Bedard is slightly behind last year's point pace, but he's improved defensively and some other parts of his game. Progress isn't linear.

Broissoit injured himself training after he was signed. TT and Bertuzzi aren't dogpoop. They just aren't top end first liners.
- Chunk

agreed on Bedard's overall game but watching this kid get swarmed like the beatles is just tough. lack of supporting cast opposition has to respect.

It would be nice if this idiot coach just loaded up Bedard with the best 2 options possible and let it be. Like the Ducks used to do with Perry-Getzlaf-Ryan. You aren't winning games...stop trying to balance out lines. Let Nazar-Slaggert-Dach run wild on 3 and who cares about the bottom 6? They aren't going to be here when it matters. Same holds true with the D men. Give 1 of these kids Jones slot and ice time. Call it protecting the asset.... and even if he is still a here a week from tonight let him suck it up getting lower minutes. You asked out, you dont' want to be here, ice time is important for development. Not to appease d-ckhead veterans.

Be nice to see this coach grow a pair instead of just beating up on everyone's favorite punching bag...Lukas Reichel (JC/Richardson/HIM)

That's who we are talking about, David Carle.
- Chunk

Is Sullivan going to want to come here knowing they are likely 3 years away probably from sniffing the playoffs? Maybe 2 if somethings hit correctly? Not sure he would or has the temperment to sit here where he could sit on the sidelines and get a job from a contender once somebody gets waxed (always happen). To me outside of playing Jack Hughes top minutes, he did a damn good job battling Cooper adjustment for adjustment.

I love the draft picks, I love the emphasis on speed and competitiveness and the balance of forwards and defensemen. But you cannot build a team solely through the draft. If KD can trade for a young NHL player which will be tough as he doesn’t have much to trade with. And If KD can sign good UFAs or a solid up and coming RFA he can turn the fortunes of the team around quickly. Then add in the draft picks that will be coming and the team should start rising in the standings. But if he can’t make a trade or sign decent Free Agents the Hawks are back to being a bottom five team.
- paulr

Agreed and they could run out heritage night after heritage night and not sure they are going to get the same attendance numbers again, and with a horrific local TV deal with CSHN and that app.

I'll say it again, ole Danny boy better pull aside that dolt Faulkner and KD, and make sure they BOTH understand the importance of this trade deadline, draft, and UFA period.

Lets hope KD's scouts are as talented as they were for this team back post lockout to find that hockey trade(s) and start to influx this roster with young, NHL ready, hungry, and talented Fs instead of the Maroons and Smiths of the world OR overpaying for TJ Brodie and Martinez. Fact those two are making north of 8.5 million combined is a travesty. I get having to hit cap floor, but I'd rather go BIG game hunting for Marner or Ratenen and at least get a TOP end PROVEN talent who can help not only impact and speed up Bedard's talent, but then you start to slot the other younger guys in likely spots best suited for their LT success.

I'd take Ryan O'Reilly, Reinhart, and Evander Kane over the Hawks forward group. At least O'Reilly was an all star.
- bhawks2241

This is close and kudos to Chunk, but I agree....still take this over what Bedard has.

So if this is it, man......I'll wait to storm the castle until camp opens but goodness.....imagine going ELC 3 of 3 years and your best talent options to help you are Teuvo and Bertuzzi. Assuming neither gets banged up or regresses with the old post 30 yr old drop a poster of christmas past loved to hammer home. Goodness.

Lardis with 2 more
Boisvert netted one as well

Ders is nuts for putting AA on a line with Bedard
Kyle better have already started on a list of coaches he wants and talked to their agents

If Kyle hires a new coach,and gets fired next season,then you're gonna have a new GM with a coach he didn't pick. That could also be a stupid situation

Everyone mentions that Slaggert could be like Hagel. I see some of Hagel in him,but Nazar looks like a dude that is at least Hagel,but probably even better. Hope the kid finishes the season strong
- captainserious

Is it fair to get excited about Lardis? Is it legit or is this Marty ST Pierre smoking inferior talent?

Is it fair to get excited about Lardis? Is it legit or is this Marty ST Pierre smoking inferior talent?
- SteveRain

I have no idea
I've only watched 2-3 of their games. He can skate and he has a nice shot and compact release.

I mean it is better that he is tearing it up than being an average OHLer,but he is on his 4th OHL season and who knows how much of his game will translate to the NHL.

He wouldn't be the 1st to tear up the OHL and be a big nothingburger in the NHL.
What Misa is doing is more impressive since he is 2 years younger.

I guess the most impressive thing about his season is that nobody saw this coming?

TODAY'S TANKATHON

As yesterday, CHI moves to the #1, PIT to #2 today. Schaefer it is.

