian.
If you take Cayden Lindstrom for the Hawks you see him as your future 2nd line center who plays against the opposition's top line in home games.
If don't think there is evidence that he fails as a top six forward, and falls into to your team's third line centre, he goes off the board quickly.
You see him as kid who plays with Bedard on the power play, a necessary big body the good teams have.
If you see him as a first line winger to play with Bedsy, you probably understand whether playing centre not that his goal scoring is probably capped, that is except Austin Matthews the centres drafted early are more playmakers than shooters, and Bedard needs some one who can finish on his line so the the opposition has a concern elsewhere and not exclusively on Bedard.
My point is I see Hischer, Hughes, Berniers, Cooley, as past first players and it is not that they cannot fill the net, but in my opinion, they project as nice 35 goal guys too go along with their passing.
So I see a projected plateau for Cayden, not some some out ion the park home run hitter. They don need fast big man with his rub.
But, (frank) it, I am taking Eiserman. Eiserman is a player who you can play any position up front and at any of your top lines. There is no doubt in my mind he is an NHL scorer, because the years of doing it at every level is proof in the pudding.
He is the guy that Bedard can get the puck to, and the chances of him scoring is the most likely, and not from one place. Just like Bedard it leaves his stick powerful and on target and simply give us an opportunity to score. He can get Bedsy the puck too. All the negativity I have written in my profile of him exists but I think we have the coaching staff that helps him become the all around player.
- wiz1901

What's cool about that analysis is that there are strong forward options after 1.

While I expect 98 to improve defensively as he matures, a line with Bedard and Eiserman could be a disaster.
- LetsGoHawks

For the other team

Best defense is keeping the puck in the other end.

I agree with the AHL forwards, i also think it doesn't help with so many better forwards injured as well. We have a top 3 pick right now, no need to do anything rash, sign him for 2 to 3 more years and see if his NHL development age is closer to 24 than 21. By then he should have at least one better line mate if not 2 and a more experienced defense behind him.
- BetweenTheDots

Thats kinda what I said in another post. If a top player in the league is available (Marner, ze German) you go get that guy but it's probably not worth it for an Elias Lindholm or whatever at this stage.

Really wouldn't do anything other than qualify there, no need to have a guy taking up a roster spot with the glut of forwards that are coming up if not necessary. They should be ruthless and send a clear message that performance not pedigree is what matters. If it's 2 or 3 years it's a two way contract.

I think they are a bit aways from winning now. BUT. If in hockey fantasy land and Marner is available for 3 firsts and a Reichel I'd probably do that deal.

Florida can't possibly resign everyone next year. So maybe someone decent there is available esp since they have no first rounders the next two drafts.

Ottawa I think will have guys available. They have some solid young pieces in place and they may be looking to send a no one is safe message for a bit of a retool. Unfortunately the Hawks have no NHL ready players to send them but with their cap situation maybe assets are preferable.

Stamkos, Tofolli or maybe Eberle for a year is probably fine for Hall insurance.

I think sitting on some assets to try and put a package together for Marner or the German if either of them wants out would be neat. There's the Hossa add.

I don't think the Leafs can conceivably pay 3 forwards over 11 million without rounding out the line up (same is true in Florida). I think they would benefit from doing something similar to what Colorado did and moving one big guy to get a haul of picks and do a quick retool and target Matthews 28 or 29 year for a cup run. That way they get some valuable futures to develop or more for assets but can still put an entertaining product out there.
- fattybeef

Definite no to Marner. He's a top skater, he’s an exceptional passer, he’s a good finisher, he’s a really good defensive forward, great penalty killer and he can drive a line. But he’s almost 27 and when the going gets tough he’s terrified on the ice. Watch the playoffs against Florida last year. He was serving up pizzas when anyone got close to him. I think he had less than five shots from the slot the entire series. In his career he’s shown he’s a regular season star but a playoff bust. If he could be signed as a free agent without hurting the cap …. maybe. But I don’t think you give up anything of value for him. There’s no reason to think, until he proves otherwise, he can get the job done when the going gets tough.

