Was that movie called Chicago Blues Brothers.

Suburban wives still can move into the city and be part of the culture.

But suburban and never living in the city means who are giving yourself a false person.

and don't apologize if you aren't-weren't a city habitant, we are not excluding you as good people or anything, but be real.
- wiz1901

Yea i always say Chicagoland area, living in the city is overrated although i learned many life lessons growing up in Cicero.

What if Misa isn't the best player after Schaefer in this draft?

I think picking 3rd is freeing for this org because they can take a step back and be objective.

I know the majority believe the value chart goes C, RD then LD and Wing. I believe in this value chart as well but i think the talent chart carries the most weight.

Who really is the most talented and most driven players in this draft?

That always cracked me up. I was living in the burbs and would run into transplants in my profession and when they asked me where I’m from I’d say Chicago…which when you live in the burbs that’s what you’d say, that you’re from Chicago or the Chicago area.

I remember people who moved here from places like Cincy or Buffalo being incensed because I wasn’t living in the city at the time even though I had lived in the city, was born on the far southside and spent most of my life in the Chicago area. The last 6 years I was in IL lived in the city (East Village) before moving to MI.

- HawkintheD

So you are from Chicago.
Chripes, I didn't mean to waste everyone away with this- when I REALLY came here to discuss how every Presidential candidate was gracious post-election loss results, save one, the one who is using the office to fatten his families wealth, using control of both sides or commision and regulatory of bitcoin not for YOU, but for the family's wealth. (a joke JOKE!)

Back to hockey:
Is Sacha Boisvert the eventual fill of a centre ice vacancy. Does it make things easier if Frank Nazar learns all he can about being an NHL centre, and uses his experience to be a better wing?
I don't think Boisvert is finished improving his feet, put I know he is miore tahn willing to drop'em for a teammate.
He is quiet in terms of trying to compare him to any shift big Porter Martone takes, b/c as mentioned by someone previously, he is chirpping trash, trashing you in contact and not seeing it as responsibilty and more as how he plays. (Now will some big NHL vet along the lines of a Pat Maroon, gonna scare the edge out of him, using NHL physicality?

I am not through in my thinking that the Hawks needs quicker sticks and pace, better playmakers and guys that project as big scorers.

And as much as I love Martone, wanted him from the start, I am wondering if there is draftable guy who helps them with those strengths over Martone.
Martone is terrific in close, and keeps up on the attack, but I just think the hawks will exhaust their search for the qualities i mentioned above, before letting him enter their farm to develop even more before he gets thrown in the lion's den of the NHL...

and then there's the thought that if you are so bad that you are icing a team with many high selected guys, it might be in the CAP interest to take a no-brainer junior player whose trajectory is less first line and more mid lineup b/c he isn't going to able to ask for the moon as the no-rookie contracts begin.


I am really having trouble attempting to figure out what their scouting staff sees as 3rd best for the hawks.
The good news is there is probably more safety in the top three than many of the drafts prior.

Who really is the most talented and most driven players in this draft?
- BetweenTheDots

Darth would tell you Cullen Potter is #1 since he's obsessed with midgets

Who really is the most talented and most driven players in this draft?
- BetweenTheDots

Of all the players I’ve seen Schaefer is the best hands down and Misa is right there just behind him. Problem is I haven’t seen many of the kids who play in US schools or leagues or kids in Europe. I’ve only seen Hagens on TV a few times and never up against the CHL players. So we’re at the mercy of the scouts and reporters who cover this.

Of all the players I’ve seen Schaefer is the best hands down and Misa is right there just behind him. Problem is I haven’t seen many of the kids who play in US schools or leagues or kids in Europe. I’ve only seen Hagens on TV a few times and never up against the CHL players. So we’re at the mercy of the scouts and reporters who cover this.
- paulr

I find it odd everyone is jumping on the Frondell train and passing on Hagens because he's too small.
Per Wiz's site:
Hagens is 5'11 172lbs
Frondell is 5'11.5" 179 lbs.

Of all the players I’ve seen Schaefer is the best hands down and Misa is right there just behind him. Problem is I haven’t seen many of the kids who play in US schools or leagues or kids in Europe. I’ve only seen Hagens on TV a few times and never up against the CHL players. So we’re at the mercy of the scouts and reporters who cover this.
- paulr

and the hope that your team's scouting staff can pull off the best player for the Blackhawks if their favorite forward is off the board.

