No Dots, KD did the right thing. I don't know anyone that was higher on Demidov than me, posted predraft I see Datsyuk, and also posted predraft the Hawks will take Artie and IMO it's the right move.

Simply said Artie checks most every box and plays a more premium position than Demidov. ......... You can find a crazy good crafty winger later in the draft (Kantcerov?) but really really rare to find a RS Dman with size/skating who eats 24 minutes, can run a #1 PP and is built to win 16 games in the playoffs.

IMO Demidov is the real deal, great chance to score 100 points, but drafting Artie was the right thing to do cuz he is a more rare player at a premium position than Demidov is.

Rinzel giving anyone Dougie Hamilton vibes? Big kid can really skate, buttery soft hands, lotta IQ, with size.
- Mr Ricochet

Because he’s a ginger?

I think you’ll see KD make a pretty quick decision about moving a defenseman or two twontry to bolster the lineup, especially if the team happens to select Schaefer.
- paulr

No doubt if the Hawks are presented with a shot at Scheafer or Misa (my guess) it has to have become more interesting to the Hawks.

Watching the Frozen Four and Biuum some more I still don't see much if any daylight between him and Scheafer, except that Buium is much farther advanced offensively, and the Hawks passing on him for Artie still makes me think the Hawks would take Misa over Scheafer.

And now with Rinzel having to have surprised KD and Crew big time I wonder what that will do, if anything, as far as evaluating Scheafer and Misa and how they draft.

The yutes looked like they were having fun trying to figure it out. They give me hope. Can't say I expected Rinzel to show what he has so far, either. He's made the most out of what anybody thought was going to be a mere cup of coffee. I have no idea how many points this team will get next season, but I know I will enjoy the games more.

Is Rinzel a better skater? Hands might be better too.

Teams are going to need to treat him like a forward if he’s skating with the puck.
- bhawks2241

You know 2241, I'm close to coming to a conclusion on this concerning who's the better skater Hamilton or Rinzel as far as the overall bigger picture.

The D prospects these days just skate better overall than prospects 7-10 yrs ago. So many of these kids I think as I watch them in jrs can really skate. Big kids no exception. ...... As I watch a kid move really nicely/balanced, like Aitcheson, I always make a mental note as he's a fine skater. But these days is isn't as uncommon as 7-8 yrs ago.

Yea, Rinzel does look to be the better skater and as far as better hands maybe but that Hamilton guy is good, real good. ........ Bedard deciding, and following thru on, he wants to be an NHL hockey player and winner, and is knowingly giving up points to do so, and Rinzel being more effective than I could have dreamed in so many different ways are the best things that happened this yr.

As I responded to Paul's post, it just could be Rinzel might change the way they look at Scheafer and how they draft this yr. If all things were equal, for the most part, between Scheafer and Misa does Rinzel tip the scales? ............. Guarantee the thought of a legit top 6 centerman makes the Hawk's brass giddy.

Been almost 2 games since My Guy Kaiser made a play. He's generally good for two nice little plays/reads per shift...........

Good chance for him to show his IQ paired with Lev. Lev will leave his partner in a pickle a couple times a game and Kaiser's game can absorb that. Not so much last two tilts.

And yo Dots, forgot to mention I was watching the WPG feed the other day, God is Pang beyond bad. Anyway, when Bedard scored on a one timer slapper on the PP the color guy mentioned he talked to Bedard and he said he's shortened his sticks recently.

IIRC you and some of the fellas were talking about Bedard's sticks. Stick whip I believe but changing the length of a stick is every bit as important and big a change as stick whip is.

Ole Panger either didn't know or forgot to mention that. Of course, I'm assuming Pang didn't report that going by listening to him for a couple torturous yrs..... Maybe he should check with visiting broadcasters for Hawk's scoop?

As someone who is still an outsider to the game, especially the nuances of goalies, was the Demidov goal something Soderblom should've come out and played at and tried to sweep away, potential icing be damned? Or was there not enough time for him to realise that it wasn't going to be an icing and that Demidov had the speed? What is the goalie looking at in that situation, the puck or the ref or the opposing players?
- AusHawk

Probably should have ... but then there's the splitting hairs thing - in the big picture, did it end up meaning anything? I guess that's more about team resilience than anything else.

