Zach Jarom: Draft and Free Agency Talk With Ben Pope

Numero UNO!

Dos, as in the 2nd pick. Thinking any comfort with Demidov could be enough to turn the tables.

I was sure the Hawks were going to select Lindstrom because of the whole package, skating, shot, size, mean streak but after watching the various prospects at the Combine Levshunov was invited to dinner by Chicago and Lindstrom wasn’t. That suggests more of an interest in Levshunov. My guess is Davidson and staff will be all over Demidov and Silayev when they are available in Florida. So I suspect it’s one of those three.

Dos, as in the 2nd pick. Thinking any comfort with Demidov could be enough to turn the tables.
- RaleighHawk

Demidov has the higher ceiling, but Levshunov has the higher floor. KD has a tough decision on his hands.

Guentzel appears deadset on getting the best offer he can in UFA. Unless CHI is way overpaying in the short term, I would be very surprised if he signed a short term deal.

I was sure the Hawks were going to select Lindstrom because of the whole package, skating, shot, size, mean streak but after watching the various prospects at the Combine Levshunov was invited to dinner by Chicago and Lindstrom wasn’t. That suggests more of an interest in Levshunov. My guess is Davidson and staff will be all over Demidov and Silayev when they are available in Florida. So I suspect it’s one of those three.
- paulr

The more I looked in to Lindstrom the more I really started to like this kid. type of player that will be needed to get added to this roster soon. I think Silayev is out since hes a lefty which isnt a need for the Hawks right now but that is purely speculation on my part

Demidov has the higher ceiling, but Levshunov has the higher floor. KD has a tough decision on his hands.
- DarthKane

a ceiling is higher than a floor except possibly when it comes to Blackhawks decision making, eh

Let me say this instead: Caufield likely better player & career than whomever KD selects #2

a ceiling is higher than a floor except possibly when it comes to Blackhawks decision making, eh

Let me say this instead: Caufield likely better player & career than whomever KD selects #2
- jhawk59

via GIPHY

I just read a review on Alfons Freij. This kid sounds like the second coming of Duncan Keith. Not physical but uses his stick well. Is always in good position and knows how to get between the puck and his opponent.

The Scott Powers interview with Demidov is up at the athletic.

The kid answered questions in English,he's still learning and had his interpreter with him.
Ankle injury,not skating now,should be back on the ice in 2 weeks.
Didn't deny or confirm coming to the NHL,he basically said we'll see what happens.
Said he wants to get more explosive.
He did 3 or 4 interviews in English before the Powers interview,so it looks like he is making an effort to learn English(started with a tutor/teacher about a year ago).

The Scott Powers interview with Demidov is up at the athletic.

The kid answered questions in English,he's still learning and had his interpreter with him.
Ankle injury,not skating now,should be back on the ice in 2 weeks.
Didn't deny or confirm coming to the NHL,he basically said we'll see what happens.
Said he wants to get more explosive.
He did 3 or 4 interviews in English before the Powers interview,so it looks like he is making an effort to learn English(started with a tutor/teacher about a year ago).
- captainserious

Hmmm...

So, does KFC want to win, or just stroke his ego? Who among the veteran free agents is better than what Kane would bring to the line-up? I am not saying sign him to whatever he wants; just have the conversation. Chances are he wants to play where he has a shot at the cup because he lives for the playoffs. To be honest, it would be more enjoyable if Patty Kane told him to F off.

Hmmm...
- mohel

Just so it doesn't sound like he said NO...here is the exact quote

I’m sure the big question you’ll get this week from NHL teams is how long until you come to North America. What are you going to tell them this week?

(Demidov asks his interpreter a question.) Yeah, I think it’s only a time. I really don’t know. (Demidov talks again with his interpreter. The interpreter says, “We’ll see what happens.”) Yeah, we’ll see what happens.



So he basically said something along the lines of it is a matter of time,but I'm not saying yay or nay to next year
Sort of sounds like he was told not to go too much into detail about answering such a question

Just so it doesn't sound like he said NO...here is the exact quote

I’m sure the big question you’ll get this week from NHL teams is how long until you come to North America. What are you going to tell them this week?

(Demidov asks his interpreter a question.) Yeah, I think it’s only a time. I really don’t know. (Demidov talks again with his interpreter. The interpreter says, “We’ll see what happens.”) Yeah, we’ll see what happens.



So he basically said something along the lines of it is a matter of time,but I'm not saying yay or nay to next year
- captainserious

I suspect his answer to NHL GMs will be a little more clear.

Demidov has the higher ceiling, but Levshunov has the higher floor. KD has a tough decision on his hands.
- DarthKane

Yep, and Levshunov plays a premium position, is a right shot, has size and can skate. I think it really is this simple and near impossible to pass on.......This is why I thought all along they were going with the Belarusian although I have it ranked Celebrini, Demidov, Buium.

