Meaning what? Are you saying Bedard is on the level of playing with Matthews (and Marner)? Hope not
- Assman22

I think Marner didn't play with the big boys until he was 19? When Matthews arrived he stepped into a mega talented forward room and i believe Bedard is averaging more points than Matthews did per game in his teenage years

Him and Matthews are neck and neck, but Bedard doesn't have a Marner, Tavares, Nylander just to name a few forwards

Meaning what? Are you saying Bedard is on the level of playing with Matthews (and Marner)? Hope not
- Assman22

No he is not at that level yet but knies is the type of player Benard need
s on is line someone to do the dirty work be physical but at sane time finish. Imo knies fits that description

Big exhibition game tonight, 7 pm CDT.
- 35Tony0

Very excited for tonight. USA to be the best has to beat the best. USA has made strides at lower levels but every time we beat Canada in round robin they beat us in the medal rounds or championship game.

Fact they have Binnington gives me some hope but without McAvoy very nervous about the defense holding up against a game 7 effort from McDavid and MacKinnon.

Very excited for tonight. USA to be the best has to beat the best. USA has made strides at lower levels but every time we beat Canada in round robin they beat us in the medal rounds or championship game.

Fact they have Binnington gives me some hope but without McAvoy very nervous about the defense holding up against a game 7 effort from McDavid and MacKinnon.
- SteveRain

Speaking of Matthews let's watch him disappear tonight

I am not that worried about who falls to the Blakhawks in 2025. I do desire that they actually win the 2026 lottery to select Gavin McKenna....

I think Marner didn't play with the big boys until he was 19? When Matthews arrived he stepped into a mega talented forward room and i believe Bedard is averaging more points than Matthews did per game in his teenage years

Him and Matthews are neck and neck, but Bedard doesn't have a Marner, Tavares, Nylander just to name a few forwards
- BetweenTheDots

I think Bedard is going to be excellent. I just don't know yet if that's at C or W and that's based on genetics and him getting stronger on his skates. If there is anything to point out for a small concern, it's that.

Otherwise, for the kid to be putting up the numbers he is without a LEGIT top 3 skater on his line and arguably a top 6 player on a cup contender, shows us how good he is....and it'll be extremely gratifying at some point when Davidson or the next GM, finds this kid a complimentary player who can play at his level instead of Bedard dragging the crap he has around shift by shift game by game since he broke into the league.

I mean christ...Teuvo got scratched for Finland in a MUST win game.

Speaking of Matthews let's watch him disappear tonight
- BetweenTheDots

I am more concerned about Jack Hughes. Matthews was sneaky good defensively.

Outside of the Sweden game, has marner played? I mean they took him off of McDavid's line and switched him and Pointe so.......GO LEAFS GO.....

Very excited for tonight. USA to be the best has to beat the best. USA has made strides at lower levels but every time we beat Canada in round robin they beat us in the medal rounds or championship game.

Fact they have Binnington gives me some hope but without McAvoy very nervous about the defense holding up against a game 7 effort from McDavid and MacKinnon.
- SteveRain

Better win now. Canada roster a bit weird. Bennington is not good. Still can't believe Scheifele was left off (I know he had a bad wrist but still).

Think about McKinnon McDavid Celibrini and Bedard in a few years.

Better win now. Canada roster a bit weird. Bennington is not good. Still can't believe Scheifele was left off (I know he had a bad wrist but still).

Think about McKinnon McDavid Celibrini and Bedard in a few years.


- bhawks2241

Canada has, is, and always have a loaded roster. Just a matter of closing the gap and having the best USA players play their best hockey. Big games tonight for Hellebuyck and Matthews. Both need that big game skin on the wall to help their NHL teams this spring and have that confidence.

I think Marner didn't play with the big boys until he was 19? When Matthews arrived he stepped into a mega talented forward room and i believe Bedard is averaging more points than Matthews did per game in his teenage years

Him and Matthews are neck and neck, but Bedard doesn't have a Marner, Tavares, Nylander just to name a few forwards
- BetweenTheDots

He will next year.

Shhh... don't tall paul.

I think Bedard is going to be excellent. I just don't know yet if that's at C or W and that's based on genetics and him getting stronger on his skates. If there is anything to point out for a small concern, it's that.

Otherwise, for the kid to be putting up the numbers he is without a LEGIT top 3 skater on his line and arguably a top 6 player on a cup contender, shows us how good he is....and it'll be extremely gratifying at some point when Davidson or the next GM, finds this kid a complimentary player who can play at his level instead of Bedard dragging the crap he has around shift by shift game by game since he broke into the league.

I mean christ...Teuvo got scratched for Finland in a MUST win game.
- SteveRain

I thought I read he was sick, no?

He will next year.

Shhh... don't tall paul.
- Chunk

Trust me you don’t want Marner on the Blackhawks anymore than I do.

I think Caleb Desnoyers is the closest North American player to cracking into that top four on draft day. He’s a big three zone player who’s a better playmaker than finisher. He’s got an edge to his game and he’s excellent on face offs. His problem is playing in the weaker QMJHL it’s hard to get a good read to compare him to other prospects.
- paulr

The one thing I noticed about Desnoyers was that his decisions with the puck were lightning-quick; and they were generally good decisions too. If the plan is to have a lot of speed and movement, Desnoyers could really make that go with good playmaking.

Whether that would be enough to make up for the talent gap I guess is the question.

The one thing I noticed about Desnoyers was that his decisions with the puck were lightning-quick; and they were generally good decisions too. If the plan is to have a lot of speed and movement, Desnoyers could really make that go with good playmaking.

