I don't think so. Seabrook was highly touted coming out of juniors. But he had issues with skating (no matter what anyone else tells ya) and needed time to adjust. Both he and Keith were in Norfolk with Yawney coaching and that worked out pretty well eventually. Rinzel would make a joke out of the AHL. I can't wait to see him in a few years when he fills out. Very impressed.
- 6628

I recall Keith getting abused his first couple years but I struggle to remember this morning.

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/336956/cameron-rowe

Seems worth taking a chance on. 24 at the start of next year. Couple of good years at WMU. Could at least fill in until Gajan is ready.

Would still like to see them take a goalie fairly high in the draft and keep the pipeline going.
- totem

I never count the prospects like Gajan as filling rostres until they show they can. Totem.

There is evidence this kid Rowe can play, so you sign him and let him.
It would be the first time a college goalie made a career in the bigs after UFA.

I agree with you about this year's draft is one you take a goalie also.

I rarely watch the pregame/post game but since the TV was on, I let it play out as the Granato, Colin Fraser and company agreed that Kyle making that trade for Spencer Knight really tipped the scales on advancing the goal position at the pro level, so it relieves a big hole with one big promising 'tender, but like anything else any you draft become chips if they succeed.

I started the season thinking Kyle would go into the entry draft and if need be would trade up for the top goalie in the class albeit a right catcher, or would position himself in the second to get the kid we want to grow, Jack Ivankovic.


So how now I am feeeling he is tarding some picks to and NHL team for a high end forward who a team doesn't want back or thinks wants out.

Let's see Commesso with competition.

By the way, Cameron Rowe is Vlasic's neighbor, from Wilmette, Illinois


The Rangers’ Will Cuylle could be a target of a th hawks of a RFA and it wouldn't come with a huge draft pick payout....if rangers roster purge doesn't find homes for the older high paid veterans, the opportunity may present itself.

Regarding Boisvert, it depends which scribe you believe. KD has not said likely because he wants to appear in step with Boisvert.
- rpeters01

Do you, or anyone who has been able to follow Boisvert, think he’s close enough to go pro next season or he still aways away?

If Donato wants significantly more than Alex Iafallo just got with the Jets which was 3x3.67M then the Hawks have to just let him walk. As the talent on the team improves, his role will diminish.

Even if he has risen above his typical 25-30 points, probably unlikely we see him rise above 40-45 again. I see a guy like Warren Foegele making 3.5 per year in LA or Trevor Moore his teammate at 4.2 per year. I think Donato might be somewhere in that same value.
- breadbag

Agreed about his role being different longer term, and his production will likely decline from his career year this year. And comps suggest 4 million per year or under is likely the most responsible number for his role and production. BUT, his leadership (by example) seems to be really valuable and maybe that is worth something too.

The bigger issue remains the contracts the Hawks have handed out recently. Bertuzzi gets 5.5 for the next three years, but they'll ask Donato to take 4? Can you offer him less than Foligno at 4.5 or Richardenson at 4.25? Barely more than TJ Brodie? Even with the cap going up dramatically?

It will take roughly 5 million per for 3-4 years to retain Donato; or maybe a bigger number for only two years. Plenty of teams will be wiling to take a chance on him. And this is his one real chance for a contract that secures generational wealth for his family. Should the Hawks do it? Debatable, but I say yes. He is versatile all over the lineup and has the right character. I'd rather find a way to get rid of Bertuzzi and/or Richardenson.

Agreed about his role being different longer term, and his production will likely decline from his career year this year. And comps suggest 4 million per year or under is likely the most responsible number for his role and production. BUT, his leadership (by example) seems to be really valuable and maybe that is worth something too.

The bigger issue remains the contracts the Hawks have handed out recently. Bertuzzi gets 5.5 for the next three years, but they'll ask Donato to take 4? Can you offer him less than Foligno at 4.5 or Richardenson at 4.25? Barely more than TJ Brodie? Even with the cap going up dramatically?

