What to do about Connelly? He a good talent but there’s the baggage. If he’s available at Tampa’s pick does Davidson take a chance or do you think some teams, including the Hawks have him blacklisted?
- paulr

I thought about this, Paul.

IMO in this draft Connelly is a 12thish talent. How much does the Beach stain on the franchise dictatde how the Hawks proceed with kids who have some blemishes?

If it's me I swing every time on a talent like Connelly at #19 only cuz at that slot he's so much better than those who will be available at that slot. He's the only player besides a goalie who was not part of the NTDP this yr on the U-18 roster.
It says much to me........ The kid retweeted the Nazi symbol at some point. Ok, maybe he made a mistake. Like I said earlier it bothers me much more he was with 5-6 organIzations since he was 13-14 yrs old and one of them said no when he wanted to come back.

But, the kid will be an NHL player. How good? That's what the sharp ones get paid to figure out.

I thought about this, Paul.

IMO in this draft Connelly is a 12thish talent. How much does the Beach stain on the franchise dictatde how the Hawks proceed with kids who have some blemishes?

If it's me I swing every time on a talent like Connelly at #19 only cuz at that slot he's so much better than those who will be available at that slot. He's the only player besides a goalie who was not part of the NTDP this yr on the U-18 roster.
It says much to me........ The kid retweeted the Nazi symbol at some point. Ok, maybe he made a mistake. Like I said earlier it bothers me much more he was with 5-6 organIzations since he was 13-14 yrs old and one of them said no when he wanted to come back.

But, the kid will be an NHL player. How good? That's what the sharp ones get paid to figure out.
- Mr Ricochet

I think you take the best available too but do some investigating as to why a team didn’t want him back as well as the other issues. Like you, I think the re-tweet was a dumb mistake. I’d guess any interview with him will have more importance placed on it than with most kids. I’m very interested in not only where he winds up but how his career unfolds.

I've seen the similarities in Lindstrom and Krieder for a couple months. Kreider is freakishly fast but Lindstrom might have a better burst as he's more of a quick twitch athlete. Watch a Lindstrom game and he spends a lotta time in the low slot battling, slammin home rebounds, tipping pucks like Krieder. Both are big strong players .. But Lindstrom is a more able athlete in the open ice. The ability to jump on his edges and zig.

My maniac bud who watches 13 yr old tournaments made a fine comparison of Eiserman that is a damn good one I hadn't thought of. Brett Hull!!

Edit: Easy to see a lotta Evander Kane in Lindstrom too.
- Mr Ricochet

Depends with Lindstrom is he winger or center and how does Hawks see nazar center or winger. No matter what position Hawks get they get a really good player for the future. Lindstrom eiserman a dman or the Russia

http://onhockey.tv/index.php?place=sawlive&channel=tvh

BM, I've been using onhockeytv for 5-6-7 yrs for all of my hockey other than the USHL which I pay to see. I do not pay for anything other than the USHL.

onhockeytv has been a savior for me.I can and have watched the NHL, Liiga, KHL, SHL, all international tournaments, all CHL (OHL, WHL, QMJHL) all NCAA for free, everyday.

I've never had a problem with the 3 computers I've used to watch the reddit illegal streams. Not sure of your tolerance for the risk but I've never had a problem with a virus...... But you have to fool around to find out how and which streams work best as far as volume and full picture or streams that work best without buffering.

I use fluidtv link for the CHL and NCAA. xstream, vodacst are two to try for the NHL. These are links at onhockeytv that you can use. Some games have 30 links.

sportsurge is a site that does have hockey and works best for the NFL and MLB.
- Mr Ricochet

As in IT guy its not a virus that will get you it will be them stealing your information. the days of a virus messing up your computers with the exception of Cryptolocker are gone. Its all about your info and clicking on a stream opens a direct port for there access. If you are going to access it this way do it with a machine that has no access to anything important. They get people ever day using that site its only a matter of time. Plus the 300 bucks for the subscriptions is alot less than having your bank account drained.

What to do about Connelly? He a good talent but there’s the baggage. If he’s available at Tampa’s pick does Davidson take a chance or do you think some teams, including the Hawks have him blacklisted?
- paulr

You would have to have some long, hard conversations as an organization and with him. He was 13 when the whole Nazi fiasco happened. Does that make it right. Hell no. But do we hold what a kid did at 13 against him for his life.

You would have to dig real deep and see if he has grown since then. Can he continue? Is he willing to accept certain condition on behavior? Is he willing to get out in the community and learn?

According to an article i read on him, he has done some of those things. The question then becomes were they sincere or CYA?

From a hockey talent perspective, he would easily be a top 5 choice. He ins almost the poster boy for what KD likes in the player.

I just don't see how the Hawks make that choice. Kinda sucks in a way because the Hawks would definitely offer many opportunities for him to get out in the community and see the world differently. Meaning with how involved the Hawks in trying to bring the game to all.

Depends with Lindstrom is he winger or center and how does Hawks see nazar center or winger. No matter what position Hawks get they get a really good player for the future. Lindstrom eiserman a dman or the Russia
- Scott1977

Depends on the condition of Lindstrom's back.

