He is, and IIRC before he got hurt he was top 10 in the NHL in entries. As an 18 yr old!

Question Fatty, Bedard will win scoring titles but are you hoping he sacrifices some offense like instead of 160 pts he'll settle for 150 to get back and help his team prevent some goals?

To be a better mate, a hockey player instead of a scoring machine?
- Mr Ricochet

No. Lol. I want to see goals. And while he's going to be close to Crosby size wise I don't know that he needs to be a 200ft player all of the time.

There's just too much offensive talent there. Like a 70 goal season talent. He's just that good. So while I don't think he'll be a liability there and he's too competitive to completely ignore that side of the game - I think he'll cheat at times and in this case it's justifiable.

Celebrini looks like he projects more like a 200 ft player. Lindstrom seems interested in back checking so he could probably fill that roll as well. Moore seems like he's progressing on the defensive end. They should have options for a nice change of pace player to compliment him on the second line.

So does KFC have the cajones of Guerin and just buys him out ?
- LAHawk

I think you just ride it out. I'd like to think they could be in the playoffs in 3 years but if you're not delusional like me it's probably 5 or 6 until theyre ready to go deep into the playoffs.

There are too many ceiling unknowns with players like Greene, Moore, Hayes, Lardis, Savoie, Misiak, and others. Theyre all pretty toolsy but none that seem to be a lock other than probably NHL player. I think Nazar is going to be really good but on a wing.

Anyway so figure 5 years (we'll be optimistic but not delusional) there's two years left on the Jones deal then. Those two years don't matter at that point cap wise and it can just run out. Or someone takes his spot in the next 2 or 3 years, he's only playing 14 minutes a night, and pissed he isn't the guy on the blue line and demands a trade.

IMO part of the reason he left cbus - outside of the fact that they weren't gonna pay him which should have been a red flag - was to get away from Werinski who was the clear number one and be the guy somewhere they were going to pay him. If they can replace him internally maybe that organically solves the problem.

I think you just ride it out. I'd like to think they could be in the playoffs in 3 years but if you're not delusional like me it's probably 5 or 6 until theyre ready to go deep into the playoffs.

There are too many ceiling unknowns with players like Greene, Moore, Hayes, Lardis, Savoie, Misiak, and others. Theyre all pretty toolsy but none that seem to be a lock other than probably NHL player. I think Nazar is going to be really good but on a wing.

Anyway so figure 5 years (we'll be optimistic but not delusional) there's two years left on the Jones deal then. Those two years don't matter at that point cap wise and it can just run out. Or someone takes his spot in the next 2 or 3 years, he's only playing 14 minutes a night, and pissed he isn't the guy on the blue line and demands a trade.

IMO part of the reason he left cbus - outside of the fact that they weren't gonna pay him which should have been a red flag - was to get away from Werinski who was the clear number one and be the guy somewhere they were going to pay him. If they can replace him internally maybe that organically solves the problem.
- fattybeef

Jones has regressed for sure from how he played in the 2019 playoffs when the Blue Jackets defeated the Lightning, who were without Hedman. And, if Makar was on the Hawks this season, he too would be getting roasted for being out of position, -17, and underperforming. The teardown of talent, this collection of players, and how they are being deployed has contributed to his decline. He's certainly tradeable with retention but instead of doing that, they should try to piece together at least one line of legit NHL players next season and elevate the play of Jones, Bedard and Vlasic. If they can get his numbers they might be able to turn him into something down the road.

Jones has regressed for sure from how he played in the 2019 playoffs when the Blue Jackets defeated the Lightning, who were without Hedman. And, if Makar was on the Hawks this season, he too would be getting roasted for being out of position, -17, and underperforming. The teardown of talent, this collection of players, and how they are being deployed has contributed to his decline. He's certainly tradeable with retention but instead of doing that, they should try to piece together at least one line of legit NHL players next season and elevate the play of Jones, Bedard and Vlasic. If they can get his numbers they might be able to turn him into something down the road.
- stevefrmglencoe

NHL size, house league head. Two teams did and a lot of fans here want to give up on him. The guy's been around a while. My question is how could SB and the hawks not know he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer? When they traded for him I thought uh-oh. And when they signed him to that contract I thought oh well. I think SB had to get approval from someone higher up to do the trade and the contract, and if so this demonstrates what I said years ago about how decisions are being made by non hockey people. Hope it gets better, we'll see. Next couple of years will tell us a lot.

