Based on what exactly? There is nothing in his metrics (regular season or playoffs) to indicate this at all. In my viewings, he was still a strong defensive player who added some nice points as well.
- Chunk

Anytime i watched him be it for the 4 nations or the Avs in the playoffs, he's having a lot of trouble receiving the puck on his stick cleanly and then keeping it. Maybe I'm wrong but even his point total was lower than the 3 previous year and i just don't see it getting that much better

CHI news will be a little slow until draft time. Thought I would post some mini-profiles for players that will go a little later in the draft that I thought were interesting.

Draft Prospect Profile:
SAM LAURILA - LD
Height: 6'0.25"
Weight: 184
DOB: 09-02-06 Age: 18 (Undrafted 2024)

2024-25 FARGO USHL 57-8-33-41 PPG: 0.72 PIM: 46
2025-26 NORTH DAKOTA NCAA --

Laurila played for the NTDP U18 team in 2023-24 but had only 11 points in 61 games. In 2024-25 he was the MVP for the Fargo Force and scored 41 points in 57 games, making him a candidate to be drafted after being passed over last year. Still 18 and was only eligible by 13 days for the draft last year. Will play at North Dakota in the 2025-26 NCAA season. Currently ranked in the mid rounds for the 2025 draft, where CHI may be looking to re-fill the defenseman pipeline.

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 65 (NA)
Wiz: 116

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect...player/786910/sam-laurila
"Laurila is a defensive defenseman with activation ability. He jumps on opponents early to force them wide and then skates through their hands. His motor never stops in the defensive end."

See #5
https://www.nytimes.com/a...-draft-ranking-overagers/
"Laurila, a North Dakota commit, was passed over coming out of a depth role at the NTDP but generated a lot of attention from scouts this season as one of the top defensemen in the USHL, leading the Force in scoring with 41 points in 57 games and playing well at the Chipotle All-American Game."

Game Highlights 2024-25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds395SODyMc

Another one:

Draft Prospect Profile:
DAVID ROZSIVAL - RW
Height: 6'0.5"
Weight: 181
DOB: 06-01-07 Age: 18

2024-25 LIBEREC JR CZE U-20 30-17-20-37 (PO: 4-4-0-4) PPG: 1.23 PIM: 20
2025-26 LIBEREC JR CZE U-20 --

Rozsival's last name draws curiosity, but no, he is apparently not related to the ex-Blackhawk Michal Rozsival, and he plays RW. Scored well in the Czechia U-20 league; his highlights show him around the net on offense and scoring in close with good puck control. Scouting report below mentions his scoring but does not say that he stands out either in speed or physical play. Teams are always looking for scoring and Rozsival might provide some secondary scoring in the bottom 6. Would guess that CHI might take a chance if he is there in rounds 4-7, not sure he fits their desired profile in the early rounds.

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 22 (EU)
Wiz: 109

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect...yer/748418/david-rozsival

Neutral Zone:
https://neutralzone.com/n...echia-u20-david-rozsival/
"Rozsival checks a lot of boxes — strong scorer, trusted in all situations, mature positional game, and elite shooting results — but his lack of physicality and self-creation limit his ceiling. He’s an ideal value pick in the middle rounds for an organization seeking a responsible, intelligent winger with NHL tools and habits. The floor is high, and the potential for an NHL role exists if he continues to evolve physically."

Game Highlights 2024-25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AEDgkwU-nw

Desnoyers is a good player who scouts believe is the best two way forward with the highest IQ in the draft. If KD and his staff believes he projects as a Toews, Bergeron, Kopitar, Barkov he will be Chicago’s choice.
- paulr

And when i watch his stuff i don't see any of those qualities of the great 2 way players. He looks slow, he makes nice passes with wide open passing lanes, his shot looks very weak, I'm just saying it's what i see, if the Blackhawks draft him then i missed something but i really don't think they will.

I believe it's going to either be Frondell or Martone, unless they trade back

I just can't get it out of my head how weak Hagens played against college competition.