2 Chicago
6 Pittsburgh
1 San Jose
3 Nashville
4 Seattle
5 Buffalo
7 Philadelphia
8 Anaheim
9 NY Islanders
10 St. Louis
11 Boston
12 Montreal
- totem

1. Philadelphia
2. Chicago
3. San Jose
4. Nashville
5. Seattle
6. Buffalo
7. Pittsburgh
8. NYI
9. Anaheim
10. St. Louis

I have no idea
I've only watched 2-3 of their games. He can skate and he has a nice shot and compact release.

I mean it is better that he is tearing it up than being an average OHLer,but he is on his 4th OHL season and who knows how much of his game will translate to the NHL.

He wouldn't be the 1st to tear up the OHL and be a big nothingburger in the NHL.
What Misa is doing is more impressive since he is 2 years younger.

I guess the most impressive thing about his season is that nobody saw this coming?
- captainserious

Lardis’ four biggest strengths are above average skating, NHL caliber shot and release, very good on ice vision and the ability to consistently find open ice. Teams try to contain him but 65 goals and over 100 points suggest they can’t. Teams try to rough him up but he doesn’t linger around to get roughed up. Lardis’ weaknesses are he’s average defensively, he’s not physical at all and he’s not huge although he is pretty strong.

Can his game translate to pro? I think so, I think he’ll be a sniper and not a guy driving the play. I think Vanacker is a prototypical pro player but there’s a place in the game for Lardis provided the team surrounds him with more complete linemates and as long as he’s holds up his end defensively. I don’t see him on a line with Bedard except in certain situations as they are similar type players.

Lardis’ four biggest strengths are above average skating, NHL caliber shot and release, very good on ice vision and the ability to consistently find open ice. Teams try to contain him but 65 goals and over 100 points suggest they can’t. Teams try to rough him up but he doesn’t linger around to get roughed up. Lardis’ weaknesses are he’s average defensively, he’s not physical at all and he’s not huge although he is pretty strong.

Can his game translate to pro? I think so, I think he’ll be a sniper and not a guy driving the play. I think Vanacker is a prototypical pro player but there’s a place in the game for Lardis provided the team surrounds him with more complete linemates and as long as he’s holds up his end defensively. I don’t see him on a line with Bedard except in certain situations as they are similar type players.
- paulr

The graphic that was going around recently was:

OHL MOST GOALS IN A SEASON SINCE 2000:
J. Taveras 2006-07 72
A. Debrincat 2016-17 65
N. Lardis 2024-25 65
R. Rowe 2000-01 64
D. Fox 2013-14 64
C. Locke 2002-03 63
P. Kane 2006-07 62

Mixed results - the guys that succeeded had a bunch more assists than Lardis. McDavid had about 2x assists over goals. The whole team is looking for Lardis in the offensive zone right now and he is converting the shot opportunities.

The playoffs might reveal more. Brantford leads their division so they have a good chance to play at least 3 rounds. Will see if his scoring continues then, and if the team meets expectations.

CHL Late Night

WHL 2025 Eligible
BND R. McQueen DNP-LBI
EDM L. Sawchyn 1A
EDM B. Fiddler 1A
EVT C. Bear ---
KAM N. Behm DNP
MJ L. Lakovic ---
PG J. Ravensbergen W, 29/31 Saves
PG J. Lajoie ---
SEA B. Cootes 1A
VAN C. Schmidt ---
VIC C. Reschny 4A

Some of KD’s moves since he took over. My opinion.
Bertuzzi- good signing
TT - good signing
Martinez - okay signing
Brodie - bad signing
AA - bad signing
D!ckinson - okay to good signing
Foligno - not a fan, just personal opinion
Dach trade - looks promising
Dcat trade - TBD
Mrazek - not a fan
Bedard pick - great pick, was expected
Levshunov pick - looks promising
- Angotti

Mrazek got us Rinzel. Ottawa would love a mulligan on the Dinky trade.

This is close and kudos to Chunk, but I agree....still take this over what Bedard has.

So if this is it, man......I'll wait to storm the castle until camp opens but goodness.....imagine going ELC 3 of 3 years and your best talent options to help you are Teuvo and Bertuzzi. Assuming neither gets banged up or regresses with the old post 30 yr old drop a poster of christmas past loved to hammer home. Goodness.
- SteveRain

Remember, that’s early Reinhardt not current, but yeah, I think O’Reilly puts that list slightly over Bedard’s. The point stands that KD really has to put a much better product on the ice next year. If I’m him, I look long and hard at RFA’s and possible trade scenarios so he doesn’t have to go out bidding teams for talent. I still would put a hard press on Boeser and then try to fill in two others via trade.

