Why do i have this weird feeling in my gut that the Hawks are taking Levshunov and the board is going to go into instant panic mode
- vabeachbear

Im happy either way Levshunov or Demidov. Montreal seems rather interested in Demidov maybe Hughes makes KD an offer he can't refuse. Gonna be a fun day!

Im happy either way Levshunov or Demidov. Montreal seems rather interested in Demidov maybe Hughes makes KD an offer he can't refuse. Gonna be a fun day!
- SaskHawkFan

If the Blackhawks draft Demidov I'll be really really impressed with the orgs ability to keep things quiet.

Read the same piece and thought the very same thing. Henrique is 34 yrs old so he can't think he'll get a 5 yr deal. You can probably get him on a 2 yr deal with an overpay.

Add 29 yr old TT too and your top 6 wouldn't be the laughing stock it currently is.

I'd sniff around 27 yr old Debrusk.

Sprong? The best shot in the league you've never heard of.

Olofsson at 27 might take an overpay prove it contract after a horrid yr?
- Mr Ricochet

Hadn't really considered Olofsson but the other guys definitely. Sprong played well for both the Kraken and the Wings wouldn't be a bad consolation if TT or Debrusk aren't in the cards.

Provided Hall could stay healthy, a line of him, 98 and Teravainen would be fun to watch.

Another guy I was thinking was Arvidsson. Was always a pain in the arse when he was a Pred. Was a little wrecking ball with some skill.

Have changed my mind - I think they should take Demidov and deal with defence later in the draft. And I think there might be a link somehow between Agent Milstein and the Mikheyev trade and a Demidov selection. If the kid is Pavel Bure like electric as some have said, take him.

But if the Habs offered their #5 and one of their previously drafted good young kids or #5 and #26 for #2 would you do it?
- RickJ

Bure had blazing speed IIRC and Demidov does not. I've been reading writers compare Demidov to Bure lately but I don't see it other than to say both are dynamic/electric. ....He is so much like Datsyuk to me. Shifty man, elusive, power in his stride, big motor, will fight for the damn puck and just ridiculous maniacal hands with eyes in the back of his head.

I'm probably too conservative with that #2. IMO this is a foundational piece and although I very much like the top 7-8 players I like the idea of counting on the organIzation to make the right choice at #2. .... No, I hold that #2.

If the Blackhawks draft Demidov I'll be really really impressed with the orgs ability to keep things quiet.
- BetweenTheDots

Im just happy its KD making the pick. if it were Stan i would be much more nervous.

Have changed my mind - I think they should take Demidov and deal with defence later in the draft.

But if the Habs offered their #5 and one of their previously drafted good young kids or #5 and #26 for #2 would you do it?
- RickJ

Per pick valuation charts, #2 pick is worth their first 4 picks combined. Personally, I’m in if it’s #5 and Reingarten (RD) or #5, #26, and Tuch (power forward)

If the Blackhawks draft Demidov I'll be really really impressed with the orgs ability to keep things quiet.
- BetweenTheDots

You mean the 500 articles in the last month that have said it is either him or Levshunov?

You mean the 500 articles in the last month that have said it is either him or Levshunov?
- Chunk

Do you think they are going to draft Demidov? I don't

Vegas believes it more as well, the odds have gone to -500

Hadn't really considered Olofsson but the other guys definitely. Sprong played well for both the Kraken and the Wings wouldn't be a bad consolation if TT or Debrusk aren't in the cards.

Provided Hall could stay healthy, a line of him, 98 and Teravainen would be fun to watch.

Another guy I was thinking was Arvidsson. Was always a pain in the arse when he was a Pred. Was a little wrecking ball with some skill.
- HawkintheD

I was hoping for 2 of - Mittlestadt(resigned with Col if I'm not mistaken),Marchessault,DeBrusk,Arvidsson,Teravainen,,Henrique.
A nice combo of 1 guy for 2 years and extra$$$ and then you can throw a longer term deal at either DeBrusk or Mittelstadt since they are 26/27 years old.

What i think;

Leshunov - Hage

What I want;

Demidov - Jiricek

Do you think they are going to draft Demidov? I don't

Vegas believes it more as well, the odds have gone to -500
- BetweenTheDots

No idea, but it's not really a secret that they have a lot of interest in him. That's not really keeping things quiet.

I'd still love that proposed #18/Reichel/Murphy trade:


The Winnipeg Jets are getting calls on Rutger McGroarty and they could be looking for a draft pick, maybe a prospect or a young player. Teams are calling about Nikolaj Ehlers. The Jets are still trying to re-sign Sean Monahan.

No idea, but it's not really a secret that they have a lot of interest in him. That's not really keeping things quiet.
- Chunk

You answered my question.

You answered my question.
- BetweenTheDots

So because there is a poop ton of uncertainty in a draft, that means the Hawks have kept a lid on who they are interested in despite widespread reporting that it is between two players and if they choose one of those two players then they have done a great job of hiding their intentions?

Longest dogpoop run-on sentence I've ever written, but I think it gets my point across.

What are you trying to actually say?

