I',m with you on this, Lou. It's reasonable to think KD wants to make moves to strengthen the Big League roster but it has to fit his timeline which narrows the field.

But, he still make moves to help that don't fit the timeline cuz he has tons of prospects and draft capital to make a move that won't hurt his prospect pool.

Frost is interesting cuz he has size and IIRC plays center and the cost shouldn't be too high but as you say, how much does that move the needle?.......... One guy does though and that's Cozens.

Kid came up at 20 with a yr left of jrs eligiblity and did not look outa place putting up 13 in 41 then 38 in 79 in the Bigs and then popped for 31 goals and 68 in 81 as a 21 yr old!!!! https://www.eliteprospect...layer/286938/dylan-cozens

Kid is 6ft 3in 200 lbs, is a centerman, crushing in his WJC's for Canada, went 7th overall who fits the timeline nicely as he's 23 right now. He's locked up thru 29/30 at 7 mil per and looks to be a legit 2C who profiles to be in his prime in 2-3 yrs when Bedard has a few yrs NHL under his belt.

Cozens will cost and Adams is a goof trying to annihilate in every trade. Right shot D they need? Rinzel plus would be my guess or are you thinking Murphy plus plus big for immediate help for the BUF Big League roster?

Cozens for Rinzel and a 1st and 2nd? ....... I know you don't dig him Fatty and I don't see BUF like I did 2-3 yrs ago when I made it a priority but Cozens looked good and certainly not soft. He doesn't run people over but the big kid can really skate and played a north south get it going style and wasn't afraid of the slot.

His draft yr I thought he was too stiff to maybe reach the ceiling his skating, hands and solid IQ would allow. But he looks pretty damn good in the Bigs and at a damn young age. And he's a centerman. And he has size. And he's 23. And if he reaches 60-70 pts every yr until 29/30 you have a steal at 7 mil per!
- Mr Ricochet

I was thinking Murphy, Kurashev, and Toronto’s 1st, have to pay the price. He’s 23, can skate, has size( will probably be closer to 215 lbs. in a couple of years) and he does engage. The ideal move would be Jones as part of the package, however that doesn’t seem feasible due to his NMC.

Yea Chunk, the more Hawk fans see Levshunov they'll be moaning. Kid needs some work but what a package the kid is. Big kid can really move and is athletic but looks nothing like that.

He needs some time. Remember all of his advancement have been huge jumps. Low level Belarus jrs, to a different continent and the USHL to the NCAA to RKF all in 3 yrs!!.... Kid hasn't stayed more than a yr at any stop.

He has a chance to be beastly, a man child, but he's raw slotted this high with his background at his age. .... It's gonna be a lotta fun if both Levshunov and Rinzel hit and they've done nothing that says they won't. So far.
- Mr Ricochet

I cannot help but agree with you on this assertation that both Rinzel and Arty will work out. The earliest they skate in Chicago probably the season after next but either might get some looks before then. The timeline for Allen and Kaiser is now, and KK next season. Sure looks like DelMaestro and Crevier would be depth pieces and injury fill ins and Phillips I don’t think is going to push any of them out of the way

Two other points Mr Richochet to see KD hits on

The first is to draft a center and should take the first center either Hagens or Misa….either one would be ok with me. Neither would become the center on a line with Bedard. We need to insure we get one of those two centers so be willing to trade the Toronto first and even our first next year and or a prospect. Because we need a center.

Then there is an alternate plan totally if we wound up drafting Schaefer. KD would have to trade Vlasic straight up for a current NHl center of equal value that is comparable to the value Vlasic has. Oh and not Cozens.

I prefer to draft a center and not trade Vlasic

The third point to hit on, is to add not only the center from the 2025 draft, but also a large size power forward who is good along the boards. Now I like Vanaker and feel he is a solid add but he is not the largesse forward the team needs I don’t know who or when the large size forward with board game comes aboard nor do I have a clue if said player would come via trade, free agent or drafted

I cannot help but agree with you on this assertation that both Rinzel and Arty will work out. The earliest they skate in Chicago probably the season after next but either might get some looks before then. The timeline for Allen and Kaiser is now, and KK next season. Sure looks like DelMaestro and Crevier would be depth pieces and injury fill ins and Phillips I don’t think is going to push any of them out of the way

Two other points Mr Richochet to see KD hits on

The first is to draft a center and should take the first center either Hagens or Misa….either one would be ok with me. Neither would become the center on a line with Bedard. We need to insure we get one of those two centers so be willing to trade the Toronto first and even our first next year and or a prospect. Because we need a center.

