No word yet Slaggert joining the team but he could also later on sign a PTO with Rockford and qualify for AHL playoffs
- jhawk59

I believe his contract begins this season.

Hawks have their next 3 games at home this week so I would expect him in the line up Tuesday night.

Of course he sounded drunk. What adult would say things like "if he doesn't watch it Chara will beat his face in". Language you hear from a 12 yr old but not an adult and especially one paid to call an NHL game. You're either ill, drunk or a punk.

Undiagnosed illness really sucks but good to read, Edward's own words, "I grade out superior in intellect tests"...
- Mr Ricochet

Edward's issue is that he has two a'holes. The other one is his mouth.

I believe his contract begins this season.

Hawks have their next 3 games at home this week so I would expect him in the line up Tuesday night.
- Rota's Rooter

I read they want to give him some practices first, so likely not until Friday earliest.

I believe his contract begins this season.

Hawks have their next 3 games at home this week so I would expect him in the line up Tuesday night.
- Rota's Rooter

Slaggert will get some game this season, sooner rather than later. But I would expect him to play in Rockford next year. It's not out of realm of possibilities that he makes the Hawks next season, but much like Vlasic (for example) I would think the Hawks want him to develop in Rockford.

Not sure if anyone saw Pronman's 2024 prospect rankings?
#1 a no brainer,but his list is interesting starting at #2

Tier - elite NHL player
1.Celebrini

Tier - NHL all star
2. Silayev
3. Richardinson
4. Yakemchuk
5. Levshunov

Tier - bubble nhl all star top of the lineup player
6. Catton
7. Demidov
8. Lindstrom

Tier 4 - top of the lineup player
9. Parekh
10. Buium
11. Helenius
12. Jiricek
13. Eiserman

Has Eiserman and Levshunov as "average" skaters.

I'm pretty sure Wiz said Eiserman's skating is fine,and I thought I read at multiple places that Levshunov was actually a real good skater,so that part seems a bit weird,but I guess each of these guys see what they want to see.

Slaggert will get some game this season, sooner rather than later. But I would expect him to play in Rockford next year. It's not out of realm of possibilities that he makes the Hawks next season, but much like Vlasic (for example) I would think the Hawks want him to develop in Rockford.
- DarthKane

Let's remember that Slaggert isn't among the top 10 or 12 prospects in the system, so IMO, it's doubtful if he'll be a difference maker. Maybe he'll project out a a 3rd or 4th liner. Yes, you need those types of players on the roster, but it seems as if the Hawks have about a dozen of those types. But I'm looking to forward to see him play against NHL competition. It's a good opportunity for him to show what he has and earn a future roster spot.

I read here on occasion that the Hawks already have enough prospects for the rebuild. By this ranking they have Bedard, Korchinski and Vlasic, and then the 21st ranked prospect. That ain't gonna cut it, imo. Call me a greedy bastage.....
- mohel

I think that may be oversimplifying the argument. Personally, I agree that they probably need more blue chip prospects. My contention is that they've made over three years worth of draft picks in the last two drafts, and they've got multiple high draft picks in the next three. It is my belief that they can and should make every effort to add true NHL top six talent around the kids so that they can actually understand what it is like to compete. If that means sacrificing a pick or two, I'm not going to sweat it.

I think that may be oversimplifying the argument. Personally, I agree that they probably need more blue chip prospects. My contention is that they've made over three years worth of draft picks in the last two drafts, and they've got multiple high draft picks in the next three. It is my belief that they can and should make every effort to add true NHL top six talent around the kids so that they can actually understand what it is like to compete. If that means sacrificing a pick or two, I'm not going to sweat it.
- Chunk

I agree,even if someone came offering a proven young player for a pick in this year's draft I wouldn't hesitate to trade it. Unless they are picking #1 and can get Celebrini.
And that obviously goes for the next draft too,since you hope they won't be picking before the 10-13 range.

Edward's issue is that he has two a'holes. The other one is his mouth.
- 6628

Didn’t Edwards refer to Maroon as being fat? I guess the goof never considered these guys he mocks May one day become Bruins?

Let's remember that Slaggert isn't among the top 10 or 12 prospects in the system, so IMO, it's doubtful if he'll be a difference maker. Maybe he'll project out a a 3rd or 4th liner. Yes, you need those types of players on the roster, but it seems as if the Hawks have about a dozen of those types. But I'm looking to forward to see him play against NHL competition. It's a good opportunity for him to show what he has and earn a future roster spot.
- boilermaker100

It’s a great opportunity for those posters who project rookies as being busts.