Thats kinda what I said in another post. If a top player in the league is available (Marner, ze German) you go get that guy but it's probably not worth it for an Elias Lindholm or whatever at this stage.

Really wouldn't do anything other than qualify there, no need to have a guy taking up a roster spot with the glut of forwards that are coming up if not necessary. They should be ruthless and send a clear message that performance not pedigree is what matters. If it's 2 or 3 years it's a two way contract.
- fattybeef

They won't be available and the players that will be available are on the wrong side of their prime years. Guys like Marner/Draisaitl if via trade will want to go to a contender, not a rebuild. If (big IF) they hit UFA status, then we are competing to pay top dollar and term for guys who are approaching 30 years old already. Guys who haven't won anything to date.

I am hoping for Ludwinski and Misiak to become solid third line players. It is too early to surmise or project where Green and Moore wind up, but they will be solid players. I wish I knew more whether Hayes has the talent and skates well enough to possibly wind up as a first or second line wing Somewhere Savoie could fit….as could Dach and maybe another forward at Rockford.

But the Rockford guys this season are either dealing with concussion and or missing a good skill center as linematte. So if you don’t see them often or come across reports with evaluation, we don’t know if the Rockford guys might step up in the next two seasons
- jhawk59

I know the predicted chances of games played stats for the kids drafted out of the first round. I also think that the stats on that are going to change towards the better, because the way forwards now attack (laterally) has altered, and these kids has only played 'this' way.
I am now going to blame you (not myself, convenient) for the time of this replay...I was at the end of another answer / analysis and I somehow jumped off the site and the back space took me to a blank reply, so here is the answer in replay:

I was curious that in the second round they choose Ludzinski, Gavin Hayes, and USHL's Ryan Greeneand for that matter Misiak.
Ludzinski was already a terrific PK guy and high paced C-W that could get himself in position for the pass, set up scores, but didn't have hands to predict any big scoring out of him.
They knew prior to his selection that Ryan Greene was going to BostonU, and that would give him up to three years to improve his all around game. All will say he is really good skater and set up man with a decent all-around game but agin not currently one of the good hands people.
Gavin Haye's growth spurt and improvement is a good surprise, and his trade to the Soo has him with 9 goals (17 points) in 9 games.
I always wonder if Kopecky and Hossa do any phone conversations on Slovakian and Czechnian prospects, because there was little in"Marty Misiak's inaugural North American year performance to suggest he is a scorer, a true centre, physical presence.

I think that if you asked the hawks or their "insider" they will not comment unflatteringly on any guy they picked.

I honestly have never concentrated on the QMJHL prospects b/c the nature of the size and strategies of offense over size & all around roundedness that Savoie was not noticeable to me all draft year. (I think is is tough to throw an Andrew Shaw comp like they did on him with the look to the future hype).

I wanna rewind to Marc Kelley and StanBo who did draft some the current hope for the future including the forethought that Vlasic.
(I wasn't incorrect either; here is what I wrote prior to that draft on DraftSite: https://www.lines.com/nhl.../player/alex-vlasic-29321

But their thoughts on the changing role on attacking defenseman had them take two years of smaller guys in 2017 and 2018, then retooling their thinking into Vlasic and bigger guys their last three drafts.

In their last one after they tagged Nolan Allen at the end of the 1st Rd., they called him, "a possible future replacement for the solid physical and stay home ability of Brent Seabrook" in his post draft hype.
That final draft year was a big disappointing one for Allen you will all thought should have shown higher production, and stats that showed his defensive prowess, and simply more proof that he had a NHL-caliber future, and it wasn't apparent (except late in his season in tournament success and post season showings).
But, that IS common in the final mo nth before the draft, guys catch the scouts eyes based on improvement and they move up and get picked earlier than the "lists' have them.

