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.
- LAHawk

He certainly was but he looked a lot faster than I thought he was.

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

How do teams drafting after #20 know who to pick? Google.

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

Only issue with this Hawks board is that Kyle has yet to select a non-NA skater in the first round of every draft thus far. Frondell will be a great pick for someone else in the lottery though.

Honest question here;

I had moved to Florida and couldn't get Hawks games back when Keith and Seabrook came into the league.

For those of you who watched, were either as impressive as Rinzel out of the gate.

How do teams drafting after #20 know who to pick?
- rpeters01

He certainly was but he looked a lot faster than I thought he was.
- bhawks2241

While not a skating expert by any means, I wonder from those of you who are more in tune with it, thought about his skating fundamentals.

I know there were some here who thought he wouldn't be a long time player without injuries because of the way he skated.

Was any of that noticeable last night?

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.
- SaskHawkFan

It is encouraging to read this sentiment. I read a lot of comments about the depth of the team's prospect pool, and (aside from Bedard) few talk about player x being a star. It seems the team has quite a few NHL players on the way; if a couple over-perform and become stars, we'll have something cooking. Hopefully Lev is one.

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.
- bhawks2241

I agree with you. I think specifically in his first 15-20 games of his career he was a lot more aggressive on the attack. I don't know if it was the broken jaw or what, but he has been more passive and recently at times holding onto the puck way too long. IMO, if he is going to hold onto it, he has to move his feet faster.

I can't be too critical, as I think this kid knows more about hockey and what he is doing than pretty much everyone, but just feels like he isn't going full speed.

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

Championships are won with Defense .I to was on board with Drafting Demidov ,and still believe we may have mixed are years up. Should have taken the forward last year and the defenseman this year . Although since the Knight or Jones trade I have found new faith in KD, and believe he may have a good plan. I think Lavshunov will turn into the stud D man every team is looking for on a Championship team .
This years draft I am all over the place .Misa would be my 1st choice ,but what if we land the 1st pick ,I still think I would take Misa . Hard call ,glad I just get to nit pick . Great game last night ,bring it home tonight .GO HAWKS !!!

It is encouraging to read this Arty LEVsentiment. I read a lot of comments about the depth of the team's prospect pool, and (aside from Bedard) few talk about player x being a star. It seems the team has quite a few NHL players on the way; if a couple over-perform and become stars, we'll have something cooking. Hopefully Lev is one.
- mohel

Well, I am pretty telling that since arriving he has been relishquished of his "rover role", and he has been told simple plays THEN if the situation arises to be very assertive.

In the last two games, I have seen a better all around player. Hey last night he started making a whole lot more contact as a defenseman, and less individualistic bravado that ignores the tenor and situations and just seemed Artie deciding "I have got this" on plays all over that are better left to all 5 guys out there.
again either.
I doubt he sees the minors either.

So all the defensemen can actively use their feet to enghance the team's game in all zones.

And maybe I am just in my rose colored glasses, but the front line forwards are playing with speed and excellent sticks.

I was happy for Soderblom to finally win a "big' game, instead of him constantly losing in the 3rd period.

Cannot wait for the additions to keep their intensity levels as next year starts.

Someone needs to remind the guy making trades that Slaggert's success and C. Dach's return will only overide a veteran add to their areas of success.

It is time to play the kids, shuttle the kids and keep adding scorers.

Kruger sure wants his guy Anton Frondell to garce Chicago ice with his almost 200 lb frame and scoring and playmaking.
I am not so sure Misa won't get a long look if they select him.

And as much as I would love the Hawks first pick being a scorer, I am sure not passing on left defender Schaefer is a smart one.

He just enhancing the ways this team would attack.

I am all about more back end stars until we get the combo right.


I am really not too worried Conner Bedard doesn't adjust his play as he grows.
This is all he wants to do.
He will figure things out, and as his team gets faster with better stickwork, he is going to see more chances.