Then there is an alternate plan totally if we wound up drafting Schaefer. KD would have to trade Vlasic straight up for a current NHl center of equal value that is comparable to the value Vlasic has. Oh and not Cozens.

I prefer to draft a center and not trade Vlasic

The third point to hit on, is to add not only the center from the 2025 draft, but also a large size power forward who is good along the boards. Now I like Vanaker and feel he is a solid add but he is not the largesse forward the team needs I don’t know who or when the large size forward with board game comes aboard nor do I have a clue if said player would come via trade, free agent or drafted
- jhawk59

Centers already in the system:
Nazar
Moore
Boisvert
Misiak
Ludwinski
Greene
James

Wingers that win board battles already in the system:
Dach
Spellacy
Pharand
Slaggert
Vanacker
Haven't seen Pridham play yet

They need players in the NHL.

You've indicated you're a Sox and Bears fan too so should've figured.

Of those three I still think the Hawks are possibly on the best path...mostly because I think as long as the McCaskey's are in charge they will keep getting it wrong.

The Blind Squirrel laughs at the McCaskey's,
- HawkintheD

Yes I work in Cybersecurity and Risk Management so it's always something burning down.

I think the McCaskey's have been better at trying to delegate to football people. It's just an issue of not hiring the right people which can be difficult in any job.

At this point you'd think they would bring in a new GM and Coach combo but who knows. The whole stadium thing is a mess as well.

No problema.

Just my two cents, but that MacIver comment should be taken in context. When he said it the staff was trying to figure out the top line combination, so Mac could have been thinking who the top goal scorers on the team were and putting them together.

Now the narrative is that MacIver was Nostradamus and knew this team was offensively challenged from the get go. Which, BTW, is true at this point of the season. But I remember many of us here saying the new guys and continued development of the younger players would result in dozens of more goals than last season. And likely the staff thought that also.
- boilermaker100

Pie in the sky was in the 220 range for this year's pace. They finished with 178 last year.

So like a 40 goal increase. Based on last year's numbers that would have them at about 5th worst.

2.39 GPG is where they are at right now which is 3rd worst so a little bit of a bump.

On pace for 220 would have them at 2.68 which would be about 25th right now or 7th worst.

If we account for Bedard not getting 35 (minus 10 from season total) and Kurashev and Mikehev being useless (minus 10 from total because I'm feeling generous)

That puts them at about 200 which is slightly better then what they are on pace for now which is 195 and change.

Like I said in the other post - if they thought Mikheyev was going to score 15 and that Kurashev would be around 15 or 20 then I think there's a problem with their ability to evaluate players.

Or that TT and Bertuzzi would be above their career averages on a significantly worse team.

I'm assuming these guys can do basic math and aren't so enamored with their line up that they wouldn't assume everyone has at or above a career year. That would be kinda nuts. Yay for being positive but probably not great for someone in that position.

Centers already in the system:
Nazar
Moore
Boisvert
Misiak
Ludwinski
Greene
James

Wingers that win board battles already in the system:
Dach
Spellacy
Pharand
Slaggert
Vanacker
Haven't seen Pridham play yet

They need players in the NHL.
- Chunk

Hopefully after the TDL, KD has shipped out Maroon, Smith, Donato possibly, and Anderson in the minors to make room for Dach Slaager, and Nazer to play in the big show, and possibly sign Greene and Moore and give them a couple of NHL games like they have done with college signees before.

Lots of beautiful places coast to coast. No different than your country. I’d love to visit Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Alaska. Been to and loved SanFrancisco and Hawaii. Been to Chicago many times, I love the city.
- paulr

Don't sleep on Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. That big hole in the ground is something else.