I posted here prior to that 2021 Draft that if I was Bowman, I would pick Colton Dach, maybe even in that late first if I thought he had the upside, as it would help build in Kirby knowing that he should relax and not start looking over his shoulder, that he wasn't going anywhere, and was going to be allowed to build his NHL game in that Bowman regime.
But I never saw Colton's future as anything but a possible. He was a pretty physical centre in Saskatoon, and displayed a shot was notably significant, and a willingness to drop the mitts.
I am not so sure how a concussion protacol prospect can be counted to contribute on any Hawk line up slot until he loses his skating hitch and is able to generate more power in his stride by not skating on his back hells of his skates.
So I am going to agree with vabeachbear opinion on the farm forwards, for now. If Dacher 2, Ryder Rolston, Marty Mišiak, and the like do help us eventually, we can be pleasantly surprised.

There was a ton more of side comments and "insight" in the first version of this that I lost, but basically these draft additions has to happen naturally, and no discussion right now, give us future insight in their future careers.

JHawk59, do you remember when you emailed me in 2008, and asked if Hawk pick what pairing Teigan Zahn might project to fill?

Your Hawk fan support should be commended.

I think they are a bit aways from winning now. BUT. If in hockey fantasy land and Marner is available for 3 firsts and a Reichel I'd probably do that deal.

Florida can't possibly resign everyone next year. So maybe someone decent there is available esp since they have no first rounders the next two drafts.

Ottawa I think will have guys available. They have some solid young pieces in place and they may be looking to send a no one is safe message for a bit of a retool. Unfortunately the Hawks have no NHL ready players to send them but with their cap situation maybe assets are preferable.

Stamkos, Tofolli or maybe Eberle for a year is probably fine for Hall insurance.

I think sitting on some assets to try and put a package together for Marner or the German if either of them wants out would be neat. There's the Hossa add.

I don't think the Leafs can conceivably pay 3 forwards over 11 million without rounding out the line up (same is true in Florida). I think they would benefit from doing something similar to what Colorado did and moving one big guy to get a haul of picks and do a quick retool and target Matthews 28 or 29 year for a cup run. That way they get some valuable futures to develop or more for assets but can still put an entertaining product out there.
- fattybeef

Three firsts for marner??? Really? Lol.

Three firsts for marner??? Really? Lol.
- LFS

I know its really funny to me.

He went from Nylander to Marner like he's closet Leafs fan.

I know the predicted chances of games played stats for the kids drafted out of the first round. I also think that the stats on that are going to change towards the better, because the way forwards now attack (laterally) has altered, and these kids has only played 'this' way.
I am now going to blame you (not myself, convenient) for the time of this replay...I was at the end of another answer / analysis and I somehow jumped off the site and the back space took me to a blank reply, so here is the answer in replay:

I was curious that in the second round they choose Ludzinski, Gavin Hayes, and USHL's Ryan Greeneand for that matter Misiak.
Ludzinski was already a terrific PK guy and high paced C-W that could get himself in position for the pass, set up scores, but didn't have hands to predict any big scoring out of him.
They knew prior to his selection that Ryan Greene was going to BostonU, and that would give him up to three years to improve his all around game. All will say he is really good skater and set up man with a decent all-around game but agin not currently one of the good hands people.
Gavin Haye's growth spurt and improvement is a good surprise, and his trade to the Soo has him with 9 goals (17 points) in 9 games.
I always wonder if Kopecky and Hossa do any phone conversations on Slovakian and Czechnian prospects, because there was little in"Marty Misiak's inaugural North American year performance to suggest he is a scorer, a true centre, physical presence.

I think that if you asked the hawks or their
- wiz1901"insider" they will not comment unflatterly on any guy they picked.

I honestly have never concentrated on the QMJHL prospects b/c the nature of the size and strategies of offense over size & all around roundedness that Savoie was not noticeable to me all draft year. (I think is is tough to throw an Andrew Shaw comp like they did on him with the look to the future hype).

I wanna rewind to Marc Kelley and StanBo who did draft some the current hope for the future including the forethought that Vlasic.
(I wasn't incorrect either; here is what I wrote prior to that draft on DraftSite: https://www.lines.com/nhl.../player/alex-vlasic-29321

But their thoughts on the changing role on attacking defenseman had them take two years of smaller guys in 2017 and 2018, then retooling their thinking into Vlasic and bigger guys their last three drafts.

