When you are one of two finalists for the Conn Smythe and you allow one goal in Game 7 of the final and your team wins Game 7 and you don't win the Conn Smythe....this is why the NHL cannot have nice things.
- 35Tony0

I agree - game 1 sealed the Conn Smythe trophy for me. If Bob didn't perform the way he did in game 1 that series would have been over much sooner.

When you are one of two finalists for the Conn Smythe and you allow one goal in Game 7 of the final and your team wins Game 7 and you don't win the Conn Smythe....this is why the NHL cannot have nice things.
- 35Tony0

Not that McDavid didn't play well but it felt like some weird consolation prize. Agree, it should've gone to Bob.

Those Canadian fans really want Demidov..............
- vabeachbear

If Montreal really wants Demidov then it's going to have to be an offer Davidson cannot refuse. It would have to be a massive offer. What that would entail is anybodies guess.

Some morning rumblings in The Athletic from Powers and Lazarus on what they're "hearing"...

From what we’ve heard from league sources, it doesn’t sound like the Blackhawks are sold enough on Martin Necas to 1. consider an offer sheet and 2. consider acquiring him and then signing him to a lucrative long-term deal. The Blackhawks are going to be really selective, especially outside their own prospect pool, on whom they add to the long-term rebuild.

The Blackhawks are intrigued by Necas, but the Carolina Hurricanes aren’t in the market for picks and prospects. The Hurricanes, with newly installed general manager Eric Tulsky in charge, would strongly prefer NHL-ready talent in exchange for Necas. The 25-year-old was reportedly frustrated with his usage in Carolina, particularly his inability to gain traction on the top line and the top power-play unit, but he scored 52 goals over the last two seasons. He’s been a significant player for the Hurricanes. Chicago doesn’t exactly have a lot of win-now talent to spare, so Carolina would have to be quite underwhelmed by the other offers out there to start seriously considering a pick-heavy package from the Blackhawks. It’s not inconceivable, but it’s a longer shot.

McJesus and Bob were excellent. I thought Barkov was the best player in the series - it's a joy to watch that guy.

This was also in their column...

One player who was with the Hurricanes last season and could end up with the Blackhawks is Teuvo Teravainen. We’ll see what other offers he has on the table, but it does sound like Teravainen could be open to returning to Chicago.

When you are one of two finalists for the Conn Smythe and you allow one goal in Game 7 of the final and your team wins Game 7 and you don't win the Conn Smythe....this is why the NHL cannot have nice things.
- 35Tony0

So you’re judging the MVP on a goalie who stood on his head in game one had two solid games and a great game but had three shaky outings in games four five and six versus a guy who had the most playoff production in over three decades? Bobrovski deserved consideration no doubt, but McDavid had an incredible playoff.

If Montreal really wants Demidov then it's going to have to be an offer Davidson cannot refuse. It would have to be a massive offer. What that would entail is anybodies guess.
- Scott1977

Both of their first round picks this draft plus a top prospect. If it’s too rich for their blood then KD keeps the pick.

McJesus and Bob were excellent. I thought Barkov was the best player in the series - it's a joy to watch that guy.
- mohel

He's ok. Was also a number 2 OA pick in his draft year. 🤔

As for McDavid, he is a gifted hockey player to say the least. I trust he will use this to help motivate his team to take the final step and win the Cup. This award simply has got to really suck for him.

Some morning rumblings in The Athletic from Powers and Lazarus on what they're "hearing"...

From what we’ve heard from league sources, it doesn’t sound like the Blackhawks are sold enough on Martin Necas to 1. consider an offer sheet and 2. consider acquiring him and then signing him to a lucrative long-term deal. The Blackhawks are going to be really selective, especially outside their own prospect pool, on whom they add to the long-term rebuild.

The Blackhawks are intrigued by Necas, but the Carolina Hurricanes aren’t in the market for picks and prospects. The Hurricanes, with newly installed general manager Eric Tulsky in charge, would strongly prefer NHL-ready talent in exchange for Necas. The 25-year-old was reportedly frustrated with his usage in Carolina, particularly his inability to gain traction on the top line and the top power-play unit, but he scored 52 goals over the last two seasons. He’s been a significant player for the Hurricanes. Chicago doesn’t exactly have a lot of win-now talent to spare, so Carolina would have to be quite underwhelmed by the other offers out there to start seriously considering a pick-heavy package from the Blackhawks. It’s not inconceivable, but it’s a longer shot.
- HawkintheD

I’d be wary of guys who want out of their teams, especially guys who feel they were slighted because other players or prospects outperformed them. What happens if Necas is acquired and Moore and Nazar prove themselves and get the prime playing time! Well we know, Necas will want out again. It’s probably just as well Chicago doesn’t have what Carolina needs.

So you’re judging the MVP on a goalie who stood on his head in game one had two solid games and a great game but had three shaky outings in games four five and six versus a guy who had the most playoff production in over three decades? Bobrovski deserved consideration no doubt, but McDavid had an incredible playoff.
- paulr

Yes.

(Would also have been very happy with Barkov winning the Smythe).

McJesus and Bob were excellent. I thought Barkov was the best player in the series - it's a joy to watch that guy.
- mohel

Gretzky called him the best two way forward he’s seen since Bryan Trottier. Barkov is an absolute beast.