Nice game for Demidov -- it counted for squat, Montreal lost. And did not clinch a playoff berth from the 2nd worst record in the league ... at home. Hubris isn't kind. Nice that they gave him the #1 star tonight - not clear for why, but that's their problem.


Ball made a good point in the PbP commentary -there wasn't any 'potential icing' because Demidov was ahead of the play and no one was going to catch him -even if the puck was shot in from the Mtl side of the red line. It was going to be waved off... Soda was just caught a little flat-footed, and the team bailed him out.

--

Also... am thinking I am becoming a big Rinzel fan. Man is that dude cool, calm, and collected.

And yo Dots, forgot to mention I was watching the WPG feed the other day, God is Pang beyond bad. Anyway, when Bedard scored on a one timer slapper on the PP the color guy mentioned he talked to Bedard and he said he's shortened his sticks recently.

IIRC you and some of the fellas were talking about Bedard's sticks. Stick whip I believe but changing the length of a stick is every bit as important and big a change as stick whip is.

Ole Panger either didn't know or forgot to mention that. Of course, I'm assuming Pang didn't report that going by listening to him for a couple torturous yrs..... Maybe he should check with visiting broadcasters for Hawk's scoop?
- Mr Ricochet

You know in that game i thought when Bedard was shooting the one timer from the blue line his right hand is really close to the blade of the stick, i just assumed he was choking down on it, glad to see they are trying to find the right fit for him.

I guess we did screw up and drafted the wrong guy
- BetweenTheDots

Demidov was a threat all game every shift that’s for sure and Lev didn’t do much. We’ll see how they pan out next season.

Demidov was a threat all game every shift that’s for sure and Lev didn’t do much. We’ll see how they pan out next season.
- Assman22

I guess you missed the great assist he should of had except for Mik not being able to tap it in

He seemed to disappear after the 1st period, you know i actually agree with Rico if Arty is a stud RD man KD made the right decision, the bonus is we might have 2 stud RDman, who are physical, can skate in all directions like the wind, soft hands, very good shot and heavy, those 2 played 47 minutes last night.

Demidov was a threat all game every shift that’s for sure and Lev didn’t do much. We’ll see how they pan out next season.
- Assman22

Yep old 93 in red busted his butt back checking on that goal by Reichel ... just wasn't interested once someone got past him.

I think you'll see him make a move if he does in fact draft Schaefer, but as they say let's cross that bridge if we get there.

It's crazy because i think he's bolstering the line up through the orgs drafting, they look so much better already, crazy thing is it really exposes how slow 5 is, i wonder if they are going to focus EDM on his off side so he can start taking minutes away from Murphy.
- BetweenTheDots

I doubt they will do that with EDM and Murphy as Murphy is still a better defenseman than EDM and more steady defensively than pretty much anyone else on the blueline.
He isn't as fast, but he is the most physical guy on the back end, doesn't give the puck away often and defends the front of the net, something the team lacks right now.

I doubt they will do that with EDM and Murphy as Murphy is still a better defenseman than EDM and more steady defensively than pretty much anyone else on the blueline.
He isn't as fast, but he is the most physical guy on the back end, doesn't give the puck away often and defends the front of the net, something the team lacks right now.
- breadbag

Would you sign any defensemen bread?

Considering EDM is one of the meaner younger players i would have him play his off side in Rockford, we know Murphy can't make it through a full season anyways.

Greene with a quiet debut, but I have to admit i prefer quiet to Kurashev.

I'm already looking forward to next season

Greene with a quiet debut, but I have to admit i prefer quiet to Kurashev.

I'm already looking forward to next season
- BetweenTheDots

Same. Will be interesting to see what kind of numbers Nazar can put up in a full season. Kid just looks better with each game and is really driving that line.