Caleb has never played an NFL game and IMO as a result has no idea what's needed to be a good NFL QB or what makes NFL teams win. .... It's over, I love Odunze, but I'll always err on taking lineman. The centerman and shut down Dmen of the NFL.
- Mr Ricochet

My response is a good point of emphasis for both teams rebuilds, even though they are on different time frames.

Three major points for me when you enter a total rebuild;

1. You have to dump everyone that you can and get the most draft capital possible

2. You can't fix everything all at once, or even in a couple years, don't try to.

3. You always take the best player available regardless of position until you are a player or two away from competing for a championship.


In the Bears case on these points,


1. Poles probably made the best trade in Chicago sport history. For that #1 pick they now have DJ Moore, Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, Caleb Williams, the Crocodile Punter, and Carolinas #2 next year

2. They will have 3 picks in the top 50ish or so next year, expect OL, DL and S with those 3 pick

3. I believe they drafted the best QB, the best WR, and the best P, and no i don't hate the punter pick, i love it.

KD has followed these points pretty closely as well, its just hockey rebuild will take much longer, though both are accelerated a bit by getting a bit lucky with getting Bedard and Williams respectively.

Depends with Lindstrom is he winger or center and how does Hawks see nazar center or winger. No matter what position Hawks get they get a really good player for the future. Lindstrom eiserman a dman or the Russia
- Scott1977

Nazar is a Center, to me, more so than Bedard

Wow Woll might have just saved the leafs season.

Depends on the condition of Lindstrom's back.
- Elbows15

Drafting a big guy with any back issues whatsoever at 17 and 18 years old in the first couple of rounds of rounds is a recipe for disaster.

Its not like there's no other talent there, I stay a million miles away.

Drafting a big guy with any back issues whatsoever at 17 and 18 years old in the first couple of rounds of rounds is a recipe for disaster.

Its not like there's no other talent there, I stay a million miles away.
- vabeachbear

For sure. LBH. He is getting a ton of hype for a 35 game sample size, too.
I haven't seen anything concrete on him having back issues, just it being mentioned on another site.

Tho, it did take him 3 months to come back from 6 week or so injury. Plus he was shut down pretty quickly after his season ended.

My response is a good point of emphasis for both teams rebuilds, even though they are on different time frames.

Three major points for me when you enter a total rebuild;

1. You have to dump everyone that you can and get the most draft capital possible

2. You can't fix everything all at once, or even in a couple years, don't try to.

3. You always take the best player available regardless of position until you are a player or two away from competing for a championship.


In the Bears case on these points,


1. Poles probably made the best trade in Chicago sport history. For that #1 pick they now have DJ Moore, Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, Caleb Williams, the Crocodile Punter, and Carolinas #2 next year

2. They will have 3 picks in the top 50ish or so next year, expect OL, DL and S with those 3 pick

3. I believe they drafted the best QB, the best WR, and the best P, and no i don't hate the punter pick, i love it.

KD has followed these points pretty closely as well, its just hockey rebuild will take much longer, though both are accelerated a bit by getting a bit lucky with getting Bedard and Williams respectively.
- vabeachbear

And we all have Lovie Smith to thank for the Bears having that #1 to trade in the first place.

with the 4th pick, they should take Odunze, he'd be a monster out there
- vabeachbear

I have heard Cayden Lindstrom skating jump being compared to a football running back, the way he collides through the opposing bodies.

They are gonna get a helluva player at #2-3 or 4, Kaner. A 50 goal scorer, an excellent skating tough 6ft 4in centerman, a Dman who could challenge for a pt per game or a reasonably projected top pairing Dman.

Or, Celibrini!!
- Mr Ricochet

This draft has a 2017esque vibe.

I have heard Cayden Lindstrom skating jump being compared to a football running back, the way he collides through the opposing bodies.
- wiz1901

I’ve seen a number of Medicine Hat games on TV. Lindstrom is a (frank)ing freight train. He can go around or through people. I read a comment that said last year players in the WHL feared Bedard, this year they fear Lindstrom. Excellent skater, big shot, great stickhandler, physical, seems pretty aware on the ice and he’s mean. He’s also considered a character guy.

The downsides are he seemingly came out of nowhere. Last season he wasn’t even in the first round discussion. Was this injury shortened season an anomaly? What is the injury and is it chronic?

I’ve seen a number of Medicine Hat games on TV. Lindstrom is a (frank)ing freight train. He can go around or through people. I read a comment that said last year players in the WHL feared Bedard, this year they fear Lindstrom. Excellent skater, big shot, great stickhandler, physical, seems pretty aware on the ice and he’s mean. He’s also considered a character guy.

The downsides are he seemingly came out of nowhere. Last season he wasn’t even in the first round discussion. Was this injury shortened season an anomaly? What is the injury and is it chronic?
- paulr

He had a hand injury that required surgery and rehab coinciding with the rehab of a back ailment. Doesn't say if it's chronic.

https://medicinehatnews.c...20of%20a%20back%20ailment.