Anytime i watched him be it for the 4 nations or the Avs in the playoffs, he's having a lot of trouble receiving the puck on his stick cleanly and then keeping it. Maybe I'm wrong but even his point total was lower than the 3 previous year and i just don't see it getting that much better
- BetweenTheDots

I mean, he's 33, so yeah, he's likely not going to be much better, but what he provides is very valuable to a team. Especially one as stacked as the Avs. Indeed his numbers this year were a little lower than the previous two (56 in 80) he still generates a lot of offense for a 2C and plays a solid 2-way game.

You're right, it was a pretty steep price to acquire him, but Ritchie still needs to establish himself in the NHL (despite how much paulr likes him ), and the picks are going to be in the late end of each round.

And when i watch his stuff i don't see any of those qualities of the great 2 way players. He looks slow, he makes nice passes with wide open passing lanes, his shot looks very weak, I'm just saying it's what i see, if the Blackhawks draft him then i missed something but i really don't think they will.
- BetweenTheDots

Toews wasn’t exceptionally fast. Toews has a good, not great shot. Toews didn’t put up big numbers. Assuming you liked Toews’ game, what did he do that you liked?

Given the choice I’d take Toews, Bergeron, Kopitar or Barkov over many players who out score them.

Toews wasn’t exceptionally fast. Toews has a good, not great shot. Toews didn’t put up big numbers. Assuming you liked Toews’ game, what did he do that you liked?

Given the choice I’d take Toews, Bergeron, Kopitar or Barkov over many players who out score them.
- paulr

I was listening to the CHGO guys yesterday and they had Byron Bader on from Hockey Prospecting. They do all the league equivalence work to try and parse out what production in X,Y, or Z league would translate to in the NHL. He had good things to say about Desnoyers, but he said that Frondell projected to Barkov level. Now, at the same time, he said the model puts Nazar topping out at about 40-50 points per year max, so it surely is an imperfect science.

He also threw more fuel on the fire that he had concerns that Arty didn't set the AHL on fire and he has Demidov being a truly star player over time, so all of Chicago can throw their arms up and say "I told you so".

It really seems as though the model either doesn't take into account, or abjectly ignores any extenuating circumstances. Things like injuries, coaches, teammates, etc. Both Arty and Frank dealt with injuries in their D+1 season and seem to have been knocked for it.

Corey Pronman wisdom off today's Athletic:
3. Chicago Blackhawks

"The big question for Chicago at No. 3 isn’t just who the best player available is — it’s how the Blackhawks want to build around Connor Bedard. The entire conversation hinges on whether the organization views Bedard as a long-term center, particularly someone who can be a 1C on a contending team. If they do, the path likely shifts toward wingers or complementary skill. If they don’t, the focus becomes finding the right center to play with or support him.

That leads to three primary options: Jake O’Brien, Frondell and Desnoyers. O’Brien is the most skilled of the group — he’s a dynamic playmaker who could be the type to feed Bedard the puck in dangerous areas.
But Frondell and Desnoyers aren’t far behind him in pure talent and bring more complete, two-way games.
Both have legitimate offensive upside, can skate and have the kind of center traits you want if Bedard ends up needing to move to the wing.

(So O'Brien isn't that high a selection for all teams not Blackhawks?}
He goes on:
"The Blackhawks have also prioritized speed in how they draft and build their forward group. That’s why it’s hard to see someone like Martone fitting here with his so-so footspeed, unless they’re just blown away by him due to his size, skill and compete and think Bedard can be a 1C on a contender.

If Misa gets to No. 3, he’d likely be the pick. He’s the top forward in the class, has the high-end skating and skill, versatility to play center or wing, and gives them flexibility in how they use Bedard long term.

Hagens seems unlikely. Despite being a high-end skater and extremely skilled, Chicago already has drafted a lot of smaller forwards high and using another top pick on a sub-6-footer alongside Bedard probably doesn’t fit.

My lean would be toward Desnoyers here. Frondell would also be a strong option. Either could fill the Jonathan Toews role to Bedard’s Kane."



I alwasy say, "follow the board" but I am very happy Corey isn't the one at the might.
- wiz1901

Thing is, Kane and Toews were mostly on different lines 5 on 5 and the power play always sucked anyways. I don't like seeing the Kane to Toews comparisons which are often sited.