NHL size, house league head. Two teams did and a lot of fans here want to give up on him. The guy's been around a while. My question is how could SB and the hawks not know he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer? When they traded for him I thought uh-oh. And when they signed him to that contract I thought oh well. I think SB had to get approval from someone higher up to do the trade and the contract, and if so this demonstrates what I said years ago about how decisions are being made by non hockey people. Hope it gets better, we'll see. Next couple of years will tell us a lot.
- 6628

Considering KD has been "allowed" to trade away (or not re-sign) the players he has I think the hockey people are making most of the decisions.

NHL size, house league head. Two teams did and a lot of fans here want to give up on him. The guy's been around a while. My question is how could SB and the hawks not know he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer? When they traded for him I thought uh-oh. And when they signed him to that contract I thought oh well. I think SB had to get approval from someone higher up to do the trade and the contract, and if so this demonstrates what I said years ago about how decisions are being made by non hockey people. Hope it gets better, we'll see. Next couple of years will tell us a lot.
- 6628

Give up on him....not a realistic option, expect more out of him....yes, without a doubt. You can see a few flashes from Jones that make you think that while he will never be a true #1 Dman, at least he can be a solid #2. Then the reality that he's been in the league for 12 years and still has a low hockey IQ to go along with his high opinion of himself and poopty attitude.

This move from Bowman will go down as one of his worst. History shows us that Bowman, and whomever was advising him really had a poor record when it comes to the defensive side of the puck. From draft picks that never turned out to be much or live up to the hype, to trades for guys that were bad, to sticking with the Runblads of the world while dumping the Forslings.

Give up on him....not a realistic option, expect more out of him....yes, without a doubt. You can see a few flashes from Jones that make you think that while he will never be a true #1 Dman, at least he can be a solid #2. Then the reality that he's been in the league for 12 years and still has a low hockey IQ to go along with his high opinion of himself and poopty attitude.

This move from Bowman will go down as one of his worst. History shows us that Bowman, and whomever was advising him really had a poor record when it comes to the defensive side of the puck. From draft picks that never turned out to be much or live up to the hype, to trades for guys that were bad, to sticking with the Runblads of the world while dumping the Forslings.
- TheTrob

I believe KDs biggest challenge will be to minimize Seth Jones value to his own team. If it were me you take best available and if that's Levshunov you pull the trigger. In my mind if all goes right you then have Levshunov and Rinzel playing at least 20+ minutes a night, Seth Jones relegated to less than 20 minutes, no power play time and in 4 years you can buy him out because you have 2 players who will be making less than him. Hopefully Korchinski and Vlasic grow into even better defenseman than they are now.

Give up on him....not a realistic option, expect more out of him....yes, without a doubt. You can see a few flashes from Jones that make you think that while he will never be a true #1 Dman, at least he can be a solid #2. Then the reality that he's been in the league for 12 years and still has a low hockey IQ to go along with his high opinion of himself and poopty attitude.

This move from Bowman will go down as one of his worst. History shows us that Bowman, and whomever was advising him really had a poor record when it comes to the defensive side of the puck. From draft picks that never turned out to be much or live up to the hype, to trades for guys that were bad, to sticking with the Runblads of the world while dumping the Forslings.
- TheTrob

Nick Leddy and Kim Johnsson for Cam Barker.
Johnny Oduya for a 2nd and 3rd.
These are players that played important roles on Cup winning teams.
Vlasic could turn out to be a top 4 guy above average.
It wasn't all bad. The Cup wins were fun.

Give up on him....not a realistic option, expect more out of him....yes, without a doubt. You can see a few flashes from Jones that make you think that while he will never be a true #1 Dman, at least he can be a solid #2. Then the reality that he's been in the league for 12 years and still has a low hockey IQ to go along with his high opinion of himself and poopty attitude.

