It seems like a lot of “experts” have jumped on the Demidov bandwagon. Other experts are pushing a few of the other defensemen instead of Levshunov. Burton compares Demidov to Kucherov.

I was a Levshunov backer. But I have jumped on the Demidov bandwagon.

I think there will be a very good option at 18.

I hope KD swings for the fences instead of settling for safe.

this website is like a political poll of polls and takes many polls and comes up with "consensus" rankings.

They have Demidov as #2, but what intrigues me is they have Liam Greentree as the #18 pick, ahead of what I read on this blog as who is liked at #18 Connelly, Hage, Boisvert.

I guess his skating needs work, but for those that see a lot of the OHL, what don't you like about him?

https://www.hockeypipeline.com/consensus-rankings

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

Pronman sucks. Tony Ferrari 👍🏻

What i think;

Leshunov - Hage

What I want;

Demidov - Jiricek
- vabeachbear

Same!

Oh what the hell? About 9.5 hours before KFC is on the clock and what do we hear? Crickets!

Someone yank that man out of the casino and let's start moving some assets!

It seems like a lot of “experts” have jumped on the Demidov bandwagon. Other experts are pushing a few of the other defensemen instead of Levshunov. Burton compares Demidov to Kucherov.

I was a Levshunov backer. But I have jumped on the Demidov bandwagon.

I think there will be a very good option at 18.

I hope KD swings for the fences instead of settling for safe.
- Ztra

That’s right, I agree with your assessment Leveshunov is not good enough or worthy #3 overall. Take the risk with Demidov and his knees pose later on.

Team needs to add a dynamic talent at forward position. And I would actually overpay to get Utah #6 or the 10th - 13h overall. I want either Eiserman or Silayev if they aren’t scooped up. Silayev in particular would be someone who we badly need should he even come close to filling his potential

Demidov along with certain other forwards we have drafted won’t likely impact until after next season so let’s hope KD acquires someone at minimum for next season who can provide some offensive contribution[/img]

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
- BetweenTheDots

It’s funny you say that, I was thinking something similar the other day, some players live and breath the sport, like Patrick Kane. They’ll probably have to drag him away from hockey kicking and screaming. Then you have the mercenaries like Pierre Luc Dubois who are seemingly only in it for a pay day and aren’t willing to put in a 100% effort every game even though they have the talent. Then you have the anomaly, a guy who doesn’t have the most talent, doesn’t have an absolute love of the sport where he lives and breathes it yet puts in 100% effort into the talent he has and rises above his skill level because he’s such a competitive person but is seemingly just as happy to walk away and pursue his next endeavour. And you have Jonathan Toews a guy who has many interests, a pretty bright guy who’s ready for a new challenge and can put a sport he’s worked at for so long behind him.

Pronman sucks. Tony Ferrari 👍🏻
- Assman22

Don’t disagree. I see Ferrari has them taking Demidov at 2 and Jiricek at 18. Would work for me.

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!
- HawkintheD

And what’s worse I’ll call anyone who KD selects but who I didn’t choose a bust.

Found this out there. Philly wants to move up to #4, but Waddell turned down the offer. Too bad the trade didn't go through I'm sure Philly wants Dedimov to skate with Michov. Montreal covets him too and could have then contacted KD about a #5 for #2 trade to leap frog the Flers.


Pierre LeBrun of TSN is reporting that the Philadelphia Flyers made a big push to try and acquire the fourth-round pick in this year’s NHL entry draft from the Columbus Blue Jackets. LeBrun’s sources have told him the Philadelphia made the offer on Wednesday and it was reported to include a swap of first-round picks, a player off the Flyers roster, and potentially the Flyers first-round pick next year. According to reports, Blue Jackets’ general manager Don Waddell turned down the offer, but it remains possible that the teams re-engage in the hours leading up to the draft.

Draft is exciting, glad it's finally here. I can't wait to see which faces will be added to the pipeline.

I always remind myself that the rankings of the prospects aren't a prediction of draft order, because each team has their own method to the madness. 32 different teams will have 32 different opinions and priorities.

Not looking forward to the inevitable female dogging from part of the fanbase about who the Hawks "didn't" pick once they make their selection at #2. Whoever they pick will be who we get. I'm pretty confident we'll get a great building block to join the team in the next few years as it should be hard to miss with #2.

And what’s worse I’ll call anyone who KD selects but who I didn’t choose a bust.
- paulr

That's the spirit!

Draft is exciting, glad it's finally here. I can't wait to see which faces will be added to the pipeline.

I always remind myself that the rankings of the prospects aren't a prediction of draft order, because each team has their own method to the madness. 32 different teams will have 32 different opinions and priorities.

