From Powers today in the media mock (after picking Levshunov at 2):

“I believe the Blackhawks are largely deciding between Levshunov and Ivan Demidov. This could change in the next month, but as of today, I think they’d select Levshunov. Since taking over as general manager, Kyle Davidson has prioritized building a defense. It’s what crumbled first under the last regime and held the Blackhawks back from extending their Cup window. Although the Blackhawks have a lot of promising defensemen in the pipeline, what Levshunov brings would likely bolster and complete the group. Davidson could then turn his focus to bolstering the offense around Connor Bedard.”

The last sentence was particularly interesting to me. You’ve got - in this hypothetical - your top-4 set for the foreseeable future in Jones, Vlasic, KK, Levshunov. Then whatever comes of Del Mastro, Rinzel, Phillips, Allan, etc. is gravy, sprinkled in with veterans at the bottom pair (Murphy or outside cheap adds).

Then the only thing KD needs to do is to shore up the roster by finalizing the top-six. He’ll have a full look at Nazar this year, Moore on his heels next year, another forward added with pick 18 this year, a likely top-6 addition this off-season to play with Bedard, and then next offseason you’ll again have buckets of cap space and high draft picks again (likely top-10 pick) to bring in yet another forward.

I know Demidov is the want for most, but if the Hawks get that elusive top-pair RHD now, it’s full speed ahead with focusing on forwards afterwards.
- TommyHawk

They're not exactly dry in the forward prospect ranks. True they don't have a ton of high picks in there, but there is a big pool to drag a few players out.

Hayes
Savoie
Greene
Moore
Lardis
Kantserov
Ludwinski
etc..
and more to come this year.

Most likely levashov is the pick solid all around defenseman that can do everything very well. Probably one year away another year at Michigan state or in Rockford no need to rush him. And Hawks select Hage or another center at 18 or move up to get a player they have targeted on their draft board that IA better center prospect then in second round same defenseman and center that would very good draft. Question to the panel besides domi who are the best center via free agency this coming offseason and thar the Hawks could target?

Most likely levashov is the pick solid all around defenseman that can do everything very well. Probably one year away another year at Michigan state or in Rockford no need to rush him. And Hawks select Hage or another center at 18 or move up to get a player they have targeted on their draft board that IA better center prospect then in second round same defenseman and center that would very good draft. Question to the panel besides domi who are the best center via free agency this coming offseason and thar the Hawks could target?
- Scott1977

I doubt Domi is going to be coming to the Hawks. He's working with the Leafs to try and get something worked out, and if it doesn't he's going to have many other suitors. There will be a number of guys available that can/have played center.

There are a few guys that are interesting. The more I look into Stephenson's numbers, the less I like him. If I'm reading them right, he was one of the least responsible forwards. I'm big on Duchene. I think he'd be a great add and not need a lot of years. Then you have guys like Roslovic and Wennberg who I think just D!ckinson clones. I think the Hawks sign one FA and make one trade to improve the forward ranks.

From Powers today in the media mock (after picking Levshunov at 2):

“I believe the Blackhawks are largely deciding between Levshunov and Ivan Demidov. This could change in the next month, but as of today, I think they’d select Levshunov. Since taking over as general manager, Kyle Davidson has prioritized building a defense. It’s what crumbled first under the last regime and held the Blackhawks back from extending their Cup window. Although the Blackhawks have a lot of promising defensemen in the pipeline, what Levshunov brings would likely bolster and complete the group. Davidson could then turn his focus to bolstering the offense around Connor Bedard.”

The last sentence was particularly interesting to me. You’ve got - in this hypothetical - your top-4 set for the foreseeable future in Jones, Vlasic, KK, Levshunov. Then whatever comes of Del Mastro, Rinzel, Phillips, Allan, etc. is gravy, sprinkled in with veterans at the bottom pair (Murphy or outside cheap adds).

Then the only thing KD needs to do is to shore up the roster by finalizing the top-six. He’ll have a full look at Nazar this year, Moore on his heels next year, another forward added with pick 18 this year, a likely top-6 addition this off-season to play with Bedard, and then next offseason you’ll again have buckets of cap space and high draft picks again (likely top-10 pick) to bring in yet another forward.