In their last one after they tagged Nolan Allen at the end of the 1st Rd., they called him, "a possible future replacement for the solid physical and stay home ability of Brent Seabrook" in his post draft hype.
That final draft year was a big disappointing one for Allen you will all thought should have shown higher production, and stats that showed his defensive prowess, and simply more proof that he had a NHL-caliber future, and it wasn't apparent (except late in his season in tournament success and post season showings).
But, that IS common in the final mo nth before the draft, guys catch the scouts eyes based on improvement and they move up and get picked earlier than the "lists' have them.

I posted here prior to that 2021 Draft that if I was Bowman, I would pick Colton Dach, maybe even in that late first if I thought he had the upside, as it would help build in Kirby knowing that he should relax and not start looking over his shoulder, that he wasn't going anywhere, and was going to be allowed to build his NHL game in that Bowman regime.
But I never saw Colton's future as anything but a possible. He was a pretty physical centre in Saskatoon, and displayed a shot was notably significant, and a willingness to drop the mitts.
I am not so sure how a concussion protacol prospect can be counted to contribute on any Hawk line up slot until he loses his skating hitch and is able to generate more power in his stride by not skating on his back hells of his skates.
So I am going to agree with vabeachbear opinion on the farm forwards, for now. If Dacher 2, Ryder Rolston, Marty Mišiak, and the like do help us eventually, we can be pleasantly surprised.

There was a ton more of side comments and "insight" in the first version of this that I lost, but basically these draft additions has to happen naturally, and no discussion right now, give us future insight in their future careers.

JHawk59, do you remember when you emailed me in 2008, and asked if Hawk pick what pairing Teigan Zahn might project to fill?

Your Hawk fan support should be commended.

unflatterly?

They won't be available and the players that will be available are on the wrong side of their prime years. Guys like Marner/Draisaitl if via trade will want to go to a contender, not a rebuild. If (big IF) they hit UFA status, then we are competing to pay top dollar and term for guys who are approaching 30 years old already. Guys who haven't won anything to date.
- breadbag

I agree with all of your post, but take exception to the bolded. I can't stand this argument. No one has won anything until they do.

Hossa was famous for being on back to back losers until he won with the Hawks. Q was a good coach who couldn't win the cup, until he did. Same with Trotz.

100% do not give out a 7 year contract to a guy that that is 29 or 30, but the "he hasn't won anything" argument is just silly. McDavid and Matthews are both plenty worth the money they are being paid despite not yet winning the cup. It is not their fault that their GM's don't realize the importance of depth.

I agree with the AHL forwards, i also think it doesn't help with so many better forwards injured as well. We have a top 3 pick right now, no need to do anything rash, sign him for 2 to 3 more years and see if his NHL development age is closer to 24 than 21. By then he should have at least one better line mate if not 2 and a more experienced defense behind him.
- BetweenTheDots

Hmm, injuries and minor league forwards to play with - don't you think the coaching staff and management might have expected Reichel to see the situation as his big opportunity and to seize it and show something. So far nothin, except an occasional flicker.

Coaches like Tocchett, Bowness, Tortorella and others would have this guy buried deep in the minors months ago. I guess LR figures stay quiet, I got nothing better, might as well keep dressing him and let the payback come at contract negotiation time.

I pine for the days when we had Savard, Lysiak, Troy Murry and Billy Gardner. I do not believe that KFC is very concerned about winning so I do not expect him to do much at the trade deadline. Nor do I expect to see much in free agency unless he has to reach the floor for salary cap. I think he needs to see what his draft picks are capable of before he starts spending money. Let us hope that the wise one does well in this upcoming draft.

I agree with all of your post, but take exception to the bolded. I can't stand this argument. No one has won anything until they do.

Hossa was famous for being on back to back losers until he won with the Hawks. Q was a good coach who couldn't win the cup, until he did. Same with Trotz.