Well, I am pretty telling that since arriving he has been relishquished of his "rover role", and he has been told simple plays THEN if the situation arises to be very assertive.

In the last two games, I have seen a better all around player. Hey last night he started making a whole lot more contact as a defenseman, and less individualistic bravado that ignores the tenor and situations and just seemed Artie deciding "I have got this" on plays all over that are better left to all 5 guys out there.
again either.
I doubt he sees the minors either.

So all the defensemen can actively use their feet to enghance the team's game in all zones.

And maybe I am just in my rose colored glasses, but the front line forwards are playing with speed and excellent sticks.

I was happy for Soderblom to finally win a "big' game, instead of him constantly losing in the 3rd period.

Cannot wait for the additions to keep their intensity levels as next year starts.

Someone needs to remind the guy making trades that Slaggert's success and C. Dach's return will only overide a veteran add to their areas of success.

It is time to play the kids, shuttle the kids and keep adding scorers.

Kruger sure wants his guy Anton Frondell to garce Chicago ice with his almost 200 lb frame and scoring and playmaking.
I am not so sure Misa won't get a long look if they select him.

And as much as I would love the Hawks first pick being a scorer, I am sure not passing on left defender Schaefer is a smart one.

He just enhancing the ways this team would attack.

I am all about more back end stars until we get the combo right.


I am really not too worried Conner Bedard doesn't adjust his play as he grows.
This is all he wants to do.
He will figure things out, and as his team gets faster with better stickwork, he is going to see more chances.
- wiz1901

Was Dach that good when he was playing? He was pegged as the power forward closest to seeing NHL ice, but when he played did he really bring it that much? Was he good enough in other aspects of the game to elevate his role on the team? He's young and inconsistent, but I was least impressed by what he brought vs the other kids thus far.

Not saying he can't or won't live up to the hopes here, but I just didn't see that much to get excited about.

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

Schaefer has played about 19 games this year? How can a guy who hasn't played most of the year stick as the number 1 prospect? Is it simply because there isn't any new tape on him to critique? Hagens scored at a PPG pace in both college (as an 18 year old) and the WJC. What has he done to be dropped down?

This feels almost forced that Schaefer is the #1 prospect. I am no scout, and don't watch nearly enough junior or college hockey to be able to really argue, but I just don't understand it.

Well, I am pretty telling that since arriving he has been relishquished of his "rover role", and he has been told simple plays THEN if the situation arises to be very assertive.

In the last two games, I have seen a better all around player. Hey last night he started making a whole lot more contact as a defenseman, and less individualistic bravado that ignores the tenor and situations and just seemed Artie deciding "I have got this" on plays all over that are better left to all 5 guys out there.
again either.
I doubt he sees the minors either.

So all the defensemen can actively use their feet to enghance the team's game in all zones.

And maybe I am just in my rose colored glasses, but the front line forwards are playing with speed and excellent sticks.

I was happy for Soderblom to finally win a "big' game, instead of him constantly losing in the 3rd period.

Cannot wait for the additions to keep their intensity levels as next year starts.

Someone needs to remind the guy making trades that Slaggert's success and C. Dach's return will only overide a veteran add to their areas of success.

It is time to play the kids, shuttle the kids and keep adding scorers.

Kruger sure wants his guy Anton Frondell to garce Chicago ice with his almost 200 lb frame and scoring and playmaking.
I am not so sure Misa won't get a long look if they select him.

And as much as I would love the Hawks first pick being a scorer, I am sure not passing on left defender Schaefer is a smart one.

He just enhancing the ways this team would attack.

I am all about more back end stars until we get the combo right.


I am really not too worried Conner Bedard doesn't adjust his play as he grows.
This is all he wants to do.
He will figure things out, and as his team gets faster with better stickwork, he is going to see more chances.
- wiz1901

At every level so far, Levshunov has a pattern. Struggles some in knowing what he can and can't get away with at this level. Figures it out and elevates his play. He is fearless and I like that a lot.