This move from Bowman will go down as one of his worst. History shows us that Bowman, and whomever was advising him really had a poor record when it comes to the defensive side of the puck. From draft picks that never turned out to be much or live up to the hype, to trades for guys that were bad, to sticking with the Runblads of the world while dumping the Forslings.
- TheTrob

So the fact that coach Q rode #2, #4, #27, and #7 to death, and relied on his blanket Rosival all those years, and benching or ignoring/not developing Kempney/Forsling, etc.

Rundblad played 49 games on year (the 14/15 season, the cup year, played 5 games the prior/ and 9 games the year after. Kempney plaid a season adn a half and Forsling played 3, so i don't understand your sticking with Rundblad statement.

Forsling was a last minute pick up before the season (like the Hawks did with Tinordi) from Carolina after one year back in Europe. Great get from Zito, but if the Panthers weren't looking for a defeseman as an injury replacement, you porbably would never of heard about Gustav Forsling again.

What good was it to bring in young D when Q wouldn't give them the time of day anyway.

Nick Leddy and Kim Johnsson for Cam Barker.
Johnny Oduya for a 2nd and 3rd.
These are players that played important roles on Cup winning teams.
Vlasic could turn out to be a top 4 guy above average.
It wasn't all bad. The Cup wins were fun.
- stevefrmglencoe

Gustav Forsling for Adam Clendening.
Michael Kempney a signing for nothing

Nick Leddy and Kim Johnsson for Cam Barker.
Johnny Oduya for a 2nd and 3rd.
These are players that played important roles on Cup winning teams.
Vlasic could turn out to be a top 4 guy above average.
It wasn't all bad. The Cup wins were fun.
- stevefrmglencoe

And delMaestro / Allen/Crevier picks were under Bowman also. Bovquist was a big miss, that is for sure.

And delMaestro / Allen/Crevier picks were under Bowman also. Bovquist was a big miss, that is for sure.
- LAHawk

It's almost like he made some good and some bad moves.... like every other GM.

It's almost like he made some good and some bad moves.... like every other GM.
- Chunk

Except for Yzerdeity of course.

And delMaestro / Allen/Crevier picks were under Bowman also. Bovquist was a big miss, that is for sure.
- LAHawk

Vlasic and Kaiser too. Like you and a few others point out it wasn't all bad. You mention Q's stubbornness which I think is fair; but, I'd also suggest part of the issue with being so quick to cut ties with players like Kempny and Forsling was an error on that regime's part to acknowledge the window was pretty much shut after 2017.

I'm using the benefit of hindsight of course, but in reality that's when they should've started trying to rebuild/retool.

If that had happened, would we still have Bedard? Probably not, so this is one time as a Chicago sports fan I can identify where ineptitude somehow came with a benefit.

I think you just ride it out.
There are too many ceiling unknowns with players like Greene, Moore, Hayes, Lardis, Savoie, Misiak, and others. Theyre all pretty toolsy but none that seem to be a lock other than probably NHL player. I think Nazar is going to be really good but on a wing.
- fattybeef

I totally agree.

I do think there is less worry that more comes in and plays, maybe he IS your dominant second line centre, but if not he lets you at wing as a guy who can play anywhere and help generate offense. There is upside, but I am always temperate when it comes to turning draft into project NHL dominate players.

Back to my Michael Brandsegg-Nygård rant awhile back:
It isn't that I don't like the player. He has physicality, but he is a North-South skater, and isn't gonna going be dynamic and every bring you out of your seat with a score.
He IS a first rounder, but just not one where the Athletic draft guys have him placed in the rankings, in my humble opinion.

Sure if the Hawks ignore my reach at not letting have fall (B/c, I am worried he gone before the early second pick) Michael Brandsegg-Nygård would be a fine selection in the 20's as would be Cayden Lindstrom's linemate, Andrew Basha.

If the hawks pick Eiserman somewhere in top 4, the kid who he made exciting on his wing, Austin Baker, who is in the late 7th round in my mock, and IF the drafts Lindstrom, Basha as the second...I like not because they necessarily stay together (Denis Cyr, yikes!) as pros but the familiarity never hurst if/when they are on the ice together.