I find it odd everyone is jumping on the Frondell train and passing on Hagens because he's too small.
Hagens is 5'11 172lbs
Frondell is 5'11.5" 179 lbs.
- Assman22

I think Frondell is very thick and almost 200, no?
and closer to 6 1

I find it odd everyone is jumping on the Frondell train and passing on Hagens because he's too small.
Per Wiz's site:
Hagens is 5'11 172lbs
Frondell is 5'11.5" 179 lbs.
- Assman22

Supposedly his numbers are better than Pastrnak and someone else who went the route they went.

Frondell 6.01 198lbs

Oh yea William Nylander

I think Frondell is very thick and almost 200, no?
and closer to 6 1
- wiz1901

Pulled those from your mock on Lines

Pulled those from your mock on Lines
- Assman22

I definitely can see them drafting Frondell, based on his scouting report.

Darth would tell you Cullen Potter is #1 since he's obsessed with midgets
- Assman22

Cameron Schmidt will be our choice at #3.

There is no doubt Hagens no matter where you saw him on anyone Mock Draft list has really high upside potential.

Now if you attempt to compare Frondell with him, you run into that size difference and that is where Hagens falls behind, not because he isn't good defensively but because he is not larger when engaged defensively.

Both are gifted set up guys and will score too.

Hagens is a super smart technitian, and superiorskater in all directions, who dissects the opponents. His elite details include that ultra vision and that he wants to be the guy with the puck safetly on his stick, so he can make things happen. A while back Craig Button used the comparison of skill to
nico Hischer.
Hagens can be a game-changer so no team will not be thrilled to call his name.

Pulled those from your mock on Lines
- Assman22

Ha!

Thanks for the heads up, ass I start these profile they are yoiunger delcate versions of there 17 plus stature.

I seem always have those incorrect.

Who really is the most talented and most driven players in this draft?
- BetweenTheDots

Yo Dots, is Horton pitching tonight? And if so do you watch that or hockey?........ The Cubs are a really fun watch especially going up against stacked clubs like LA and SD 20 times this yr.... I'll have one screen on those damn Cubs myself.

I see 75% less of prospects than I did 2 yrs ago. So, with that said Hagens comes to mind first. A true blue blood putting up points with great coaching all the way from Mt St Charles Academy, thru The Program, now BC all the while playing in all the international games along the way.

103 pts his last yr at The Program. Kid's hands are excellent, feet, vision, IQ are elite........ This is why I think the Hawks take him at 3. It's just the right thing to do.

I'll tell you what, I've only seen McQueen 5-6 times. Every time I hunt a Wheat Kings game he's out injured but the kid sticks out to anyone in the arena. He is so so big and fast. Really fast and at 6ft 5in 200lbs he darts!! And his hands keep up with his speed. .... In one rush I've seen him fly up the left wall shouldering off kids trying to keep up, dart to the middle from the wall, deke a Dman and is in alone. ...... This kid is a really rare combo of size, skating and skilled hands. Plus he's a mean bastard. Doesn't want opponents to stand near him.

And Misa, who might turn out the best pro of the draft. ...... I say this more and more frequently, I might have to adjust my evaluation of Dmen. So many are 6ft 4 or 5 inch and can flat oyt skate. What was rare package just 10 yrs ago is not anymore. ...... But Schaefer with his polish/IQ is closer to being classified as rare these days.

Gun to my head, Hagens is the most skilled draft eligible.

There is no doubt Hagens no matter where you saw him on anyone Mock Draft list has really high upside potential.

Now if you attempt to compare Frondell with him, you run into that size difference and that is where Hagens falls behind, not because he isn't good defensively but because he is not larger when engaged defensively.

Both are gifted set up guys and will score too.

Hagens is a super smart technitian, and superiorskater in all directions, who dissects the opponents. His elite details include that ultra vision and that he wants to be the guy with the puck safetly on his stick, so he can make things happen. A while back Craig Button used the comparison of skill to
nico Hischer.
Hagens can be a game-changer so no team will not be thrilled to call his name.
- wiz1901

Wiz, does Frondell remind you at all of Lundell outa FLA? Really good size, dedicated to all 3 zones and they seem to make the right read 20 outa 20 times? Perfect players to help get deep in the playoffs.