I think that may be oversimplifying the argument. Personally, I agree that they probably need more blue chip prospects. My contention is that they've made over three years worth of draft picks in the last two drafts, and they've got multiple high draft picks in the next three. It is my belief that they can and should make every effort to add true NHL top six talent around the kids so that they can actually understand what it is like to compete. If that means sacrificing a pick or two, I'm not going to sweat it.
- Chunk

Hi, Chunk. I'm not sure if you mean top six guys for now, or for during the window. For the former, I'd go along with this type of acquisition - although not for a #1. For the latter, teams aren't giving up young, high-end top six guys for a pick or two (unless they are very stupid, which can happen).

My point was that they have a guy who looks to be great, and two defensemen who could be very good. They need several more excellent players to be a very good team, but the highest ranking prospect is 20th in the league (two others in the top 100). The depth is fine, but the high-enders are sparse so far, imo.

Hi, Chunk. I'm not sure if you mean top six guys for now, or for during the window. For the former, I'd go along with this type of acquisition - although not for a #1. For the latter, teams aren't giving up young, high-end top six guys for a pick or two (unless they are very stupid, which can happen).

My point was that they have a guy who looks to be great, and two defensemen who could be very good. They need several more excellent players to be a very good team, but the highest ranking prospect is 20th in the league (two others in the top 100). The depth is fine, but the high-enders are sparse so far, imo.
- mohel

I'm not saying high-end. I'm saying guys that can actually keep up with a player like Bedard. At the same time, there seems to be more and more guys available who no one thought would be an option, but due to the cap, new management, or not liking Calgary, they become available.

I'm sure they have done some homework, but I really don't give two poops about where our prospects are ranked. I care about what they do when they finally get to the show. We have no idea where these kids will be when they finally get to the NHL. Some will underperform, some will overperform, some will be exactly what was expected. This is the problem with drafting 18 year olds. It is also why, I want the Hawks to collect as much talent (by any means) as they can when available.

I'm a firm believer that you can just wait for all you draft picks to become players.

I read they want to give him some practices first, so likely not until Friday earliest.
- Chunk

Why? Unless they're playing Arizona, most nights it looks like they're making it up as they go along.

It’s a great opportunity for those posters who project rookies as being busts.
- paulr

Should know about Slaggert by about 8pm Central time Friday night. By that time he'll have a shift or two in.

Why? Unless they're playing Arizona, most nights it looks like they're making it up as they go along.
- Rota's Rooter

They probably want to make sure he knows to try all of his cross-ice passes after pulling up immediately after crossing the blue line.

It’s a great opportunity for those posters who project rookies as being busts.
- paulr

So not calling Nazar a bust, however, does anybody think that maybe they should have kept Dach instead. Sure Dach has been unlucky with injuries, but maybe that changes going forward. TBH, I’m on the fence on this one, as Nazar hasn’t been 100% healthy either. Dach did have 38 points in 58 games last year as a 22 year old.

Hi, Chunk. I'm not sure if you mean top six guys for now, or for during the window. For the former, I'd go along with this type of acquisition - although not for a #1. For the latter, teams aren't giving up young, high-end top six guys for a pick or two (unless they are very stupid, which can happen).

My point was that they have a guy who looks to be great, and two defensemen who could be very good. They need several more excellent players to be a very good team, but the highest ranking prospect is 20th in the league (two others in the top 100). The depth is fine, but the high-enders are sparse so far, imo.
- mohel

Agree with the bolded, the Hawks need more high end prospects, getting the #1 pick again this year would definitely help with that quandary.

So not calling Nazar a bust, however, does anybody think that maybe they should have kept Dach instead. Sure Dach has been unlucky with injuries, but maybe that changes going forward. TBH, I’m on the fence on this one, as Nazar hasn’t been 100% healthy either. Dach did have 38 points in 58 games last year as a 22 year old.
- Angotti

I lean more toward Nazar. I think Dach will be a "good' NHL player if he can stay healthy, but I think he will ultimately be rather forgettable. I from looking at his work ethic and the tolls he has right now, I'm more confident that the Hawks came out on the better side of that deal.