He had three-ish. He had 48pts in 47 in 2012-13. He also had 57 in 59 in 2011-12, and 81 in 82 in 2018-19.

At this point in his career, he's likely going to be a 3C on a contender or pushed into 2C duty on an imperfect team. I'd say the ideal scenario is for him to be his usual 200'self and add about 35-ish points. I think most would be really happy with that.
- Chunk

If he still has speed he can move up and down, rest him regular season for playoff time.

Thing is, Kane and Toews were mostly on different lines 5 on 5 and the power play always sucked anyways. I don't like seeing the Kane to Toews comparisons which are often sited.
- rpeters01

Fully agreed, if for no other reason that people will try to pigeon-hole players to be just like said players. Let them become their own players.

I was listening to the CHGO guys yesterday and they had Byron Bader on from Hockey Prospecting. They do all the league equivalence work to try and parse out what production in X,Y, or Z league would translate to in the NHL. He had good things to say about Desnoyers, but he said that Frondell projected to Barkov level. Now, at the same time, he said the model puts Nazar topping out at about 40-50 points per year max, so it surely is an imperfect science.

He also threw more fuel on the fire that he had concerns that Arty didn't set the AHL on fire and he has Demidov being a truly star player over time, so all of Chicago can throw their arms up and say "I told you so".

It really seems as though the model either doesn't take into account, or abjectly ignores any extenuating circumstances. Things like injuries, coaches, teammates, etc. Both Arty and Frank dealt with injuries in their D+1 season and seem to have been knocked for it.
- Chunk

I can’t get into the CHGO podcasts on YouTube because they just ramble about nothing half the time. If Arty becomes a top pairing defenseman then I believe the Hawks made the right choice. As for Nazar, I don’t really care if he maxs out as a top point producer if he plays the same hard energy filled game he showed in the World Cup.

Other than flattering video clips I’ve never seen Frondell play so I really can’t assess him. However if he or Desnoyers are projected as Toews or Barkov types I say yes please.

I really don't know who they are going to draft but looking at the top 10 prospects as much video as i can, i believe they will draft Frondell unless Misa falls to them. I just don't see that much talent in Desnoyers, i see Des being a 3rd line center

This whole Bedard not a center is crap
- BetweenTheDots

It's too soon to say he's not a Center. There's also nothing that says he can’t be a great offensive center and not a great defensive center.

I was listening to the CHGO guys yesterday and they had Byron Bader on from Hockey Prospecting. They do all the league equivalence work to try and parse out what production in X,Y, or Z league would translate to in the NHL. He had good things to say about Desnoyers, but he said that Frondell projected to Barkov level. Now, at the same time, he said the model puts Nazar topping out at about 40-50 points per year max, so it surely is an imperfect science.

He also threw more fuel on the fire that he had concerns that Arty didn't set the AHL on fire and he has Demidov being a truly star player over time, so all of Chicago can throw their arms up and say "I told you so".

It really seems as though the model either doesn't take into account, or abjectly ignores any extenuating circumstances. Things like injuries, coaches, teammates, etc. Both Arty and Frank dealt with injuries in their D+1 season and seem to have been knocked for it.
- Chunk

What's weird is based on all the picks by the Blackhawks minus the goalie ranking, i believe his 2024 chart has us ranked number 1 when you total the forwards and defencemen.

All i know is for now
Bedard is on a level all his own
Rinzel and Nazar look great
Arty is not to shabby for being in a different league every year.

4 possible stars for now
Along with a bunch of hopefully skilled and quick Hockey players

Alright, I know this is Ek saying this, but if this is true and he's available, I'm giving the two first rounders this year, and any D man not named Arty or Rinzel. You could twist my arm into adding a middling forward prospect as well.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...---Buzz1-w-Kevin/1/128237

I believe it's going to either be Frondell or Martone, unless they trade back

I just can't get it out of my head how weak Hagens played against college competition.
- BetweenTheDots

The more I listen here the more it sounds like a 2 player draft?

Toews wasn’t exceptionally fast. Toews has a good, not great shot. Toews didn’t put up big numbers. Assuming you liked Toews’ game, what did he do that you liked?