I know Demidov is the want for most, but if the Hawks get that elusive top-pair RHD now, it’s full speed ahead with focusing on forwards afterwards.
- TommyHawk

So the pick will obviously be Silayev.

They're not exactly dry in the forward prospect ranks. True they don't have a ton of high picks in there, but there is a big pool to drag a few players out.

Hayes
Savoie
Greene
Moore
Lardis
Kantserov
Ludwinski
etc..
and more to come this year.
- Chunk

Hopefully something clicks with Reichel.

From Powers today in the media mock (after picking Levshunov at 2):

“I believe the Blackhawks are largely deciding between Levshunov and Ivan Demidov. This could change in the next month, but as of today, I think they’d select Levshunov. Since taking over as general manager, Kyle Davidson has prioritized building a defense. It’s what crumbled first under the last regime and held the Blackhawks back from extending their Cup window. Although the Blackhawks have a lot of promising defensemen in the pipeline, what Levshunov brings would likely bolster and complete the group. Davidson could then turn his focus to bolstering the offense around Connor Bedard.”

The last sentence was particularly interesting to me. You’ve got - in this hypothetical - your top-4 set for the foreseeable future in Jones, Vlasic, KK, Levshunov. Then whatever comes of Del Mastro, Rinzel, Phillips, Allan, etc. is gravy, sprinkled in with veterans at the bottom pair (Murphy or outside cheap adds).

Then the only thing KD needs to do is to shore up the roster by finalizing the top-six. He’ll have a full look at Nazar this year, Moore on his heels next year, another forward added with pick 18 this year, a likely top-6 addition this off-season to play with Bedard, and then next offseason you’ll again have buckets of cap space and high draft picks again (likely top-10 pick) to bring in yet another forward.

I know Demidov is the want for most, but if the Hawks get that elusive top-pair RHD now, it’s full speed ahead with focusing on forwards afterwards.
- TommyHawk

The 18th pick isn't sniffing the NHL for at least 2 seasons,more likely even 3.
As for the Hayes,Greene,Savioe,Dach,Lardis,Misiak etc.. group - the Blackhawks will be lucky if 2 of those guys turn into 3rd liners.

I still think if they believe Lindstrom or Demidov are the bpa - they should draft them. Don't want them to draft Levshunov because he is a RHD, they had 3LHD in their top 4 during the Cup years and did just fine.

So the pick will obviously be Silayev.
- rpeters01

I for one would welcome that swing. Having two 6’7” defensive monsters taking the ice away for 25 minutes a night sounds phenomenal to me.

The 18th pick isn't sniffing the NHL for at least 2 seasons,more likely even 3.
As for the Hayes,Greene,Savioe,Dach,Lardis,Misiak etc.. group - the Blackhawks will be lucky if 2 of those guys turn into 3rd liners.

I still think if they believe Lindstrom or Demidov are the bpa - they should draft them. Don't want them to draft Levshunov because he is a RHD, they had 3LHD in their top 4 during the Cup years and did just fine.
- captainserious

Agreed on the forward depth. Maybe 2 is what I’m hoping for as well as middle-six contributors. Therefore it makes sense to go high end forward early, but back injuries for a big man so early is a red flag (Lindstrom), and I’ll believe the Hawks take a Russian when I see it. Otherwise, no other forward is close to being worthy. May as well invest where the depth in the draft is strongest.

I doubt Domi is going to be coming to the Hawks. He's working with the Leafs to try and get something worked out, and if it doesn't he's going to have many other suitors. There will be a number of guys available that can/have played center.

There are a few guys that are interesting. The more I look into Stephenson's numbers, the less I like him. If I'm reading them right, he was one of the least responsible forwards. I'm big on Duchene. I think he'd be a great add and not need a lot of years. Then you have guys like Roslovic and Wennberg who I think just D!ckinson clones. I think the Hawks sign one FA and make one trade to improve the forward ranks.
- Chunk

Agree with all of this. Stevenson probably wants term and money. DailyFaceoff projects his next contract at 5 x 5.75M.