But offensively/skill/skating, not in the same stratosphere as Hagens.

Yo Dots, is Horton pitching tonight? And if so do you watch that or hockey?........ The Cubs are a really fun watch especially going up against stacked clubs like LA and SD 20 times this yr.... I'll have one screen on those damn Cubs myself.

I see 75% less of prospects than I did 2 yrs ago. So, with that said Hagens comes to mind first. A true blue blood putting up points with great coaching all the way from Mt St Charles Academy, thru The Program, now BC all the while playing in all the international games along the way.

103 pts his last yr at The Program. Kid's hands are excellent, feet, vision, IQ are elite........ This is why I think the Hawks take him at 3. It's just the right thing to do.

I'll tell you what, I've only seen McQueen 5-6 times. Every time I hunt a Wheat Kings game he's out injured but the kid sticks out to anyone in the arena. He is so so big and fast. Really fast and at 6ft 5in 200lbs he darts!! And his hands keep up with his speed. .... In one rush I've seen him fly up the left wall shouldering off kids trying to keep up, dart to the middle from the wall, deke a Dman and is in alone. ...... This kid is a really rare combo of size, skating and skilled hands. Plus he's a mean bastard. Doesn't want opponents to stand near him.

And Misa, who might turn out the best pro of the draft. ...... I say this more and more frequently, I might have to adjust my evaluation of Dmen. So many are 6ft 4 or 5 inch and can flat oyt skate. What was rare package just 10 yrs ago is not anymore. ...... But Schaefer with his polish/IQ is closer to being classified as rare these days.

Gun to my head, Hagens is the most skilled draft eligible.
- Mr Ricochet

I believe he is pitching, the 2 tv thing is great in my family room, then i have youtube tv, it will run the split screens, sometimes my head is spinning.

It also works cause my wife and i will watch some movie or show and i put a sports game on the other tv and mute it, i scared her when Winnipeg scored that goal with 1 second left to push game 7 to OT

I'm with Paul i don't know who the best players are in this draft I'm just going to have faith they take the best available when their pick comes up.

I find it odd everyone is jumping on the Frondell train and passing on Hagens because he's too small.
Per Wiz's site:
Hagens is 5'11 172lbs
Frondell is 5'11.5" 179 lbs.
- Assman22

An 18 year old has a chance to get to that magic 6 foot mark that seems to be an issue for some people.

I’m thinking that if Misa isn’t available Martone may be the best choice. He’s very skilled, he plays a heavy game, he’s nasty to play against his only weakness is his skating isn’t exceptional it’s just good. He’s an exceptional passer and he can finish. If Hagens, Frondell, Desnoyers or whomever is considered better I have no problem if KD makes that pick. But from all I know I’d like to see Martone.

I believe he is pitching, the 2 tv thing is great in my family room, then i have youtube tv, it will run the split screens, sometimes my head is spinning.

It also works cause my wife and i will watch some movie or show and i put a sports game on the other tv and mute it, i scared her when Winnipeg scored that goal with 1 second left to push game 7 to OT

I'm with Paul i don't know who the best players are in this draft I'm just going to have faith they take the best available when their pick comes up.
- BetweenTheDots

Buddy just texted he bet the Mets and that Tallion is starting. Looking forward to this series.... I have to do the same thing with my boss. Something on the big screen we watch together and I have a game on the laptop muted.

Dots, I haven't seen 1 USHL game, only 3-4 QMJHL games and the Euro's are always hard to get a big sample size of. So, by no means have I seen enough, never do, but from what I've seen of Hagens he's probably been the most skilled player on the ice and I watched his tryouts for The Program as a 16 yr old along with Eiserman IIRC.

But, skill doesn't always make the best hockey player and many organIzations covet different traits........ You can be sure KD will get a super skilled guy at 3 even with Misa and Scheafer are off the board. If that's what he wants. But he just may think at 3 Martone is the best hockey player and he wouldn't be alone.