Depends with Lindstrom is he winger or center and how does Hawks see nazar center or winger. No matter what position Hawks get they get a really good player for the future. Lindstrom eiserman a dman or the Russia
- Scott1977

Eiserman all day

Caleb has never played an NFL game and IMO as a result has no idea what's needed to be a good NFL QB or what makes NFL teams win. .... It's over, I love Odunze, but I'll always err on taking lineman. The centerman and shut down Dmen of the NFL.
- Mr Ricochet

A lot of people are praising Caleb Williams. The kid hasn't done squat. Yet. All you see is the poops and giggles of a kid who is living the dream and who scored in the wallet. Before I'm in on him I want to see how he handles the first NFL blitzing linebacker that plants him on his ass in a not so gentle way. Then we'll see how much fun he's having and how he'll react to it. I hope he's the man. But I won't believe it until I see it. From what I saw I'd say Justin Fields was coachable. We'll see about Williams. Totally agree with your post, especially with regard to linemen.

Drafting a big guy with any back issues whatsoever at 17 and 18 years old in the first couple of rounds of rounds is a recipe for disaster.

Its not like there's no other talent there, I stay a million miles away.
- vabeachbear

The Blackhawks like the Bears with #9 overall get a good player. If Eiserman is scooped before we draft, I HAD considered Lindstrom or one of the dmen. If there is genuine evidence that Lindstrom may have back issues in his career, then you are correct - stay away from drafting him

Draft choices are like gold nuggets you treasure them and you always are glad to have extra picks. You never know in hockey when a player develops back issues and the aftermath of such an injury could be “minorish” in a career or Bolland type.

They are gonna get a helluva player at #2-3 or 4, Kaner. A 50 goal scorer, an excellent skating tough 6ft 4in centerman, a Dman who could challenge for a pt per game or a reasonably projected top pairing Dman.

Or, Celibrini!!
- Mr Ricochet

I liked lindstrum until i found out he has back problems. At 17 thats a red flag. Take eiserman and dont look back.

Not as promising as Hagens, 25 draftee, Stiga, and Connelly.
- Elbows15

Eiserman.

Depends on the condition of Lindstrom's back.
- Elbows15

OK didn't know he had a back injury I knew he was injured but never heard what injury was. Already back issues early not good.

Eiserman all day
- LFS

How good of skater is eiserman? Is physical or shirking flower will he give to hard areas or perminiter player. So my question is what are his pros and cons

How good of skater is eiserman? Is physical or shirking flower will he give to hard areas or perminiter player. So my question is what are his pros and cons
- Scott1977

To answer all your questions, all the proper Yes answers and No aswers to the above.

I was asked the question,

“How disappointed or glad would you be if the Blackhawks pick at #2,#3 #4 with Cole Eiserman gone? “


My disappointment comes if the Blackhawks don't draft first, because they would be missing out on a player superior to more than one of the past forwards taken first over-all, like Seattle's C Matt Berniers, in Mack.Celebrini.

If this happens, I guess I can disreard my Porter Matone in 2025, or Gavin McKenna in 2026 hopes to the wayside, b/c they also involve lucky lotto balls.

I am prepared for that, but not prepared for a possible Hawk selection of a defenseman, when/if they win the Draft Lottery’s second overall spot.


I have to believe they look past many of this draft classes dee giants, as in long legged-ness likes of Anton Silayev, Carter Yakemchuk, Sam Richardinson, or even the Belarusian wonderkind Artyom Levshunov.

Would the majority of the hockey scouting staff’s say there is little chance Zeev Buium or a Zanye Parehk to take either second overall?
I have to feel the team who is going second will have to had stayed up many a night rewatching them both and weighed all the projections and info and will veer away from both as their 2nd overall.

Lottery night may drop the Hawks to Draft Slot three, but Entry Draft Opening night in July will have the Blackhawks in a position to draft one of the top three forwards along with team two whose draft plan might adding defensemen, livening their table discussion, de-emphaszing forwards on number two selecting team’s board.

Cayden Lindstrom is gonna make a team happy down the road, but a couple of the defenders will be pros before he makes a pro debut. 
His back isn’t going to stop his selection, his career, or his eventual projection as big NHL winger if second line centre doesn’t work out.

I suggest you all spend some time watching clips of Zeev Buium and Zanye Parehk and LD Richardinson before putting the “kabosh” on their election in the top four. Decide for yourself.

In the top four selections, will the readiness of any defenseman the hawks pick come into play?

Will the “closer to ready” be hesitation or a strength?
Will a defenseman not projected for a quick addition favor the current logjam?

Or does the organization see a rearguard there whose all around projection is filled with strengths the current bullpen lacks?

Or does this simply become an easier selection at slot #3, or #4 with the allure of more forward help too much to pass up with that first early choice?


I have loved the play of wing Trevor Connelly (as my earliest drft boards reflected) who is still a lightweight, although his speed is always on display, and he can obvious score goals.
My guess is the his hometown Ducks would love a crack at him, if there is a drop and my current board has him going to Sharks with #14. I think the Chicago organization passes on him at #20 and I plenty of players there who provide opportunities for the hawks to get better.

I suspect we will be talking about the draft boards until the actual lottery Tuesday and we will continue until the actual draft in July…