It will take roughly 5 million per for 3-4 years to retain Donato; or maybe a bigger number for only two years. Plenty of teams will be wiling to take a chance on him. And this is his one real chance for a contract that secures generational wealth for his family. Should the Hawks do it? Debatable, but I say yes. He is versatile all over the lineup and has the right character. I'd rather find a way to get rid of Bertuzzi and/or Richardenson.
- LetsGoHawks

Donato will top out at 4x$4.5M is my guess (on the open market). He's got one incredible season and several average ones. He may contribute slightly above his career avg before this year, but likely not as much as this year.

He's a good teammate and seemed to be one of the guys holding everyone accountable. I really don't mind if they throw an extra $500K per year at him with the cap going up. I think he's a good piece to have and has the same attitude about improving his game as he got great results this year after working on his skating.

Agreed about his role being different longer term, and his production will likely decline from his career year this year. And comps suggest 4 million per year or under is likely the most responsible number for his role and production. BUT, his leadership (by example) seems to be really valuable and maybe that is worth something too.

The bigger issue remains the contracts the Hawks have handed out recently. Bertuzzi gets 5.5 for the next three years, but they'll ask Donato to take 4? Can you offer him less than Foligno at 4.5 or Richardenson at 4.25? Barely more than TJ Brodie? Even with the cap going up dramatically?

It will take roughly 5 million per for 3-4 years to retain Donato; or maybe a bigger number for only two years. Plenty of teams will be wiling to take a chance on him. And this is his one real chance for a contract that secures generational wealth for his family. Should the Hawks do it? Debatable, but I say yes. He is versatile all over the lineup and has the right character. I'd rather find a way to get rid of Bertuzzi and/or Richardenson.
- LetsGoHawks

What did you expect out of Bertuzzi ? If you look at his career, he produced exactly like he has over his career except for the one year he scored 30 goals .He has almost the exact stats he had last year playing primarily with Matthews.

I said the Richardinson signing was an overpay the minute it was inked. Only way to get rid of him next year is with retainage either before the season or at the TDL. He reverted back to his career mean also.

I read Donato was offered 3 x $3. Anything more and I let him walk as much as I like him for what he provides the team (besides the goals)

EDIT: Don't forget they hired that new contract guru, wonder f he has a different philosophy about handling contracts. Of course it is KD's ultimate decision.

KK and Arty sent to RFD for the Playoffs. Here's hoping they get through a round or two.

Donato will top out at 4x$4.5M is my guess (on the open market). He's got one incredible season and several average ones. He may contribute slightly above his career avg before this year, but likely not as much as this year.

He's a good teammate and seemed to be one of the guys holding everyone accountable. I really don't mind if they throw an extra $500K per year at him with the cap going up. I think he's a good piece to have and has the same attitude about improving his game as he got great results this year after working on his skating.
- Chunk

You are spot on. There also is some benefit in roster continuity and stability, which the Hawks have not had recently. TT, Bert, Mik, Donato, D!ckinson, Foligno are not top line players. But they could be a very good supporting cast while the Hawks transition into a contender. They can play up and down the lineup and on special teams. They won't be up against the cap and Foligno, D!ckinson, Mikheyev and Veleno could be off the cap after next year unless they are resigned.

You are spot on. There also is some benefit in roster continuity and stability, which the Hawks have not had recently. TT, Bert, Mik, Donato, D!ckinson, Foligno are not top line players. But they could be a very good supporting cast while the Hawks transition into a contender. They can play up and down the lineup and on special teams. They won't be up against the cap and Foligno, D!ckinson, Mikheyev and Veleno could be off the cap after next year unless they are resigned.
- Ztra

Next year, we'll probably see Mikheyev and Veleno moved at the deadline. Maybe D*ckinson. Maybe even Murphy. But they will only have two retention slots. I wouldn't be surprised if Foligno retires after his contract is up.

I wouldn't object to Donato staying and being paid a bit more, either. I get the career year risk, but since he's a coach's son, the effort and leadership should still be there, even if he doesn't duplicate this season's numbers. Assuming he wants to stay, anyway. And assuming they aren't going to make a real splash in the free agent market that could affect what they could offer Donato.

What did you expect out of Bertuzzi ? If you look at his career, he produced exactly like he has over his career except for the one year he scored 30 goals .He has almost the exact stats he had last year playing primarily with Matthews.