Maybe Sean Monahan? Projected at 3 x 2.9M.

I for one would welcome that swing. Having two 6’7” defensive monsters taking the ice away for 25 minutes a night sounds phenomenal to me.
- TommyHawk

We could bring back Viktor Svedberg.

We could bring back Viktor Svedberg.
- rpeters01

I used to love Lurch!

We could bring back Viktor Svedberg.
- rpeters01

Nah defense starts with good quick feet. Paul doesn't think Silayev is good defensively but i disagree, 17 playing against men in the KHL he more than held his own. I think they play on the big ice as well in Russia.

We could bring back Viktor Svedberg.
- rpeters01

Rather bring back Jerry Korab and Rick Foley.

I for one would welcome that swing. Having two 6’7” defensive monsters taking the ice away for 25 minutes a night sounds phenomenal to me.
- TommyHawk

Worked well for Buffalo when they used high picks on Ristolainen and Zadorov… not.
I’m not buying the Silayev hype all the way up to a second overall pick. Guy has minimal offense from what I’ve read, and he’s Russian, and he might struggle to transition to NA ice. BPA

I believe that if KFC drafts Levshunov at#2, he is going to draft forward from then on and one goalie. We have a glut of defensemen now.

Rather bring back Jerry Korab and Rick Foley.
- LAHawk

The first couple times I have the Ranger's Lurch Matt Rempe swooping in for the hit, and the Ranger fan base excited from the minute he hits the ice in a shift all I could think about is how similar it was in the Stadium when after the Balckhawks management felt the team was being pushed around, that they announced the call-up on Korab and Foley. This was the infancy of the "bully era" to the sport. and the hawks team of Hull, Hull, Mikita, Pit Martin, Bryan Campbell, Pappin, Chico maki, Nesterenko, Koroll, Lou Angoiti,G Pinder and a defense made up of only Magnuson as a "return fire" guy with Danny Maloney up front.

I am pretty sure it was Sunday, maybe November /December about 15 home games in.

The anticiaption was building just like when Ranger's Rempe hasn't been sent out to stir the pot...the hit the ice as a defensive pair #22 N #23 (I believe).
The place went crazy and it didn't take long fpr them to find partners and plummet them. I honest cannot recall the anversaries b/c the entire thing was crazy exciting and when you see your team "go hunting" back them you just loved it.

Foley wasn't an NHL skater, really but he is bigger and nasty than Gerry Korab.

That was a blast from the past! Thx

I believe that if KFC drafts Levshunov at#2, he is going to draft forward from then on and one goalie. We have a glut of defensemen now.
- bjphawkfan

There will be plnety options.

For Bedard i have #50 being his former linemate, Tanner Howe.

If they indeed go defenseman at #2,

Hage would be a dream at #18 for me, and

#34 is one too difficult to project because it will be / could be the best forward with size slipping through.

If they wanna make a longer term project pick at forward in nthe same way the 3rd 2022 first rounder was swing at Samuel Rinzel, who they knew would need some tine. They may feel a kid is scratching the surface and only can go upward...even a Dean Letourneau, Emil Hemming, or Someone lead balloon (Maybe Connelly is off 60% of the team lists as a first rounder?)
Or Cole Beaudoin who is a great kid, hockey player but clearly is a 3rd line / 4th centre who takes charge of pinning the ememy attack away from his defensive end.
Beaudoin and Carson Wetsch were Canada's international junior circuit.
(I don't recall the other wingerbut they stifiled the opponents.)

The first couple times I have the Ranger's Lurch Matt Rempe swooping in for the hit, and the Ranger fan base excited from the minute he hits the ice in a shift all I could think about is how similar it was in the Stadium when after the Balckhawks management felt the team was being pushed around, that they announced the call-up on Korab and Foley. This was the infancy of the "bully era" to the sport. and the hawks team of Hull, Hull, Mikita, Pit Martin, Bryan Campbell, Pappin, Chico maki, Nesterenko, Koroll, Lou Angoiti,G Pinder and a defense made up of only Magnuson as a "return fire" guy with Danny Maloney up front.