If they can get at least one legit top 6 forward to play with Bedard next season you could live with Mikheyev or Donato being the other wing for another year; but hopefully KFC finds him 2 new wingers and those two move down the lineup, assuming Donato is back.

Rinzel is definitely making a case to stay with the Big Club and saw Seravalli say a few weeks back he wouldn’t spend a minute in RFD.

I guess you missed the great assist he should of had except for Mik not being able to tap it in

He seemed to disappear after the 1st period, you know i actually agree with Rico if Arty is a stud RD man KD made the right decision, the bonus is we might have 2 stud RDman, who are physical, can skate in all directions like the wind, soft hands, very good shot and heavy, those 2 played 47 minutes last night.
- BetweenTheDots

Watched the whole game and wouldn't call that pass "great" but it was a good pass. Demidov was noticeable each shift and Lev was not. Of course Lev played a lot of mins last night even though he was on the 3rd pairing as Kyle had to put his guy out there but for a roster full of young promising defensemen and short on scorers, you can't help but imagine the momentous upside the organization and fans would have right now if they had added Demidov to Bedard's line the last couple games of the season.

Greene with a quiet debut, but I have to admit i prefer quiet to Kurashev.

I'm already looking forward to next season
- BetweenTheDots

Greene won't be a stats guy in the NHL though and he had a nice debut in all actuality being a debut and all. Was upstaged by Demidov but 3 blocked shots, 3 FO wins in 9 attempts vs one of the best FO% teams in the league and even spent some time on special teams. While tough to tell via tv rather than seeing the game in person, I can't say I saw Greene make any rookie mistakes in what was really an intense game with a loud raucous crowd against his favorite team growing up. If he can keep a level head in a game like that, it bodes well for his future as Hawks 3C.

Same. Will be interesting to see what kind of numbers Nazar can put up in a full season. Kid just looks better with each game and is really driving that line.

If they can get at least one legit top 6 forward to play with Bedard next season you could live with Mikheyev or Donato being the other wing for another year; but hopefully KFC finds him 2 new wingers and those two move down the lineup, assuming Donato is back.

Rinzel is definitely making a case to stay with the Big Club and saw Seravalli say a few weeks back he wouldn’t spend a minute in RFD.
- HawkintheD

Supposedly Donato has a 3 x $4 mil. on the table from KD. He (or his agent) can't really believe he is going to get more elsewhere, can they?

Watched the whole game and wouldn't call that pass "great" but it was a good pass. Demidov was noticeable each shift and Lev was not. Of course Lev played a lot of mins last night even though he was on the 3rd pairing as Kyle had to put his guy out there but for a roster full of young promising defensemen and short on scorers, you can't help but imagine the momentous upside the organization and fans would have right now if they had added Demidov to Bedard's line the last couple games of the season.
- Assman22

Demidov was especially noticeable for the lack of effort on the backcheck on the Hawks 3rd goal after he shot one off the shinpads. This isn't the KHL anymore.

Watched the whole game and wouldn't call that pass "great" but it was a good pass. Demidov was noticeable each shift and Lev was not. Of course Lev played a lot of mins last night even though he was on the 3rd pairing as Kyle had to put his guy out there but for a roster full of young promising defensemen and short on scorers, you can't help but imagine the momentous upside the organization and fans would have right now if they had added Demidov to Bedard's line the last couple games of the season.
- Assman22

As nice of a player Demidov may turn out to be, IMO you pick the defensman every time. As others have pointed out its much easier to find a Winger deep in the draft than a true right handed shot Dman with what i see as exceptional speed size and skill. Lev will be a star in this league for many years. His offensive awareness is very good and his skating unreal. Remember hes only 19 give him a few years to add muscle and look the F out.

Would you sign any defensemen bread?

Considering EDM is one of the meaner younger players i would have him play his off side in Rockford, we know Murphy can't make it through a full season anyways.
- BetweenTheDots

Don't forget Soderstrom who they picked up from Utah. RH defenseman that some say can make the Hawks next season.

Would you sign any defensemen bread?