I said the Richardinson signing was an overpay the minute it was inked. Only way to get rid of him next year is with retainage either before the season or at the TDL. He reverted back to his career mean also.

I read Donato was offered 3 x $3. Anything more and I let him walk as much as I like him for what he provides the team (besides the goals)

EDIT: Don't forget they hired that new contract guru, wonder f he has a different philosophy about handling contracts. Of course it is KD's ultimate decision.
- LAHawk

I think people expected more from Bertuzzi because of his increased role coming into Chicago. He didn't have 4 or 5 guys ahead of him in the pecking order coming into Chicago.

He didn't primarily play with Matthews based on minutes. He played more with Tavares, Nylander, and Domi in Toronto. This season he also got a more prime position on the Powerplay with significantly more minutes with the man advantage.

I agree with you that Bertuzzi kind of is what he is, which is a lower top 6, basically a 5th or 6th guy in the forward depth chart on a good team. I think people thought Bedard would take a bigger step and would find more sustained chemistry with Bertuzzi. He ended up doing a bit worse 5v5 and getting a few more PP goals because of the opportunity to be that net front / back door guy on the Chicago PP.

I think the rumor going around is that Donato has an offer from Chicago of 3x4 Mil. It might be that Donato will push for more and wants to test the market to get more money or term. I hope Chicago doesn't increase the rumored offer much on either and definitely not both.

Next year, we'll probably see Mikheyev and Veleno moved at the deadline. Maybe D*ckinson. Maybe even Murphy. But they will only have two retention slots. I wouldn't be surprised if Foligno retires after his contract is up.

I wouldn't object to Donato staying and being paid a bit more, either. I get the career year risk, but since he's a coach's son, the effort and leadership should still be there, even if he doesn't duplicate this season's numbers. Assuming he wants to stay, anyway. And assuming they aren't going to make a real splash in the free agent market that could affect what they could offer Donato.
- 333inthe3rd

I think we could still see one of these guys you mentioned moved during the off-season too. A guy like Mikheyev could have some value after having a very solid season and proving to be a very effective PK guy. I just think if the Hawks make a trade, some of these pieces could be involved, since they are down to 1 year left.

know some fans will say no way, but I think we have to look no further than the Hawks ability to trade Seth Jones or Mrazek who needed a new home. IMO, the vets we have aren't without value and in some cases more value than fans realize.

There are real limited options on the UFA market coming up and some of those options will be a real premium price, so a trade might be attractive, especially if the Hawks do try to acquire a top 6 forward. Maybe a guy like Mikheyev + prospect/picks helps a team swallow moving an everyday player, since they'd be getting an NHL forward plus something for the future.

If they sign him hope it works out. If you go by historical results, it does not.
- LAHawk

There's always a guy who comes along and breaks the mold

Depending on what sites you believe Nazar is 3" shorter, but only 10 lbs lighter than Patrick Sharp. He could easily add those 10 pounds. I see similarities between the two. Speed, shot, tenacity, goes into tough areas, fairly good hockey IQ, feisty, consistent effort.

Sharp really did not start clicking on all cylinders until he was 26. Nazar is 21.

Nazar has some similarities to Debrincat too.
- Ztra

Nazar is twice the skater Cat was/is. Cat has a better shot, but i certainly like the improvement Nazar has had over a couple months.

Very different player than he was when he came up. You can see he gets it, and the game has really slowed down for him, while his speed has increased.

Zero chance Quenneville returns, right. (red font)
- Ztra

Maybe i'll get killed again, but Q is one of those that i really believe was hosed by MdD telling him to keep quiet and coach and the front office will take care of it. And him probably wanting to do just that.

He made a mistake but if you're a coach in the middle of a playoff push for a cup, and the first one, you could see him believing McD saying the FO will deal with it.

Obviously i don't know exatly what was said, but i think Q has paid his sentence and deserves a chance, especially if Stan did, he was higher up.

But obviously, not with the Hawks.

Vanacker has already signed. I expect him to be in Brantford again next season. Boisvert will sign when the Hawks and he feel he’s ready to turn pro. Is Boisvert ready to go pro?
- paulr

Definitely not and in the transfer portal still iirc.

