Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Soderblom will start for the Blackhawks against the Kings tomorrow.

Slaggert will take Reese Johnson’s spot in the lineup; Reese’s concussion indeed came from that 3rd period line brawl Tuesday.
- LAHawk

LR is back to a straight rotation with Mrzak and Soderblom?

Everything I have seen of Pavel Mintyukov this year is terrific as a player and I wanted to go back and revisit his part of the fight b/c I guess I missed the particular bout.
Watched it now and he really didn't drop his gloves until he was getting punched, but it was a slick glove removal that enabled him get a nice one in on Reese.
- wiz1901

Wiz, you have a do over. Do you draft KK or Mintyukov?

That Anaheim defense is going to be such a pain to play against in the next decade. They’ve always had an eye for great defensemen.
- ObeseOprah

Their centerman ain't bad either. 10 yrs of Carlsson and McTavish up the middle will be a problem for most any squad. That's with Zegras moved to wing permanently, where he belongs IMO.

LR is back to a straight rotation with Mrzak and Soderblom?
- Mr Ricochet

Apparently, he has won his last 2, finally got some run support

Sportsnet with their prospect ranking:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...t-rankings-march-edition/

Silayev and Demidov in at 2 and 3.
Not sure Kyle and the team would draft a Russian,unless they had a guarantee that he would come over next season or the year after.

Eiserman at 13
Lindstrom at 10


10 d men in the 1st round

Sportsnet with their prospect ranking:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...t-rankings-march-edition/

Silayev and Demidov in at 2 and 3.
Not sure Kyle and the team would draft a Russian,unless they had a guarantee that he would come over next season or the year after.

Eiserman at 13
Lindstrom at 10


10 d men in the 1st round
- captainserious

This will be interesting. I bet KD tries to trade up from the Bolts pick again.

If any of these guys grade out to being a Seabrookish kind of player with a little more offensive upside, if we don't get the 1st pick overall, be hard not to draft him.

I think Entwistle tries really hard, which is commendable, but he's likely a 4th liner at best.
- Chunk

Agreed and been the case for awhile

This will be interesting. I bet KD tries to trade up from the Bolts pick again.

If any of these guys grade out to being a Seabrookish kind of player with a little more offensive upside, if we don't get the 1st pick overall, be hard not to draft him.
- BetweenTheDots

Dots, if you get a Seabrook type of player with more offense, you’ll have the best defenseman in the NHL, and that includes Makar. Also, not sure that the Hawks are in a position to give up assets to move up, if they do, it better be a home run.

This will be interesting. I bet KD tries to trade up from the Bolts pick again.

If any of these guys grade out to being a Seabrookish kind of player with a little more offensive upside, if we don't get the 1st pick overall, be hard not to draft him.
- BetweenTheDots

I wouldn't doubt they try to use a 2 from this year's draft or even an additional one from next year to move up if they really like a guy.
I guess it also depends on who picks ahead of them and if they are missing any 2nd or 3rd round picks

Dots, if you get a Seabrook type of player with more offense, you’ll have the best defenseman in the NHL, and that includes Makar. Also, not sure that the Hawks are in a position to give up assets to move up, if they do, it better be a home run.
- Angotti

I agree Lou, many outside of Chicago fandom don't realize his value to winning. When it comes to defenseman points should be considered the icing on the cake, not the first thing that's desired.

Sportsnet with their prospect ranking:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...t-rankings-march-edition/

Silayev and Demidov in at 2 and 3.
Not sure Kyle and the team would draft a Russian,unless they had a guarantee that he would come over next season or the year after.

Eiserman at 13
Lindstrom at 10


10 d men in the 1st round
- captainserious

Thanks for the link, Capn....... I know I'm being redundant but every time a mock comes out I can't help but think how the crazy variance from one to another screams opportunity. .. Great chance a guy an organIzation has ranked at 5 is there at 10-12. Would be surprised if we don't see a team or two moving up especially if a Demidov or Siliyev, even Eiserman(?), starts falling.

I mean some serious people have Lindstrom at 2 and others at 8-9.

How bout them Bears wheeling and dealing

How bout dem Sabres?? https://www.sportsnet.ca/...res-back-in-playoff-race/

'We still believe': Surging Sabres back in playoff race.

From dropping to 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings — and sitting closer to last than eighth — following a 4-3 loss to Anaheim on Feb. 19, the Sabres are enjoying a remarkable resurgence. They’ve gone 8-3-1 since and closed to within three points of the Islanders and Detroit Red Wings in the race for the conference’s final wild-card spot.