Dach reminds me of a taller version of Mike Sillinger. Produces about 0.5PPG, and is generally thought of as a good player, but is ultimately inconsequential.

So not calling Nazar a bust, however, does anybody think that maybe they should have kept Dach instead. Sure Dach has been unlucky with injuries, but maybe that changes going forward. TBH, I’m on the fence on this one, as Nazar hasn’t been 100% healthy either. Dach did have 38 points in 58 games last year as a 22 year old.
- Angotti

Dach needed a change of scenery. Whatever potential there is, it probably wasn't going to happen here. Teuvo is another example of that, though different reasons.

Nazar had a hip surgery. What are the ultimate effects of that? Did the brain trust know this was going to happen when they drafted him?

Not sure if anyone saw Pronman's 2024 prospect rankings?
#1 a no brainer,but his list is interesting starting at #2

Tier - elite NHL player
1.Celebrini

Tier - NHL all star
2. Silayev
3. Richardinson
4. Yakemchuk
5. Levshunov

Tier - bubble nhl all star top of the lineup player
6. Catton
7. Demidov
8. Lindstrom

Tier 4 - top of the lineup player
9. Parekh
10. Buium
11. Helenius
12. Jiricek
13. Eiserman

Has Eiserman and Levshunov as "average" skaters.

I'm pretty sure Wiz said Eiserman's skating is fine,and I thought I read at multiple places that Levshunov was actually a real good skater,so that part seems a bit weird,but I guess each of these guys see what they want to see.
- captainserious

I see you're posting more and more prospect stuff, Capn, and IMO they are solid posts.

Firstly, evaluating skating is subjective so you'll get plenty of deviance from one evaluator to another. For me a balanced skater is a good skater, or at least average, and go from there. Edge work, speed, explosion and on but to me balance is the foundation. These kinds are strong on their skates.

If a kid/player has a funky stride do you say he's less than average? Or, despite his funky stride he has good speed, is balanced, works his edges well enough and his stride does not prohibit him in any way even though it's not visually appealing... One guy says below average another says his skating is fine.

I've read Pronman say he evaluates a prospect's skating by how his skating rates in the NHL right NOW. Prospect A is a good or bad skater as if he were in the NHL TODAY. Many, like me, evaluate their skating for where they are now....... So, in Pronman's evaluation Eiserman and Levshunov are average NHL skaters today. By extension any improvement they would become good skaters.

Love the variance from the evaluators. OrganIzations will get a kid at 10 they rate as the 4th-5th best prospect. ...... This sets up for organIzations to move up to 10ish to get a kid they have ranked 5th. We just might see more moving up activity on draft day than usual.

I mean some have Eiserman at 13 others at 4 and there's at least a handful of prospects like Eiserman's projection. That's a ton of variance and that leads to opportunities to get some fantastic value if you're evaluation proves correct.

Should know about Slaggert by about 8pm Central time Friday night. By that time he'll have a shift or two in.
- boilermaker100

Seriously, if half our high draft choices are busts we're doing fantastic.
The Hawks are drafting 3-4 high picks for at least three drafts in a row. Throw in a couple lower round picks surprising and you have a solid group. It's not all going to come from the draft.

Should know about Slaggert by about 8pm Central time Friday night. By that time he'll have a shift or two in.
- boilermaker100

He will be wearing #84 when we do finally see him on the ice. Looks like AA finally draws in tonight. Unfortunately, so does Tinordi/Zaitsev. I've never been so anxious to see Connor Murphy come back, but that doesn't look imminent either.

7th isn’t too bad considering it excludes Bedard, Reichel, Korchinski and Vlasic.

Rinzel’s progress has been fantastic. He likely still needs a couple more years in college then time in Rockford, but his game as exceeded expectations so far.
- DarthKane

What I've seen of Rinzel he reminds me of Drew Doughty the way he glides around the ice.

What I've seen of Rinzel he reminds me of Drew Doughty the way he glides around the ice.
- rpeters01

Doughty was the best all around defenseman in the league for a few years there, if Rinzel can be half as good the Hawks will be a lucky franchise.

Doughty was the best all around defenseman in the league for a few years there, if Rinzel can be half as good the Hawks will be a lucky franchise.
- Angotti

I'm kind of hoping that the Hawks end up with the best defense by committee rather than have one or two outstanding ones and a bunch of guys you have to pull through.