I'd still love that proposed #18/Reichel/Murphy trade:


The Winnipeg Jets are getting calls on Rutger McGroarty and they could be looking for a draft pick, maybe a prospect or a young player. Teams are calling about Nikolaj Ehlers. The Jets are still trying to re-sign Sean Monahan.
- Chunk

You're trading for the rights to sign him. Hawks should offer up a 2nd (#50) and Philips. Jets can take it or leave it.

Im leaning towards the Hawks picking Demidov. If KD want's Defense he can trade down to #5 and get a DMan.

So because there is a poop ton of uncertainty in a draft, that means the Hawks have kept a lid on who they are interested in despite widespread reporting that it is between two players and if they choose one of those two players then they have done a great job of hiding their intentions?

Longest dogpoop run-on sentence I've ever written, but I think it gets my point across.

What are you trying to actually say?
- Chunk

No what I'm saying is they all believe the Blackhawks are drafting Levshunov. Even Vegas does. I'm sure even you do but for argument sake you say i have no idea. Well you are one of the few people that don't think the Blackhawks are going to draft Levshunov.

No what I'm saying is they all believe the Blackhawks are drafting Levshunov. Even Vegas does. I'm sure even you do but for argument sake you say i have no idea. Well you are one of the few people that don't think the Blackhawks are going to draft Levshunov.
- BetweenTheDots

No, say I have no idea, because all I have is projection from the reporters. If the Hawks pick Demidov, there is almost no surprise as the discussion has been between him and Levshunov ever since the Hawks secured #2.

The Hawks picking Yakemchuk at #2 would show how well they can keep a lid on something.

Im leaning towards the Hawks picking Demidov. If KD want's Defense he can trade down to #5 and get a DMan.
- SaskHawkFan

If Levshunov is in fact projected as top pairing defenseman the Hawks really have no choice but to select him. But there is now conflicting opinion on who the best defenseman even is. A number of prognosticators are now saying Buium is the best defenseman in the draft. I’m one of the few who isn’t picking who I like best, I’d probably lean to Lindstrom, the big fast skating, skilled forward who can play a skill or physical game and is as happy going through a defender as he is going around him. I think KD goes with Levshunov because many believe his future is as a top pairing defenseman. Demigod, as I’ve read him being called, is intriguing but if two guys are equal in ability then you choose a defenseman over a winger every day of the week, especially if you need one.

No, say I have no idea, because all I have is projection from the reporters. If the Hawks pick Demidov, there is almost no surprise as the discussion has been between him and Levshunov ever since the Hawks secured #2.

The Hawks picking Yakemchuk at #2 would show how well they can keep a lid on something.
- Chunk

Well, i think others understand what I'm trying to say, you just don't and that's cool

I for one will be surprised if they draft Demidov

It's funny to, if not drafted by the Blackhawks many mocks have him going maybe 4th but definetly 5th.

If Levshunov is in fact projected as top pairing defenseman the Hawks really have no choice but to select him. But there is now conflicting opinion on who the best defenseman even is. A number of prognosticators are now saying Buium is the best defenseman in the draft. I’m one of the few who isn’t picking who I like best, I’d probably lean to Lindstrom, the big fast skating, skilled forward who can play a skill or physical game and is as happy going through a defender as he is going around him. I think KD goes with Levshunov because many believe his future is as a top pairing defenseman. Demigod, as I’ve read him being called, is intriguing but if two guys are equal in ability then you choose a defenseman over a winger every day of the week, especially if you need one.
- paulr

Personally I'd prefer Silayev but what do i know i can type names into you tube. The only real concern for Buium is how slow is he when he skates backwards? It was hard to gauge because of how the forwards played 200 feet.

Well, i think others understand what I'm trying to say, you just don't and that's cool

I for one will be surprised if they draft Demidov

It's funny to, if not drafted by the Blackhawks many mocks have him going maybe 4th but definetly 5th.
- BetweenTheDots

Pronman today has him going ninth today to the Flames in his final mock.

Personally I'd prefer Silayev but what do i know i can type names into you tube. The only real concern for Buium is how slow is he when he skates backwards? It was hard to gauge because of how the forwards played 200 feet.
- BetweenTheDots

Silayev sounds intriguing too as does D!ckinson. I really don’t have enough knowledge of most of these guys having never seen most of them play live. That’s why I have to trust KD and the scouting work done by the Hawks. I’m good with whoever they choose.

Silayev sounds intriguing too as does D!ckinson. I really don’t have enough knowledge of most of these guys having never seen most of them play live. That’s why I have to trust KD and the scouting work done by the Hawks. I’m good with whoever they choose.
- paulr

I agree, not only that they meet with everyone that knows them and can gather info about their desire to play hockey and become better pros and if they love to play or play because they are talented and can get paid

Silayev sounds intriguing too as does D!ckinson. I really don’t have enough knowledge of most of these guys having never seen most of them play live. That’s why I have to trust KD and the scouting work done by the Hawks. I’m good with whoever they choose.
- paulr

What kind of nonsense is this???

You’ll be completely apoplectic over the pick, throwing things at the tv and cursing so loudly people can hear you from inside your home over a block away.

Now get on board and like it Chief!