“It’s something we’ve been tactically building for, is we took two young goalies into this organization, Levi and Upie, and we’ve made a commitment to two young goalies to develop them at the NHL level and that’s not a common thing to do,” he added. “So, it’s a good feeling when you see them progress the way they did.”

There seemed nothing tactical about the plan when the Sabres opened the season banking on Levi to take over the reins, and with Luukkonen not getting his first start until Levi and backup Eric Comrie sustained injuries. And Granato’s comments seem to deflect from the Sabres being second-guessed for carrying three goalies — and taking up a valuable roster spot — before finally demoting Levi to the minors in January.

I keep reading here that we have an outstanding group of defenseman prospects in the jrs and at rockford. If that is the case then why would you pick a defenseman with your first first round pick. It would make sense to pick the best forward available ( if youre picking first then there is no decision to make). In my opinion you go with either eiserman, lindholm or devidov. Eiserman if you want a pure scorer. I can also see kfc trading assets to move up from our second first rounder if there is someone they truly want. Our number one need is skilled forwards.

I keep reading here that we have an outstanding group of defenseman prospects in the jrs and at rockford. If that is the case then why would you pick a defenseman with your first first round pick. It would make sense to pick the best forward available ( if youre picking first then there is no decision to make). In my opinion you go with either eiserman, lindholm or devidov. Eiserman if you want a pure scorer. I can also see kfc trading assets to move up from our second first rounder if there is someone they truly want. Our number one need is skilled forwards.
- LFS

Our number 1 need is best available prospect. We aren't going to have top 5 picks much longer these are typically where game changers, special, players are drafted. If you have to much of a good thing you can always trade a defenseman for a forward, which i think would be easier than trading a forward for a defenseman.

How bout dem Sabres?? https://www.sportsnet.ca/...res-back-in-playoff-race/

'We still believe': Surging Sabres back in playoff race.

From dropping to 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings — and sitting closer to last than eighth — following a 4-3 loss to Anaheim on Feb. 19, the Sabres are enjoying a remarkable resurgence. They’ve gone 8-3-1 since and closed to within three points of the Islanders and Detroit Red Wings in the race for the conference’s final wild-card spot.

“It’s something we’ve been tactically building for, is we took two young goalies into this organization, Levi and Upie, and we’ve made a commitment to two young goalies to develop them at the NHL level and that’s not a common thing to do,” he added. “So, it’s a good feeling when you see them progress the way they did.”

There seemed nothing tactical about the plan when the Sabres opened the season banking on Levi to take over the reins, and with Luukkonen not getting his first start until Levi and backup Eric Comrie sustained injuries. And Granato’s comments seem to deflect from the Sabres being second-guessed for carrying three goalies — and taking up a valuable roster spot — before finally demoting Levi to the minors in January.
- Mr Ricochet

Sabre fans loving and loyal to their team. Sabre management borderline incompetent. And over the years Owner Pegula has professed to loving his hockey team more than his football team.

They aren't making the playoffs and that will make it 13 years in a row.

Dots, if you get a Seabrook type of player with more offense, you’ll have the best defenseman in the NHL, and that includes Makar. Also, not sure that the Hawks are in a position to give up assets to move up, if they do, it better be a home run.
- Angotti

If you are another GM (bartering with KD), trading a pick around #10 overall for the Tampa pick later in round one…..you ask for value so one or two second picks in this draft and or next is not good enough. Those second rounders are not likely to become top players, maybe good

The #10 overall could very well become a key contributor, possibly a core piece

You could ask for Phillips or Crevier or Kaiser thrown in. KD would oblige but I would guess if you tell KD he needs to give his first ‘25 for your 2nd ‘25!in order to move up to #10 overall, KD will sigh and pass. Trading his #1 even to get another #1 is tough for KD to accept

You have to pay….maybe overpay to move up to #10

And if you do acquire that pick, it had to be a conditional trade - meaning the guy KD wants to draft at #10 is not off the board

Our number 1 need is best available prospect. We aren't going to have top 5 picks much longer these are typically where game changers, special, players are drafted. If you have too much of a good thing you can always trade a defenseman for a forward, which I think would be easier than trading a forward for a defenseman.
- BetweenTheDots

Fixed it

I keep reading here that we have an outstanding group of defenseman prospects in the jrs and at rockford. If that is the case then why would you pick a defenseman with your first first round pick. It would make sense to pick the best forward available ( if youre picking first then there is no decision to make). In my opinion you go with either eiserman, lindholm or devidov. Eiserman if you want a pure scorer. I can also see kfc trading assets to move up from our second first rounder if there is someone they truly want. Our number one need is skilled forwards.
- LFS

Need vs. BPA. Usually, BPA works-out bettetr longer term becoming assets regardless of position. Drafting for need, usually means reaching for a player.