Lardis’ four biggest strengths are above average skating, NHL caliber shot and release, very good on ice vision and the ability to consistently find open ice. Teams try to contain him but 65 goals and over 100 points suggest they can’t. Teams try to rough him up but he doesn’t linger around to get roughed up. Lardis’ weaknesses are he’s average defensively, he’s not physical at all and he’s not huge although he is pretty strong.

Can his game translate to pro? I think so, I think he’ll be a sniper and not a guy driving the play. I think Vanacker is a prototypical pro player but there’s a place in the game for Lardis provided the team surrounds him with more complete linemates and as long as he’s holds up his end defensively. I don’t see him on a line with Bedard except in certain situations as they are similar type players.
- paulr

Yeah, from what I’ve seen, strength and 200’ game are the areas he needs to I drove, but reading articles he seems like a kid who has and is willing to put the work in.

Mrazek trade great it equals Rinzel
- BetweenTheDots

Yes, they moved up.

I have no idea
I've only watched 2-3 of their games. He can skate and he has a nice shot and compact release.

I mean it is better that he is tearing it up than being an average OHLer,but he is on his 4th OHL season and who knows how much of his game will translate to the NHL.

He wouldn't be the 1st to tear up the OHL and be a big nothingburger in the NHL.
What Misa is doing is more impressive since he is 2 years younger.

I guess the most impressive thing about his season is that nobody saw this coming?
- captainserious

I agree what Misa is doing is more impressive that's why he will be drafted in the top 4 of the draft.

If Lardis develops into a top 6 forward in the NHL than KD stole a draft pick by being right. Now I'm going to compare him to someone that no one new about because he didn't develop until he got older, Panarin. It'll be interesting to follow him and i hope he keeps excelling wherever he's playing.

I agree what Misa is doing is more impressive that's why he will be drafted in the top 4 of the draft.

If Lardis develops into a top 6 forward in the NHL than KD stole a draft pick by being right. Now I'm going to compare him to someone that no one new about because he didn't develop until he got older, Panarin. It'll be interesting to follow him and i hope he keeps excelling wherever he's playing.
- BetweenTheDots

Not that Lardis is bad at it, but Panarin is an elite playmaker, and I would say much more elusive that Lardis. Lardis is incredibly fast and well balanced, but I don't think I'd call him elusive. Maybe those that have seen him more often have a different opinion. If Lardis can simply translate his goal scoring to the NHL (comparatively) then that's a win for a 3rd rounder. If he's able to be a bit more complete of a player, that is a helluva steal.

Of all the prospects/young players in the system, the ones I'm most excited by are Nazar, Bedard (obviously), Levshunov and "dark horse" Greene.

Not that Lardis is bad at it, but Panarin is an elite playmaker, and I would say much more elusive that Lardis. Lardis is incredibly fast and well balanced, but I don't think I'd call him elusive. Maybe those that have seen him more often have a different opinion. If Lardis can simply translate his goal scoring to the NHL (comparatively) then that's a win for a 3rd rounder. If he's able to be a bit more complete of a player, that is a helluva steal.

Of all the prospects/young players in the system, the ones I'm most excited by are Nazar, Bedard (obviously), Levshunov and "dark horse" Greene.
- Chunk

I'm just saying he has the tools and work ethic to become a top 6 forward, Panarin wasn't even drafted and it took him into his 20's to develop his game. That's why i really like a pick like Lardis, Spellacy, Rinzel and so on who have these wonderful tools to develop but are raw when drafted.

Not that Lardis is bad at it, but Panarin is an elite playmaker, and I would say much more elusive that Lardis. Lardis is incredibly fast and well balanced, but I don't think I'd call him elusive. Maybe those that have seen him more often have a different opinion. If Lardis can simply translate his goal scoring to the NHL (comparatively) then that's a win for a 3rd rounder. If he's able to be a bit more complete of a player, that is a helluva steal.

Of all the prospects/young players in the system, the ones I'm most excited by are Nazar, Bedard (obviously), Levshunov and "dark horse" Greene.
- Chunk

I think with Greene you’re getting something very similar to Slaggert, just a bit more play making and better hands. Middle 6 type. I like him.

Not that Lardis is bad at it, but Panarin is an elite playmaker, and I would say much more elusive that Lardis. Lardis is incredibly fast and well balanced, but I don't think I'd call him elusive. Maybe those that have seen him more often have a different opinion. If Lardis can simply translate his goal scoring to the NHL (comparatively) then that's a win for a 3rd rounder. If he's able to be a bit more complete of a player, that is a helluva steal.