I am pretty sure it was Sunday, maybe November /December about 15 home games in.

The anticiaption was building just like when Ranger's Rempe hasn't been sent out to stir the pot...the hit the ice as a defensive pair #22 N #23 (I believe).
The place went crazy and it didn't take long fpr them to find partners and plummet them. I honest cannot recall the anversaries b/c the entire thing was crazy exciting and when you see your team "go hunting" back them you just loved it.

Foley wasn't an NHL skater, really but he is bigger and nasty than Gerry Korab.

That was a blast from the past! Thx
- wiz1901

Wiz, I remember the first time I saw Korab. It was Boston in town and there was a bench clearing brawl. Korab stayed on the bench until Billy Reay nodded and he walked down to the end of the hawks bench where Ray Mckay was going with Turk Sanderson. Korab picked up Sanderson by the hair so Spider Man McKay could get some licks in for a bit. Foley was like sasquatch huge. Quite a pair when they came up from the Portland Buckaroos (I think that was the name). Long time ago, but I'll never forget a guy getting lifted up by the hair. And I was real close to the action.

The 18th pick isn't sniffing the NHL for at least 2 seasons,more likely even 3.
As for the Hayes,Greene,Savioe,Dach,Lardis,Misiak etc.. group - the Blackhawks will be lucky if 2 of those guys turn into 3rd liners.

I still think if they believe Lindstrom or Demidov are the bpa - they should draft them. Don't want them to draft Levshunov because he is a RHD, they had 3LHD in their top 4 during the Cup years and did just fine.
- captainserious

I think Hayes is going to be a north south Patrick sharp type player good for 20-25 and maybe hitting north of 30 once. I think hell make the team this year but not necessarily bang in 20.

If they get Hage - that may be a one year in the NCAA then into the NHL type player.

Thats why you throw 14 darts or whatever. Not everyone is going to make it but if 2 of that group you listed do - then I think that is a pretty good outcome.

The 18th pick isn't sniffing the NHL for at least 2 seasons,more likely even 3.
As for the Hayes,Greene,Savioe,Dach,Lardis,Misiak etc.. group - the Blackhawks will be lucky if 2 of those guys turn into 3rd liners.

I still think if they believe Lindstrom or Demidov are the bpa - they should draft them. Don't want them to draft Levshunov because he is a RHD, they had 3LHD in their top 4 during the Cup years and did just fine.
- captainserious

imo dach if he stay healthy. Green lundwiski and savoie will make it as bottom 6 playersdefense delmastro rizal Kaiser didn't mention Moore because I think he is a lock and Nazar also is a lock.

You know since there's not much hockey to watch, i watched the frozen 4 again, Aiden Thompson is tenacious.

Buium looks like a very nice hockey player, 2 concerns, great edgework for sure, the 3 times he was checked in the BU game he didn't handle it well, not once was checked vs BC. Hard to tell how good he really is defensively since the forwards did a great job of getting back and helping out.

Watching a couple of Minnesota Gophers games, the entire team looks confused on the ice, really don't know if that's the best development path for Moore and Rinzel.

I believe that if KFC drafts Levshunov at#2, he is going to draft forward from then on and one goalie. We have a glut of defensemen now.
- bjphawkfan

Possibly. But if there’s another RHD at #18 that KD likes then it’s worth a shot. I’d prefer 2 forwards and 2 defensemen with he Hawks first and second round picks.

It looks like the Jackets are working on a Laine trade. I could see him going to Montreal (if they can make it work cap-wise) or Utah. I just hope KD stays away from Laine.

It looks like the Jackets are working on a Laine trade. I could see him going to Montreal (if they can make it work cap-wise) or Utah. I just hope KD stays away from Laine.
- DarthKane

Yep, that guy's a turd.

Yep, that guy's a turd.
- mohel

Yeah but he’d make the team’s Fortnite club just great.