I find it odd everyone is jumping on the Frondell train and passing on Hagens because he's too small.
Per Wiz's site:
Hagens is 5'11 172lbs
Frondell is 5'11.5" 179 lbs.
- Assman22

Definitely seems that Hagen and Frondell are right there in terms of skill but as for height and weight the reports are sometimes outdated and all over the place. In general Frondell seems to be reported about 2 inches taller and about 20 lbs heavier. The general opinions I've seen peg Frondell as probably the better two way player compared to the other forwards near the top.

OFFSEASON DECISIONS

LW Marcel, Marcel Rights Expiring 6/1/2025
C Stjernborg, Victor Rights Expiring 6/1/2025
C Pharand, Alex Rights Expiring 6/1/2025
RW Oscarson, Milton Rights Expiring 6/1/2025

Signing Rights Expiring - Probably only Pharand has a chance to be signed. Marcel may be back on another AHL contract. Likely no spots for Stjernborg and Oscarson.

LW Luypen, Jalen RFA 6/30/2025
C Saarela, Antti RFA 6/30/2025
RW Kurashev, Phiipp RFA-ARB 6/30/2025
RW Raty, Aku RFA-ARB 6/30/2025
D Kaiser, Wyatt RFA 6/30/2025
D Crevier, Louis RFA 6/30/2025
D Soderstrom, Victor RFA-ARB 6/30/2025
G Soderblom, Arvid RFA-ARB 6/30/2025

RFA - Kaiser, Crevier, and Soderblom should get RFA Qualifying Offers. Think Soderstrom needs an offer to keep his rights. No idea about Kurashev, Raty, and Luypen. Saarela went back to Europe so probably gone.

LW Athanasiou, Andreas UFA 7/1/2025
LW Donato, Ryan UFA 7/1/2025
LW Sanford, Zach UFA 7/1/2025
LW Seney, Brett UFA 7/1/2025
C Guttman, Cole UFA 7/1/2025

UFA - Donato seems like the only potential re-signing. Maybe Seney for Rockford. Figure Guttman will look elsewhere for an opportunity.

LW James, Dominic Rights Expiring 8/15/2025
D Kelley, Connor Rights Expiring 8/15/2025

Signing Rights Expiring - James looking elsewhere, not sure if CHI stll interested. Might be no room for Kelley unless on an AHL contract. G Basse already signed in the ECHL for next year.

EDIT: Ilya Safonov's contract in Russia is expired. Potentially the best time to bring him over is this summer.
- totem

Totem, your effort is really appreciated. Fine work here of what is probably more important than many think. The nitty gritty of manuevering around the max contracts allowed yr after yr.

And I'm lost on this kinda stuff anytime it comes up so I count on you sharp ones to tell me.

Living where I do I've seen a lot of #97 play and man that guy is a treat to watch in the playoffs. Averaging almost 2 points per game in the playoffs in the last 4 seasons combined. Last night on their OT GWG he made Jack Eichel do a Philipp Kurashev impersonation the way he walked him.

Just say I am from the Chicago area, Barrington, Illinois

We who lived there know that cloaking Barrington, or the suburb, it adds a street prestige most Chicagoens think you simply don't deserve, understand, or truly embrace. The falsehood permits others you tell "Chicago" to think of you in a more urban setting, and not one you need to drive to everywhere.
- wiz1901

LMFAO -you should have used red font- yeh ok .... whatever. And just saying 'Chicago' doesn't actually mention any particular 'street'. Is there really any "prestige" with 84th and Elizabeth? How about 63rd and Wentworth? Or rather the side of that street that got torn down to become the Dan Ryan.

I probably have to spell it out- but those weren't just random blocks.

Is there any 'street prestige' with either of those, because if there is - then I am not really aware of any- although I do see a fair few TV shows down here where they do up places in Lincoln Park - and it's not overly representative of the city that I knew. I guess, though, they do have 'street prestige'.

Bottom line, the Hawks are going to get a very good player with their first pick. If Hagens is the best player available on their board when their turn comes up, the Hawks will take him. Always take BPA, you can always trade for size and they eventually will have Boisvert, Vanacker, Spellacy and Dach as options. Skilled players make other players better, always draft skill with your high picks.