Given the choice I’d take Toews, Bergeron, Kopitar or Barkov over many players who out score them.
- paulr

Toews was sneaky quick and had the quickest stick in a crowd I ever saw. Bickell's tying goal, 2013, game 6, Boston.

Alright, I know this is Ek saying this, but if this is true and he's available, I'm giving the two first rounders this year, and any D man not named Arty or Rinzel. You could twist my arm into adding a middling forward prospect as well.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...---Buzz1-w-Kevin/1/128237
- Chunk

I'm not trading Vlasic, he's the heart and soul of what little young heart and soul they have.

Who likes Nikolaj Ehlers here? All I know are his stats. Saw an article linked to Chicago if he makes it to UFA. He seems to miss a lot of games?

Pretty sure no one had Dan Muse on their Bingo card of possible Pens head coaches, but that's who they landed on.
Good times.

Who likes Nikolaj Ehlers here? All I know are his stats. Saw an article linked to Chicago if he makes it to UFA. He seems to miss a lot of games?
- rpeters01

I like his game, but he is injured quite often. He's good enough defensively when healthy. I'm a bit more partial to Boeser if we are strictly looking at UFA's.

Liking this Peca hire more and more.

https://chicago.suntimes....r-bedard-forwards-defense

CHI news will be a little slow until draft time. Thought I would post some mini-profiles for players that will go a little later in the draft that I thought were interesting.

Draft Prospect Profile:
SAM LAURILA - LD
Height: 6'0.25"
Weight: 184
DOB: 09-02-06 Age: 18 (Undrafted 2024)

2024-25 FARGO USHL 57-8-33-41 PPG: 0.72 PIM: 46
2025-26 NORTH DAKOTA NCAA --

Laurila played for the NTDP U18 team in 2023-24 but had only 11 points in 61 games. In 2024-25 he was the MVP for the Fargo Force and scored 41 points in 57 games, making him a candidate to be drafted after being passed over last year. Still 18 and was only eligible by 13 days for the draft last year. Will play at North Dakota in the 2025-26 NCAA season. Currently ranked in the mid rounds for the 2025 draft, where CHI may be looking to re-fill the defenseman pipeline.

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 65 (NA)
Wiz: 116

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect...player/786910/sam-laurila
"Laurila is a defensive defenseman with activation ability. He jumps on opponents early to force them wide and then skates through their hands. His motor never stops in the defensive end."

See #5
https://www.nytimes.com/a...-draft-ranking-overagers/
"Laurila, a North Dakota commit, was passed over coming out of a depth role at the NTDP but generated a lot of attention from scouts this season as one of the top defensemen in the USHL, leading the Force in scoring with 41 points in 57 games and playing well at the Chipotle All-American Game."

Game Highlights 2024-25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds395SODyMc
- totem

Cool stuff. Thanks totem. This guy sounds like a smaller version of Allan. He also had a fluke offensive season after being a largely defensive prospect.

Liking this Peca hire more and more.

https://chicago.suntimes....r-bedard-forwards-defense
- Chunk

With both him and Blashill, I think the focus on structure and defending will mean the Hawks will put more premium on making the safe play. I think probably less of the open track meet we had at times with Sorensen.

Alright, I know this is Ek saying this, but if this is true and he's available, I'm giving the two first rounders this year, and any D man not named Arty or Rinzel. You could twist my arm into adding a middling forward prospect as well.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...---Buzz1-w-Kevin/1/128237
- Chunk

I'm a bit wary of trading for Robertson. His next contract is likely to be much higher than it should be and comes up same time as Bedard RFA. Is he really a cornerstone piece?

No doubt he is a really good / excellent player. BUT he benefitted from exceptional chemistry with Pavelski and Hintz. His production, possession, and overall game have not been as good separated from Pavelski. He was largely MIA in playoffs this year. So far, his 22-23 season is an anomaly. Is he LW1 with Bedard? The size is nice, but that pairing would scare the hell out of me in hte D zone. Zone entries would be a risk with those two also.

It just seems adding Robertson is too big of a gamble given acquisition cost, next contract value, his declining performance, and questionable fit with Bedard. Gotta think, why is he the piece Stars are willing to give up on in a re-tool?