Not looking forward to the inevitable female dogging from part of the fanbase about who the Hawks "didn't" pick once they make their selection at #2. Whoever they pick will be who we get. I'm pretty confident we'll get a great building block to join the team in the next few years as it should be hard to miss with #2.
- breadbag

What kind of reasoned, measured response is this?

Happy Draft Day to everyone.

This should be the single most exciting day of the year for us Hawks fans, so let’s enjoy it regardless of what transpires.

Ultimately what I think it comes down to is whether the Hawks think they’ll be picking this high again. If not, you take the rarer/higher end talent which is Demidov.

Who I want the Hawks to take - Demidov (2); Eiserman (13) after a trade up with the Wild who are looking to move down.

Who I think the Hawks take - Levshunov (2); Solberg (18).

Rinzel is used as trade fodder to acquire McGroarty from the Jets.

Want:
2-Demidov
18-Hage or Connelly (just to piss Laz off)
34-Emery, Kleber or Elick

Think happens:
2-Levshunov
18-Jett Luchanko
34- Whoever else skates fast.

this website is like a political poll of polls and takes many polls and comes up with "consensus" rankings.

They have Demidov as #2, but what intrigues me is they have Liam Greentree as the #18 pick, ahead of what I read on this blog as who is liked at #18 Connelly, Hage, Boisvert.

I guess his skating needs work, but for those that see a lot of the OHL, what don't you like about him?

https://www.hockeypipeline.com/consensus-rankings
- LAHawk

Only saw him live or on TV once, he was a man against boys. Strong as an ox with a mean streak, he put the Generals and Ranger draft pick 6’7 220 lb Dylan Roobroeck on his ass with a huge hit then in the following scrum grabbed his throat, Roobroeck wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. He follows the play, he doesn’t really drive it. I didn’t think he was slow but he was definitely not fast. He had no problems playing in the tough areas, in corners in front of the net etc.. He put up almost a point and a half a game, a left shooting right wing means his stick is in the shooting lane. Can’t comment on his shot or defensive game. He grew up about a mile from where I live.

Happy Draft Day to everyone.

This should be the single most exciting day of the year for us Hawks fans, so let’s enjoy it regardless of what transpires.

Ultimately what I think it comes down to is whether the Hawks think they’ll be picking this high again. If not, you take the rarer/higher end talent which is Demidov.

Who I want the Hawks to take - Demidov (2); Eiserman (13) after a trade up with the Wild who are looking to move down.

Who I think the Hawks take - Levshunov (2); Solberg (18).

Rinzel is used as trade fodder to acquire McGroarty from the Jets.
- TommyHawk

I wouldn't trade Rinzel he's one of the few RD in the system and has more value IMO than Mcgroarty.

Want:
2-Demidov
18-Hage or Connelly (just to piss Laz off)
34-Emery, Kleber or Elick

Think happens:
2-Levshunov
18-Jett Luchanko
34- Whoever else skates fast.
- Black Raven

So funny.

Oh what the hell? About 9.5 hours before KFC is on the clock and what do we hear? Crickets!

Someone yank that man out of the casino and let's start moving some assets!
- Rota's Rooter

SHHHHH.....He is taking a nap. He needs all of his energy to go dumpster diving later on.

KD should just do what nobody expects and pick Demidov and Levshunov. I think if he just calls both names, and they both come up, the NHL will be too stunned to stop them. Just be like, we couldn't decide, so we take both guys.

KD should just do what nobody expects and pick Demidov and Levshunov. I think if he just calls both names, and they both come up, the NHL will be too stunned to stop them. Just be like, we couldn't decide, so we take both guys.
- breadbag

KD at the podium "With the #2 pick the Chicago Blackhawks are proud to select Artyom Dedimov, uh I mean Ivan Levshunov."

I wouldn't trade Rinzel he's one of the few RD in the system and has more value IMO than Mcgroarty.
- SaskHawkFan

Perhaps true. McGroarty is also likely NHL-ready whereas Rinzel is still probably 2 years away so the Hawks might want to break up all their young d-men like Levshunov (probably) and Del Mastro likely being ready to go options in 2025.

Want:
2-Demidov
18-Hage or Connelly (just to piss Laz off)
34-Emery, Kleber or Elick

Think happens:
2-Levshunov
18-Jett Luchanko
34- Whoever else skates fast.
- Black Raven

Or they draft Connelly and Buium.
I could hear the espn draft commentators: well,this is a bit odd

Round 1 tonight
2-7 tomorrow...right?

from @emilymkaplan on the #Blackhawks    approach in free agency

“(Kyle) Davidson said they are willing to give out contracts with term.”

https://www.espn.com/nhl/...-jake-guentzel-latest-nhl

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

Hopefully JJ is their source.