How bout dem Sabres?? https://www.sportsnet.ca/...res-back-in-playoff-race/

'We still believe': Surging Sabres back in playoff race.

From dropping to 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings — and sitting closer to last than eighth — following a 4-3 loss to Anaheim on Feb. 19, the Sabres are enjoying a remarkable resurgence. They’ve gone 8-3-1 since and closed to within three points of the Islanders and Detroit Red Wings in the race for the conference’s final wild-card spot.

“It’s something we’ve been tactically building for, is we took two young goalies into this organization, Levi and Upie, and we’ve made a commitment to two young goalies to develop them at the NHL level and that’s not a common thing to do,” he added. “So, it’s a good feeling when you see them progress the way they did.”

There seemed nothing tactical about the plan when the Sabres opened the season banking on Levi to take over the reins, and with Luukkonen not getting his first start until Levi and backup Eric Comrie sustained injuries. And Granato’s comments seem to deflect from the Sabres being second-guessed for carrying three goalies — and taking up a valuable roster spot — before finally demoting Levi to the minors in January.
- Mr Ricochet

Isn't this the same scenario for the Sabres as last year after the TDL ?

Sabre fans loving and loyal to their team. Sabre management borderline incompetent. And over the years Owner Pegula has professed to loving his hockey team more than his football team.

They aren't making the playoffs and that will make it 13 years in a row.
- RickJ

I don't think so either, but i think they have a really good chance next year and the years after that. Many young players developing and becoming better pros. Plus a pretty good farm where i think you'll start seeing the depth pay off.

Sabre fans loving and loyal to their team. Sabre management borderline incompetent. And over the years Owner Pegula has professed to loving his hockey team more than his football team.

They aren't making the playoffs and that will make it 13 years in a row.
- RickJ

BUF has to jump over 5 teams to make the playoffs. Doubtful for sure but it makes watching a hungry all out team more fun. https://www.nhl.com/standings/2024-03-15/wildcard

Rick, or anyone at the game tonight, do me a favor. Watching the game tonight v LA notice Bedard in his zone. Does he assume a winger's responsibilities of marking a Dman near the blueline instead of down low below the dots? ...... Since he's been back from injury that's what I see and it happens often enough it seems it's not a mistake by him or the usual spot to simply fly the zone.

This will be interesting. I bet KD tries to trade up from the Bolts pick again.

If any of these guys grade out to being a Seabrookish kind of player with a little more offensive upside, if we don't get the 1st pick overall, be hard not to draft him.
- BetweenTheDots

I don't know that he's gonna light anyone up in the corners but Vlasic fits the mold of big guy who defends the blue line well with an excellent outlet pass. Lots of Seabrookish things there.

I don't know that he's gonna light anyone up in the corners but Vlasic fits the mold of big guy who defends the blue line well with an excellent outlet pass. Lots of Seabrookish things there.
- fattybeef

You don't see a "wakey wakey" moment from him coming?



If he learns to better place his slapper, he could become a lot more effective offensively.

BUF has to jump over 5 teams to make the playoffs. Doubtful for sure but it makes watching a hungry all out team more fun. https://www.nhl.com/standings/2024-03-15/wildcard

Rick, or anyone at the game tonight, do me a favor. Watching the game tonight v LA notice Bedard in his zone. Does he assume a winger's responsibilities of marking a Dman near the blueline instead of down low below the dots? ...... Since he's been back from injury that's what I see and it happens often enough it seems it's not a mistake by him or the usual spot to simply fly the zone.
- Mr Ricochet

The goofy NHL points system has to be taken into account as well. While mathematically possible - making up 4 or 5 points over 15 games in the NHL is not a likely scenario.

This is the Bettman dream of parity at its best. A team that for all intents and purposes is out of it is going to get attention and traction for being "close" but in reality isn't going to get there.

Richardson said in an interview the other week that they have Kurashev or Foligno taking the guy down low so that they can get Bedard out of the zone faster.