I have to say since Anders promotion Rockford has stunk.

Looks like Martinez could be out a little longer, we’ll see.

After missing time with an upper-body injury earlier this season, Blackhawks defenseman Alec Martinez is dealing with a recurrence of that injury, causing him to leave practice early today, relays Mark Lazerus of The Athletic.
- Angotti

Uh oh, Korchinski may get too much exposure to NHL play.

Curious to watch the game tonight and if they played an old and tired Rangers team or this brand of hockey is better for this team.

I have to say since Anders promotion Rockford has stunk.
- BetweenTheDots

In my opinion, yesterday's game was a tale of two goalies. IA's goalie stoned a number of really good Hog chances and Weeks looked like poop (I mentioned yesterday that he let up a 190' shot which was the 4th GA and the end of his night).

In my opinion, yesterday's game was a tale of two goalies. IA's goalie stoned a number of really good Hog chances and Weeks looked like poop (I mentioned yesterday that he let up a 190' shot which was the 4th GA and the end of his night).
- Chunk

Ouch, good to know

I',m with you on this, Lou. It's reasonable to think KD wants to make moves to strengthen the Big League roster but it has to fit his timeline which narrows the field.

But, he still make moves to help that don't fit the timeline cuz he has tons of prospects and draft capital to make a move that won't hurt his prospect pool.

Frost is interesting cuz he has size and IIRC plays center and the cost shouldn't be too high but as you say, how much does that move the needle?.......... One guy does though and that's Cozens.

Kid came up at 20 with a yr left of jrs eligiblity and did not look outa place putting up 13 in 41 then 38 in 79 in the Bigs and then popped for 31 goals and 68 in 81 as a 21 yr old!!!! https://www.eliteprospect...layer/286938/dylan-cozens

Kid is 6ft 3in 200 lbs, is a centerman, crushing in his WJC's for Canada, went 7th overall who fits the timeline nicely as he's 23 right now. He's locked up thru 29/30 at 7 mil per and looks to be a legit 2C who profiles to be in his prime in 2-3 yrs when Bedard has a few yrs NHL under his belt.

Cozens will cost and Adams is a goof trying to annihilate in every trade. Right shot D they need? Rinzel plus would be my guess or are you thinking Murphy plus plus big for immediate help for the BUF Big League roster?

Cozens for Rinzel and a 1st and 2nd? ....... I know you don't dig him Fatty and I don't see BUF like I did 2-3 yrs ago when I made it a priority but Cozens looked good and certainly not soft. He doesn't run people over but the big kid can really skate and played a north south get it going style and wasn't afraid of the slot.

His draft yr I thought he was too stiff to maybe reach the ceiling his skating, hands and solid IQ would allow. But he looks pretty damn good in the Bigs and at a damn young age. And he's a centerman. And he has size. And he's 23. And if he reaches 60-70 pts every yr until 29/30 you have a steal at 7 mil per!
- Mr Ricochet

Cozens has been very bad and also costs a lot of money for a very long time. He's a reclamation project with a massive price tag. He does not look like a 2C at this point.

Cozens does not look good right now. That is part of the reason Buffalo is in the poopter. Maybe that makes sense if Buffalo eats half the deal OR if all he costs is a 3rd and Kurashev. Moving Rinzel for Cozens would not be a good trade. Rinzel would be used to get a player at the level of Brady or Miko or someone who is a legitimate force to be reckoned with.

There's talk amongst the Buffalo fan base to buy him out.

Norris on the other hand is on pace for another 30 goal season and looks to be healthy. He also plays 200ft and should not be egregiously expensive because of the injury history.

Id rather have the guy that you know is a player that is hopefully over his injuries vs a guy you're hoping figures it out someday for the same money.

Frost is nice because he would be cheap both in his next deal as well as to acquire. He can't be worse than most of what the Hawks are running out there.

Curious to watch the game tonight and if they played an old and tired Rangers team or this brand of hockey is better for this team.
- BetweenTheDots

From most of what I've read and watched, it seems that one of the biggest issues with their offense was that the offense was virtually entirely driven by the forwards, and D-men were taught to basically hang back. Lots of comments that "it's nice to enter the zone and see a D-man as the trailer jumping into the play."