Both of their first round picks this draft plus a top prospect. If it’s too rich for their blood then KD keeps the pick.
- paulr

Unless Kent Hughes is playing poker, I read he will probably stand pat and hope a forward is available at #5. He prefers Dedimov, but may take Lindstrom. If they are both gone he may trade down, pick up an asset, then take one of the other available forwards (Iginla, Catton, Sennecke, Helenius, etc).

Yes.

(Would also have been very happy with Barkov winning the Smythe).
- 35Tony0

I love Barkov’s game but lots of guys had great playoffs, it’s hard to be critical of McDavid winning it, especially considering his production.

He's ok. Was also a number 2 OA pick in his draft year. 🤔
- HawkintheD

Our #2 will be more like, well, #2. Good things never happen to the Hawks....

I have a feeling KD will make a move today.

Not that McDavid didn't play well but it felt like some weird consolation prize. Agree, it should've gone to Bob.
- HawkintheD

I haven't read around today but I'm wondering if there is speculation that one of the greatest players ever might not win a cup and as a hedge to that he was given the Conn Smythe so fans 50 yrs from now will read he was so good he won MVP and was on the losing team?

FLA won the cup and wouldn't have without Bob.

Unless Kent Hughes is playing poker, I read he will probably stand pat and hope a forward is available at #5. He prefers Dedimov, but may take Lindstrom. If they are both gone he may trade down, pick up an asset, then take one of the other available forwards (Iginla, Catton, Sennecke, Helenius, etc).
- boilermaker100

Montreal have lots of good prospects and young NHL players, they have balance between forwards and defenders. Lots of skill, lots of size, lots of guys who compete. What I don’t see is that game breaker type. If they covet Demidov then maybe Hughes has to engage his best river boat gambler. But if he’s willing to give up so much KD also has to reevaluate to make sure he’s not under estimating Demidov.

McJesus and Bob were excellent. I thought Barkov was the best player in the series - it's a joy to watch that guy.
- mohel

It's a joy to watch hockey played properly and when that is done by a really skilled big centerman who can skate especially so... Really nice to see a guy like that win a cup.

Montreal have lots of good prospects and young NHL players, they have balance between forwards and defenders. Lots of skill, lots of size, lots of guys who compete. What I don’t see is that game breaker type. If they covet Demidov then maybe Hughes has to engage his best river boat gambler. But if he’s willing to give up so much KD also has to reevaluate to make sure he’s not under estimating Demidov.
- paulr

Maybe, we'll know in a few days. At a minimum I would want back #5 and, like you said a top prospect, maybe Beck or Roy. Since they are both forwards, KD can select a D at #5, Buium or D!ckinson for example. Or maybe Lev is still there?

If KD can get another pick out of the deal that would even better. If it's another first I would prefer one of the two 2025 1st Montreal has. I doubt if either the Habs or Flames make the playoffs next year so one of them should be in the top 16.

Unless Kent Hughes is playing poker, I read he will probably stand pat and hope a forward is available at #5. He prefers Dedimov, but may take Lindstrom. If they are both gone he may trade down, pick up an asset, then take one of the other available forwards (Iginla, Catton, Sennecke, Helenius, etc).
- boilermaker100

Yeah I think the projected difference between those forwards is so unknown that teams likely don’t sacrifice other assets to get their guy. It’s still not out of the realm of possibility that the Hawks take an Iginla, Lindstrom, Catton, etc.
crazier things have happened. Remember when Arizona took Hayton way too early? Or everyone opening their program to see who the heck Morris Seider was. Shane Wright slipping to 4 was not predicted. Montreal taking Reinbacher at 5 when Michkov and other studs were on the board was wild. Maybe the Hawks have been broadcasting Levshunov or Demidov to field trade offers, knowing that Iginla or Catton would be there at 4/5. Can’t wait for the draft.

Segue to Tallon’s time in Florida.
Talk about tanking …..that year Tallon almost disbanded his entire roster of then went on a free agent spending spree. I kind of felt like Tallon snubbed his nose at the Blackhawks or whomever he felt blamed him for the reported late fax and screwing up the salary cap……he may not even intentionally meant to show he knew how to run the operation but well he kind of showed he was no dumb cookie……he pulled it off and rebuilt Florida’s roster. Probably was paid quite well in Florida and got to check out some nice golf courses too! Although he lost the opportunity to speed around in Bufuglien’s eye catching car singing I can’t drive 55.
- jhawk59

No he didn't. Some advanced fancy stat clown got hired and he was the one who responsible for making the call to dump guys based on stats. When that blew up in Florida's face they had Tallon start to rebuild. "They got rid of everybody" was his quote at the time.

New blog

He's ok. Was also a number 2 OA pick in his draft year. 🤔
- HawkintheD

Barkov is the type of player that you win with, good size, can skate, good hands, and 200’ game, those my friend are hard to find. The Hawks had Toews and Bolland up the middle, and Bolland played bigger than his actual size. The Hawks need a good all around big center, which in this draft it’s Lindstrom, but it really depends on his back and medical report. Many are saying that it’s either Demidov and Lesgunov, but if Lindstrom’s health checks out, he’ll be in the discussions as well.