Whether that would be enough to make up for the talent gap I guess is the question.
- totem

Caleb Desnoyers IS part of the talent in this draft, not in the 7-12 gap that separates that top talent.

I just had to say to myself, did you even write his profile and post it?
(I did.)
This is was kid considered at one time as an outlier who had enough tools and toolbox to play in the NHL, but there was no "safe pick" attached.
Since that time, every time he was asked to play in international or prospect challege, Ivan Hlinka Tourney, even back at that Telis Cup, he has shown a remarkable adaptability....he can play with any others and help drive play. He can play any style any position and role you put him in.
So let's not undersell his all the attributes he brings besides his physical toughness, two way game, because he is fast, a big time shooter and quick on the jump and a really good puckhandler.

Here is his my profile before I edit it:
It has been a few thin draft years for the QMJHL but the next couple may see more than a few prominent elections starting with Caleb Desnoyers, a tall lanky left centre who displayed his advance two-way game in August in the Hlinka-Gretzky Tournament. He starts with a strong fundamental skills base that includes above average in most physical and skill areas. His high floor and strong character and leadership qualities will keep him in the mix as the season goes on. A big strong centre with soft hands poise, playmaking skills, who thinks the game well, and plays fast and with aggression. Won an incredible 69% of his face-offs in the Ivan Hlinka Tourney. He is hard to play against, heavy down low, and a scorer who plays a complete game.

If the Hawks get lotto-relegated a little further from the top, he is plenty of a prospect.

I will be rooting for the Red, White, and Blue tonight, but make no mistake, Makar coming back is huge for Canada. He is hands down the best defenseman in the world.

I will be rooting for the Red, White, and Blue tonight, but make no mistake, Makar coming back is huge for Canada. He is hands down the best defenseman in the world.
- Angotti

I will be watching Brantford vs Peterborough at 7

I will be watching Brantford vs Peterborough at 7
- wiz1901

Keep us posted on our two boys on Brantford.

I will be rooting for the Red, White, and Blue tonight, but make no mistake, Makar coming back is huge for Canada. He is hands down the best defenseman in the world.
- Angotti

He's better than most forwards at doing the things forwards usually do. Honestly, if he switched to forward I think he's a top 10 forward that plays a 2 way game. He's that good. I think he's the best hockey player on the planet. I take him over McDavid if I am starting a team.

He's better than most forwards at doing the things forwards usually do. Honestly, if he switched to forward I think he's a top 10 forward that plays a 2 way game. He's that good. I think he's the best hockey player on the planet. I take him over McDavid if I am starting a team.
- bhawks2241

It would be a very hard decision but I’d agree and go with Makar as well. And unlike Erik Karlsson and other offensive minded defensemen he is very good defensively. That’s why if Matthew Schaefer is available when the Hawks are selecting they have to choose him.

Article at the athletic today about Rinzel
Looks like the Hocks want to sign him after the college season but his coach wants him to stay...

Where that process continues is a decision Rinzel will have to make after this season. The Blackhawks are expected to offer him a contract as soon as Rinzel’s college season ends and provide him the chance to play in the NHL this season. That doesn’t guarantee Rinzel will be in the NHL next season, but the Blackhawks think he’s ready for at least the AHL. Motzko believes Rinzel could benefit from another season in college.

“I stand on all players that when they’re ready, they’re ready, but most players need that time to develop,” Motzko said. “One percent of the players that go in the National Hockey League are ready at young ages. Most of the players are around the ages of 21, 22 when they start to come into where they can physically help teams succeed at a high level. It’s just too great of a track record of players staying three and four years that have had great success. It’s just the one percent of players that leave early. I don’t believe any player should leave to go to the American Hockey League if they’re underclassmen.”

Article at the athletic today about Rinzel
Looks like the Hocks want to sign him after the college season but his coach wants him to stay...

Where that process continues is a decision Rinzel will have to make after this season. The Blackhawks are expected to offer him a contract as soon as Rinzel’s college season ends and provide him the chance to play in the NHL this season. That doesn’t guarantee Rinzel will be in the NHL next season, but the Blackhawks think he’s ready for at least the AHL. Motzko believes Rinzel could benefit from another season in college.

“I stand on all players that when they’re ready, they’re ready, but most players need that time to develop,” Motzko said. “One percent of the players that go in the National Hockey League are ready at young ages. Most of the players are around the ages of 21, 22 when they start to come into where they can physically help teams succeed at a high level. It’s just too great of a track record of players staying three and four years that have had great success. It’s just the one percent of players that leave early. I don’t believe any player should leave to go to the American Hockey League if they’re underclassmen.”
- captainserious

Sure he enjoys being a top 10 program. Helps when the talent stays an extra year.

It would be a very hard decision but I’d agree and go with Makar as well. And unlike Erik Karlsson and other offensive minded defensemen he is very good defensively. That’s why if Matthew Schaefer is available when the Hawks are selecting they have to choose him.
- paulr

I would third that, and it would not be a hard decision for me, he’s from another planet.

I would third that, and it would not be a hard decision for me, he’s from another planet.
- Angotti

Speaking of another planet, Lardis with three goals after two periods for 60 on the year. Vanacker with the other.

Speaking of another planet, Lardis with three goals after two periods for 60 on the year. Vanacker with the other.
- paulr

Vanacker might be the steal of the draft this pass year's draft.

Seth Jones open to trade.
https://x.com/benpopecst/.../1892328177709498454?s=61