As has been noted by others, this system change will likely add some more chances against, but it should also lead to a bit more offense. I don't expect to see a big difference standings-wise, but I will say that the game is at least watchable and not maddening to sit through.

Hopefully after the TDL, KD has shipped out Maroon, Smith, Donato possibly, and Anderson in the minors to make room for Dach Slaager, and Nazer to play in the big show, and possibly sign Greene and Moore and give them a couple of NHL games like they have done with college signees before.
- LAHawk

Moore would benefit by going back to college another season especially if Snuggerud and Wood sign their ELCs. With all the injuries throughout the league, it would be nice to see doofus trade some vets sooner than later.

Ouch, good to know
- BetweenTheDots

To be clear, it was also the first game that I've watched that I thought Lev looked just bad. Lots of mistakes and missed opportunities, but not anything that I didn't expect at points during the year. Overall, the more I watch him the more I like.

It's almost like he teleports instead of skating. He doesn't even look like he's moving and he just get from point A to B. I also absolutely love his shot. He gets a lot on it and it very often gets through.

From most of what I've read and watched, it seems that one of the biggest issues with their offense was that the offense was virtually entirely driven by the forwards, and D-men were taught to basically hang back. Lots of comments that "it's nice to enter the zone and see a D-man as the trailer jumping into the play."

As has been noted by others, this system change will likely add some more chances against, but it should also lead to a bit more offense. I don't expect to see a big difference standings-wise, but I will say that the game is at least watchable and not maddening to sit through.
- Chunk

It should be less painful to watch for sure.

From most of what I've read and watched, it seems that one of the biggest issues with their offense was that the offense was virtually entirely driven by the forwards, and D-men were taught to basically hang back. Lots of comments that "it's nice to enter the zone and see a D-man as the trailer jumping into the play."

As has been noted by others, this system change will likely add some more chances against, but it should also lead to a bit more offense. I don't expect to see a big difference standings-wise, but I will say that the game is at least watchable and not maddening to sit through.
- Chunk

Case in point:

https://www.nhl.com/black...e-playstyle-6365789631112

Moore would benefit by going back to college another season especially if Snuggerud and Wood sign their ELCs. With all the injuries throughout the league, it would be nice to see doofus trade some vets sooner than later.
- Assman22

Powers had a nice piece on Moore the other day. If he has a nice back end of the season I could see them signing him. He's starting to heat up a bit now.

Powers had a nice piece on Moore the other day. If he has a nice back end of the season I could see them signing him. He's starting to heat up a bit now.
- fattybeef

I read the same article. It's not all about points.

Centers already in the system:
Nazar
Moore
Boisvert
Misiak
Ludwinski
Greene
James

Wingers that win board battles already in the system:
Dach
Spellacy
Pharand
Slaggert
Vanacker
Haven't seen Pridham play yet

They need players in the NHL.
- Chunk

I have seen Pridham on tv three times, and he immediately was on the first power play unit on a good Kitchener team. He has 10 points in 12 games, not bad considering he came from a Tier 2 Junior league that is vastly inferior to the CHL. Good skater, great shot, looks after his defensive responsibilities, isn’t afraid to play in front of the net or along the boards, he battles for pucks. I need to see 20 more games to let him get acclimated to the OHL.

In my opinion, yesterday's game was a tale of two goalies. IA's goalie stoned a number of really good Hog chances and Weeks looked like poop (I mentioned yesterday that he let up a 190' shot which was the 4th GA and the end of his night).
- Chunk

Rockford has been outscored 11-1 in the three games with Mark Eaton behind the bench, is he the right guy to develop the kiddies?

Regula picked up on waivers by the Oilers

Regula picked up on waivers by the Oilers
- LAHawk

Rockford has been outscored 11-1 in the three games with Mark Eaton behind the bench, is he the right guy to develop the kiddies?
- Angotti

Never been behind the bench in his life, purely a development guy. Maybe the should send King back to Rockford to coach? Better chance he has a job next year