Vlasic and Kaiser too. Like you and a few others point out it wasn't all bad. You mention Q's stubbornness which I think is fair; but, I'd also suggest part of the issue with being so quick to cut ties with players like Kempny and Forsling was an error on that regime's part to acknowledge the window was pretty much shut after 2017.

I'm using the benefit of hindsight of course, but in reality that's when they should've started trying to rebuild/retool.

If that had happened, would we still have Bedard? Probably not, so this is one time as a Chicago sports fan I can identify where ineptitude somehow came with a benefit.
- HawkintheD

To me his 2 biggest misses (in hindsight like you say), was the Panarin trade, and the Danault trade for Fleishman and Weise. Trades were made for 2 separate reasons, but definitely hastened the Hawks decline.

And delMaestro / Allen/Crevier picks were under Bowman also. Bovquist was a big miss, that is for sure.
- LAHawk

The Panarin signing wasn't bad.

I see that Canada is thinking of raising the highest sentence for online hate speech to life in prison. I have two thoughts....

1. I hope our former poster Edzo (aka Enzo) isn't Canadian. That live wire would have a quick ticket to the permanent sin bin.

2. This seems somewhat irrelevant since every (frank)ing Canadian is so (frank)ing nice.

The Panarin signing wasn't bad.
- mohel

But the pianted in the corner trade / Saad re-acquistion, along with the Hammer departure was the August precursor to an awful NHL draft staged in Chicago, where they stunk out the place, with a drop down (bascially tarding Dallas their current starting goalie, Otter, and some mediocre / questionable selections (and draft passes).
This was Aug. 2017, when Q went angerly out after hearing about the trades, the team not having one pick that they kept turn into a viable NHL player, and the team's fall going from stumble in competition to full fledged cascade down the standings and future...ending the era.
2017: "Come to the Draft as your team's last hurrah..."

I believe KDs biggest challenge will be to minimize Seth Jones value to his own team. If it were me you take best available and if that's Levshunov you pull the trigger. In my mind if all goes right you then have Levshunov and Rinzel playing at least 20+ minutes a night, Seth Jones relegated to less than 20 minutes, no power play time and in 4 years you can buy him out because you have 2 players who will be making less than him. Hopefully Korchinski and Vlasic grow into even better defenseman than they are now.
- BetweenTheDots

Imagine when these two are in their mid-20s and they have a competent roster. They are going to be animals.

I see that Canada is thinking of raising the highest sentence for online hate speech to life in prison. I have two thoughts....

1. I hope our former poster Edzo (aka Enzo) isn't Canadian. That live wire would have a quick ticket to the permanent sin bin.

2. This seems somewhat irrelevant since every (frank)ing Canadian is so (frank)ing nice.
- mohel

Wonder if Edzo ever removed that Indian head tattoo? Poor guy was such a dichotomy, very angry yet such a sensitive fellow.

When I read about Canada being so aggressive about online hate speech I was shocked. Canada isn’t generally a country that gets ahead of the curve in law and order type issues. But social media is like old west, it’s kinda out of control. The vitriol is incredible, wonder if the Canadian Liberals had had enough? But in our increasingly divisive society where having an opinion, no matter how benign, becomes an issue that’s intolerant to another group, we need to lighten up. All that said the most entertaining part of many news articles are the comments.

And for the record, Canadians are no more nice than everyone else, including the foreskin mutilator.

It's almost like he made some good and some bad moves.... like every other GM.
- Chunk

I was just thinking the same thing. Every GM has hits and misses. It's usually when the hits line up nicely that a team gets over the hump to win a cup or two or three.

And delMaestro / Allen/Crevier picks were under Bowman also. Bovquist was a big miss, that is for sure.
- LAHawk

Everyone is forgetting the hall of famer Jokiharju plus Beaudin.

Everyone is forgetting the hall of famer Jokiharju plus Beaudin.
- rpeters01

Seems to me everyone is forgetting three Stanley cup rings.

Seems to me everyone is forgetting three Stanley cup rings.
- paulr

I'm still mad at Tommy Ivan for trading Esposito, Hodge and Stanfield.