Considering EDM is one of the meaner younger players i would have him play his off side in Rockford, we know Murphy can't make it through a full season anyways.
- BetweenTheDots

Me personally, I don't think we need to sign a D. We currently have the following signed or in the system

LD
Vlasic
Kaiser
Korchinski
EDM
Allan
Kuzmin
Harding
Brodie - I know he is maybe going to be gone, but he isn't yet.

RD
Rinzel
Levshunov
Murphy
Crevier
Soderstrom


Basically, we still have at least 4-5 guys at each of RD and LD in the running for roster spots going into next year.

Central Scouting released their final 2025 draft rankings:

NA Skaters:
1 - Schaefer
2 - Misa
3 - Hagens
4 - O'Brien
5 - Mrtka
6 - Martone
7 - Desnoyers
8 - McQueen
9 - Aitcheson
10 - Bear

International Skaters:
1 - Frondell
2 - Eklund
3 - Gastrin
4 - Cihar
5 - Zharovsky
6 - Genborg
7 - Nilson
8 - Ihs Wozniak
9 - Limatov
10 - Hallquisth


The notable changes: Jake O'Brien has steadily climbed into the top-5 now; with Martone falling from 4 at the midseason list to 6 now. Given KD's emphasis on skating ability, you have to imagine Martone isn't really in the running anymore for consideration. Additionally, Frondell is now the top international skater and I think his game aligns pretty well with what the Hawks are doing and where they need more help.

My personal big board now for the Hawks:
1. Schaefer
2. Frondell
3. Misa
4. Hagens

But do you see what's happening he's beginning to get more space because of his line mates. There was a possession in Montreals end in the 3rd that just made me smile. They are beginning to gel and wow, saw a glimpse how dominant the top line may become

It really is going to be a big plus that our defenseman can skate like the wind, that's why we can't give up on Korchinski yet.
- BetweenTheDots

He is getting more space but I also see him making unforced errors and looking like he is unsure what to do with the space. He stick handled himself into a turnover several times last night.

With more space he is getting more 1 on 1 with defenders and just does not attack. I know he has the ability to beat guys 1 on 1. He used to go 1 on 3 last year and usually would beat the 1st and sometimes 2nd guy before turning it over.

He was drafted as a goal scorer/top offensive guy. You can't score goals playing passive hockey. He needs to take a page out of Donato's playbook and just put pucks on net. Donato will let it rip from anywhere.

He also needs to attack at full speed. He slows down almost every time he enters the zone with the puck. I thought attacking at full speed and making dynamic plays off the rush was one of his strengths coming out of Jrs. That and attacking defenders multiple ways.

For the most part, I just see him skate into the zone and pull-up looking to distribute. I also did not like watching him on 3 on 3 in OT being unable to separate from the Habs D and being unable to beat Habs D one on one with tons of open ice.

Central Scouting released their final 2025 draft rankings:

NA Skaters:
1 - Schaefer
2 - Misa
3 - Hagens
4 - O'Brien
5 - Mrtka
6 - Martone
7 - Desnoyers
8 - McQueen
9 - Aitcheson
10 - Bear

International Skaters:
1 - Frondell
2 - Eklund
3 - Gastrin
4 - Cihar
5 - Zharovsky
6 - Genborg
7 - Nilson
8 - Ihs Wozniak
9 - Limatov
10 - Hallquisth


The notable changes: Jake O'Brien has steadily climbed into the top-5 now; with Martone falling from 4 at the midseason list to 6 now. Given KD's emphasis on skating ability, you have to imagine Martone isn't really in the running anymore for consideration. Additionally, Frondell is now the top international skater and I think his game aligns pretty well with what the Hawks are doing and where they need more help.

My personal big board now for the Hawks:
1. Schaefer
2. Frondell
3. Misa
4. Hagens
- TommyHawk

If I'm the Blackhawks and Schaefer is gone, it would be a tough choice to make between Misa, Hagens and Martone, but if I'm drafting 4th, I'm taking whoever is left and if that's Martone i take him because of all the players in the previous drafts he profiles closest to the Tkachuk Brothers.

Oh and btw he has one important element that KD loves, compete