100% do not give out a 7 year contract to a guy that that is 29 or 30, but the "he hasn't won anything" argument is just silly. McDavid and Matthews are both plenty worth the money they are being paid despite not yet winning the cup. It is not their fault that their GM's don't realize the importance of depth.
- Chunk

I get your point and to be clear, I'm not saying guys who haven't won don't have value, but it's still a positive attribute to have gone the distance.

Even Hossa, yes he didn't win until Chicago, he was still a back to back in the cup finals. You can bet that factored into Chicago's interest and negotiations with Hossa. He had helped two different teams get to the cusp and then got there with Chicago the very next season.

There is something to be said about regular records and individual point totals, but there is also something to be said about players who have climbed the mountain and won the cup. It's not worth nothing IMO. You can be the best player in the world and still lose because the other guy digs deeper when the going gets tough.

McDavid is a great player, respected around the league and the world, but his value would be even higher if Edmonton had gotten past Colorado or Vegas and won a couple cups in recent seasons.

I pine for the days when we had Savard, Lysiak, Troy Murry and Billy Gardner. I do not believe that KFC is very concerned about winning so I do not expect him to do much at the trade deadline. Nor do I expect to see much in free agency unless he has to reach the floor for salary cap. I think he needs to see what his draft picks are capable of before he starts spending money. Let us hope that the wise one does well in this upcoming draft.
- bjphawkfan

No he certainly isn't. Looking at the moves made before this season, it was plain to see. All indications point to KD making mild improvements this offseason (giving Bedard some offensive help, maybe some better depth). While frustrating, it's all part of the process.

No he certainly isn't. Looking at the moves made before this season, it was plain to see. All indications point to KD making mild improvements this offseason (giving Bedard some offensive help, maybe some better depth). While frustrating, it's all part of the process.
- Chunk

I think the contract extensions given out this year to Foligno, Mrazek, and D!ck!nson show what KD thinks about when they will compete. Two more years with these three (especially Mrazek) of growing pains and youth development. I am fine with them playing the long game. When they are about to become competitive, they will have a lot of money to spend with these players coming off the books.

I wouldn't send three first-round picks for Marner. I like him, but they need to continue to stockpile and add youth. When they bring in a player who is 26 y/o or older, it will hopefully be through free agency and a player who is going to help them take the next step.

I think the contract extensions given out this year to Foligno, Mrazek, and D!ck!nson show what KD thinks about when they will compete. Two more years with these three (especially Mrazek) of growing pains and youth development. I am fine with them playing the long game. When they are about to become competitive, they will have a lot of money to spend with these players coming off the books.

I wouldn't send three first-round picks for Marner. I like him, but they need to continue to stockpile and add youth. When they bring in a player who is 26 y/o or older, it will hopefully be through free agency and a player who is going to help them take the next step.
- frafra

Yeah, I've beaten to death my view on the topic. I think they need to bring in some actual talent for Bedard to play next to. His growth will be slowed if he doesn't have any talent to convert or play off of.

Well im glad we got that settled and out of the way.
- LFS

Yeh well to be fair there hasn't been any NHL hockey to talk about. Like games and stuff.

What if Norris is available though?
- fattybeef

Will be interesting to see what OTT does at the TDL. New owner, GM and a disappointing season so I guess we'll start getting peeks at their organIzational plan.

Wheeler is doing his organIzational prospect ranking right now and has OTT at 28ish. Got me to thinking about Pinto again as OT will probably be looking for some draft picks to start adding to the pipeline.

Until I looked it up didn't realize 24 yr old Norris is just a yr older than Pinto. I'm ok with KD sniffing around any centermen that might be available and OTT might be an organIzation to look at.

What if Norris is available though?
- fattybeef

Didn't be have major shoulder surgery? Id stay away from a guy like that

Yeah, I've beaten to death my view on the topic. I think they need to bring in some actual talent for Bedard to play next to. His growth will be slowed if he doesn't have any talent to convert or play off of.
- Chunk

Maybe they'll sign Reinhard to a 7 × $12 mil per

Maybe they'll sign Reinhard to a 7 × $12 mil per
- BetweenTheDots

No thanks. Solid player but is already 28. I don't want him around until he is 35 at that number.