Of all the prospects/young players in the system, the ones I'm most excited by are Nazar, Bedard (obviously), Levshunov and "dark horse" Greene.
- Chunk

Panarin is an established star. And he’s not a good comparison vs Lardis. As I mentioned Lardis doesn’t drive the play like Panarin. He’s a sniper. Think Ovechkin light minus the physical side. Ovie’s office as a right handed shooter is the left side hash marks where he sets up and unleashes bombs at the net. As a left handed shooter Lardis’ office is the right side hash marks. The difference is Ovie sets up and stays static at his office waiting for a pass. Lardis is more inclined to arrive at his office a little later where he gets ready for a pass. However without a supporting cast who are scoring threats, Lardis would be covered and possibly double and triple teamed much like Bedard is. Lardis is productive off the rush but most of his work is from his office.

Panarin is an established star. And he’s not a good comparison vs Lardis. As I mentioned Lardis doesn’t drive the play like Panarin. He’s a sniper. Think Ovechkin light minus the physical side. Ovie’s office as a right handed shooter is the left side hash marks where he sets up and unleashes bombs at the net. As a left handed shooter Lardis’ office is the right side hash marks. The difference is Ovie sets up and stays static at his office waiting for a pass. Lardis is more inclined to arrive at his office a little later where he gets ready for a pass. However without a supporting cast who are scoring threats, Lardis would be covered and possibly double and triple teamed much like Bedard is. Lardis is productive off the rush but most of his work is from his office.
- paulr

Haven’t seen Lardis at all. How similar to someone like Dcat?

Panarin is an established star. And he’s not a good comparison vs Lardis. As I mentioned Lardis doesn’t drive the play like Panarin. He’s a sniper. Think Ovechkin light minus the physical side. Ovie’s office as a right handed shooter is the left side hash marks where he sets up and unleashes bombs at the net. As a left handed shooter Lardis’ office is the right side hash marks. The difference is Ovie sets up and stays static at his office waiting for a pass. Lardis is more inclined to arrive at his office a little later where he gets ready for a pass. However without a supporting cast who are scoring threats, Lardis would be covered and possibly double and triple teamed much like Bedard is. Lardis is productive off the rush but most of his work is from his office.
- paulr

My point is as i recall no one knew of Panarin and then there was if Panarins game would translate on North American ice, playing at 6 foot 180lbs. Lardis is only 19 years old and had improved his game at the OHL level at 5 11 at 185lbs, i don't think the book is done on him yet of what kind of hockey player he will ultimately become because my sense is he wants to become the best hockey player he can be.

My point is as i recall no one knew of Panarin and then there was if Panarins game would translate on North American ice, playing at 6 foot 180lbs. Lardis is only 19 years old and had improved his game at the OHL level at 5 11 at 185lbs, i don't think the book is done on him yet of what kind of hockey player he will ultimately become because my sense is he wants to become the best hockey player he can be.
- BetweenTheDots

He’s the type of lotto ticket that Hawks need to win. 3rd rounder that could turn into top 6 30g scorer. That’s what makes a rebuild go from competing for playoffs in a few years down the road to competing for cups down the road.

Is Sullivan going to want to come here knowing they are likely 3 years away probably from sniffing the playoffs? Maybe 2 if somethings hit correctly? Not sure he would or has the temperment to sit here where he could sit on the sidelines and get a job from a contender once somebody gets waxed (always happen). To me outside of playing Jack Hughes top minutes, he did a damn good job battling Cooper adjustment for adjustment.
- SteveRain

Sullivan is all too familiar with the sh!t show behind the scenes here. He was a scout for the hawks when Pit hired him. My guess is he ain't comin back. Be nice if he did though.

Haven’t seen Lardis at all. How similar to someone like Dcat?
- bhawks2241

Different players. I don’t see many similarities. Dcat is far more feisty and physical. Debrincat can score off the rush, he can snipe from the hash marks and he’ll get his nose dirty in front of the net looking for deflections and rebounds. Lardis will arrive at the net looking for the puck but it’s unlikely he’ll camp out there. Lardis mostly looks for open spots Dcat will get open and he’ll jostle for position.

My point is as i recall no one knew of Panarin and then there was if Panarins game would translate on North American ice, playing at 6 foot 180lbs. Lardis is only 19 years old and had improved his game at the OHL level at 5 11 at 185lbs, i don't think the book is done on him yet of what kind of hockey player he will ultimately become because my sense is he wants to become the best hockey player he can be.
- BetweenTheDots

Like you, many here are very excited about Lardis - myself included. Just pointing out the differences between the two players. There are parts of Panarin's game that helped him excel in the NHL. His playmaking and elusiveness combined with his ability to score helped him immensely. There wasn't one thing a defender could key on to eliminate him, they had to consider multiple.

Your overall point is well taken. Some of these guys that are taking more time to develop (and developing strong secondary traits/skills) can certainly come in more prepared to contribute sooner.