Schaefer has played about 19 games this year? How can a guy who hasn't played most of the year stick as the number 1 prospect? Is it simply because there isn't any new tape on him to critique? Hagens scored at a PPG pace in both college (as an 18 year old) and the WJC. What has he done to be dropped down?

This feels almost forced that Schaefer is the #1 prospect. I am no scout, and don't watch nearly enough junior or college hockey to be able to really argue, but I just don't understand it.
- Chunk

I don't think its forced. He has all the tools to take control of a game from the backend. He was showing all of that before he was injured.

Schaefer has played about 19 games this year? How can a guy who hasn't played most of the year stick as the number 1 prospect? Is it simply because there isn't any new tape on him to critique? Hagens scored at a PPG pace in both college (as an 18 year old) and the WJC. What has he done to be dropped down?

This feels almost forced that Schaefer is the #1 prospect. I am no scout, and don't watch nearly enough junior or college hockey to be able to really argue, but I just don't understand it.
- Chunk

I agree I don't understand after so few games he is rated#1 not saying he isn't just don't understand how they decide that.

I don't think its forced. He has all the tools to take control of a game from the backend. He was showing all of that before he was injured.
- Elbows15

I don't doubt that at all. However, him being injured seems to have basically shielded him from any further evaluation. It's just kind of surprising to me.

Holy poop, you guys are still living off the grid - under a rock here!!

Hawk young blue liners is an amazing collection of talent. Yes, a little green, but boy are they talented. Leshunov and Rinzell...Holy smokes.

I have always loved Wyat Kaisers game, a discount duncan keith in my book.

I am hoping they trade their pick and/or a d prospect to Tampa for Isaac Howard.

Spencer Knight. That was a steal.

The hawks will be most improved team next year.

I agree I don't understand after so few games he is rated#1 not saying he isn't just don't understand how they decide that.
- HamiltonHawk

It is based on the tool kit and that projection. He does things that others can't, if he is healthy, his ceiling is higher then most.

Was Dach that good when he was playing? He was pegged as the power forward closest to seeing NHL ice, but when he played did he really bring it that much? Was he good enough in other aspects of the game to elevate his role on the team? He's young and inconsistent, but I was least impressed by what he brought vs the other kids thus far.

Not saying he can't or won't live up to the hopes here, but I just didn't see that much to get excited about.
- Chunk

When we're a playoff team neither Dach nor Slaggert will be part of that team from what I have seen and I'm a Domer.

So when is the NHL lottery?

We are looking at the possibility of 4 drafted core/franchise players

Traded for one

Then you add all those prospects in the system

Now we will end up with no worse than 4th OA

I believe I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

So when is the NHL lottery?.
- BetweenTheDots

Based off the last couple years, I would say it’s May 6th.

At every level so far, Levshunov has a pattern. Struggles some in knowing what he can and can't get away with at this level. Figures it out and elevates his play. He is fearless and I like that a lot.
- Elbows15

I fully agree.

When we're a playoff team neither Dach nor Slaggert will be part of that team from what I have seen and I'm a Domer.
- rpeters01

I'd say Slaggert has a chance at a 4L role. He disrupts a ton and can kill penalties. In general, I think I agree with your sentiment.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks lines in warmups in Ottawa:

Donato-Bedard-Mikheyev
Teravainen-Nazar-Bertuzzi
Moore-Greene-Foligno
Slaggert-Veleno-Reichel

Vlasic-Rinzel
Korchinski-Murphy
Kaiser-Levshunov

Knight

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks lines in warmups in Ottawa:

Donato-Bedard-Mikheyev
Teravainen-Nazar-Bertuzzi
Moore-Greene-Foligno
Slaggert-Veleno-Reichel

Vlasic-Rinzel
Korchinski-Murphy
Kaiser-Levshunov

Knight
- breadbag

Outside of maybe EDM in for KK, this could very well be the D-pairs to start next year.