I have a feeling we're gonna see Buium go higher than most any thought. What this kid showed in the NCAA after coming outa The Program was simply spectacular in so many ways. .. Kid. Makes. Plays!!

So, does KFC want to win, or just stroke his ego? Who among the veteran free agents is better than what Kane would bring to the line-up? I am not saying sign him to whatever he wants; just have the conversation. Chances are he wants to play where he has a shot at the cup because he lives for the playoffs. To be honest, it would be more enjoyable if Patty Kane told him to F off.
- bjphawkfan

Patty Kane knows exactly what the situation is, what it was when they traded him, and what it was going to be in the future.

He was never coming back, nor was Toews, nor was anyone else who was on the team players or coaches when Beach was here.

Management made a decision it was the best way to move forward, and Rocky passing away made it easier to move on totally.

Kane could say he'd play for the league minimum, wouldn't matter. You can judge whether that's a good decision or not, but it is what it is.

Yep, and Levshunov plays a premium position, is a right shot, has size and can skate. I think it really is this simple and near impossible to pass on.......This is why I thought all along they were going with the Belarusian although I have it ranked Celebrini, Demidov, Buium.

I have a feeling we're gonna see Buium go higher than most any thought. What this kid showed in the NCAA after coming outa The Program was simply spectacular in so many ways. .. Kid. Makes. Plays!!
- Mr Ricochet

I'll be disappointed if they don't draft Demidov, if they don't and I'm disappointed, hopefully I'm wrong, and then i get a warm feeling in my belly later when they take that no skating, no edge using, goal machine Eiserman at 18

I suspect his answer to NHL GMs will be a little more clear.
- paulr

Probably right.
I'll assume his agent will be with him there and they'll tell the GMs exactly what their plan is

Sean Shapiro on today’s CHGO podcast:

“Dan Millstein basically said he’s going to play in the KHL next year. He’s got one more year on the deal but I honestly would be stunned if he doesn’t play NHL games for an NHL team at the end of next season.”


I'll go ahead and assume if they draft Levshunov or Demidov,we'll see them probably for the last 10 games(give or take) of next year's season?

The Scott Powers interview with Demidov is up at the athletic.

The kid answered questions in English,he's still learning and had his interpreter with him.
Ankle injury,not skating now,should be back on the ice in 2 weeks.
Didn't deny or confirm coming to the NHL,he basically said we'll see what happens.
Said he wants to get more explosive.
He did 3 or 4 interviews in English before the Powers interview,so it looks like he is making an effort to learn English(started with a tutor/teacher about a year ago).
- captainserious

Interesting, and that is from Powers. Bamford has quotes from a writer who interviewed Demidov's agent...... Par for the course to have two completely different things said coming outa Russia. Funk, but the kid has skills to crash thru the 100 pt mark.

“According to [agent Dan] Milstein there is no plan for Demidov to sign an extension in the KHL and he will be coming to North America at the completion of the 2024-25 KHL season.” So put those worries to bed. Again".

Some other good nuggets from the interview. I thought he injured his knee but it's his ankle. https://www.bleachernatio...edly-surprises-nhl-teams/

So does KD claim Barclay Goodrow? Or is he done?

Sean Shapiro on today’s CHGO podcast:

“Dan Millstein basically said he’s going to play in the KHL next year. He’s got one more year on the deal but I honestly would be stunned if he doesn’t play NHL games for an NHL team at the end of next season.”


I'll go ahead and assume if they draft Levshunov or Demidov,we'll see them probably for the last 10 games(give or take) of next year's season?
- captainserious

Capn, as far as Demidov is concerned he may come over in 10 months, 2 yrs or 5 yrs. He may get conscripted into the army. Add a maniac is runnin the joint and they're at war... This is Russia with corruption mandatory as a citizen. Assume nothing, zero, jack and you won't be disappointed.

This is why they're drafting Levshunov who just might be available after for the tail end of the season.

So does KD claim Barclay Goodrow? Or is he done?
- BetweenTheDots

I think KD passes. NY is looking to buy out Goodrow, he's not worth his cap hit (at least to the Rangers). If Chicago didn't have Foligno or D!ckinson then Goodrow may be worth a show. KD should set his sights higher than Goodrow.

Some more Demidov stuff -

Sean Shapiro on Demidov

• The reassurance of coming over changes things for the #Blackhawks   
• Dan Milstein says he will play in the KHL next year
• Shapiro will be surprised if he isn’t playing NHL games at the end of next year

(CHGO Blackhawks)


Milstein pushed back heavy against Demidov resigning in the KHL
• Plan is to sign at the end of his KHL contract
• Russian factor disappears “within 10 seconds of meeting Demidov”
• Equation for #Blackhawks    changes knowing both their options can play next year



Not sure how much this changes anything for the Blackhawks.
Maybe they have Levshunov as the best player available and none of this matters?