Maybe i'll get killed again, but Q is one of those that i really believe was hosed by MdD telling him to keep quiet and coach and the front office will take care of it. And him probably wanting to do just that.

He made a mistake but if you're a coach in the middle of a playoff push for a cup, and the first one, you could see him believing McD saying the FO will deal with it.

Obviously i don't know exatly what was said, but i think Q has paid his sentence and deserves a chance, especially if Stan did, he was higher up.

But obviously, not with the Hawks.
- vabeachbear

Bravo, VA.

Definitely not and in the transfer portal still iirc.
- Assman22

Boisvert no longer in the portal, committed to BU this past weekend.

Boisvert no longer in the portal, committed to BU this past weekend.
- vabeachbear

Jack Pridham did too, didn’t he?

Nazar is twice the skater Cat was/is. Cat has a better shot, but i certainly like the improvement Nazar has had over a couple months.

Very different player than he was when he came up. You can see he gets it, and the game has really slowed down for him, while his speed has increased.
- vabeachbear

I agree with you. Nazar has a lot of confidence and swag right now. He knows he belongs and he is asserting himself. The benefit of having the young guys on the roster is they are putting in the extra effort to establish themselves and when they turn the corner and figure it out, it's great to see.

Do you, or anyone who has been able to follow Boisvert, think he’s close enough to go pro next season or he still aways away?
- paulr

From what I've read I think he's borderline now and could develop in the "A".

Maybe i'll get killed again, but Q is one of those that i really believe was hosed by MdD telling him to keep quiet and coach and the front office will take care of it. And him probably wanting to do just that.

He made a mistake but if you're a coach in the middle of a playoff push for a cup, and the first one, you could see him believing McD saying the FO will deal with it.

Obviously i don't know exatly what was said, but i think Q has paid his sentence and deserves a chance, especially if Stan did, he was higher up.

But obviously, not with the Hawks.
- vabeachbear

Once it was known it was a FO issue not the coaching staff's issue. Q got screwed.

I never count the prospects like Gajan as filling rostres until they show they can. Totem.

There is evidence this kid Rowe can play, so you sign him and let him.
It would be the first time a college goalie made a career in the bigs after UFA.

I agree with you about this year's draft is one you take a goalie also.

I rarely watch the pregame/post game but since the TV was on, I let it play out as the Granato, Colin Fraser and company agreed that Kyle making that trade for Spencer Knight really tipped the scales on advancing the goal position at the pro level, so it relieves a big hole with one big promising 'tender, but like anything else any you draft become chips if they succeed.

I started the season thinking Kyle would go into the entry draft and if need be would trade up for the top goalie in the class albeit a right catcher, or would position himself in the second to get the kid we want to grow, Jack Ivankovic.


So how now I am feeeling he is tarding some picks to and NHL team for a high end forward who a team doesn't want back or thinks wants out.

Let's see Commesso with competition.

By the way, Cameron Rowe is Vlasic's neighbor, from Wilmette, Illinois
- wiz1901

Wasn't he the guy in "Ferris Bueller's Day off?"

Jack Pridham did too, didn’t he?
- paulr

According to the internet he did, be cool if they were on the same line together.

Is this because of that new rule i thought i read something about where CHL guys can go to NCAA?

Assuming that means after 1 year of NCAA they can then go to the "A"?

Wow, the board has been busy today. Here are my comments on some of the subjects covered today.
1. If they draft Schaefer, there will be 31 teams that would trade for Vlasic, for the right price anyone is available, even Bedard.
2. I’d rather not see Donato get overpaid, if he doesn’t take KD’s offer, see you.
3. Just because some college coaches have failed, doesn’t mean they will all fail. Hire Carle KD!
4. Nazar has a higher ceiling than Sharp.

According to the internet he did, be cool if they were on the same line together.

Is this because of that new rule i thought i read something about where CHL guys can go to NCAA?

Assuming that means after 1 year of NCAA they can then go to the "A"?
- vabeachbear

It might be if they flunk out of the NCAA they can go to the AHL mid season as there is no agreement between the CHL and NCAA. I'm waiting to see a team pull this to get their CHL guy into the AHL before the age of 20.