Doneghey said other than the football thing west has all the similar traits Rinzel has.

He said the only reason he was still on the board was because of the football thing.

@MarkDivver
Hearing Julius Sumpf, drafted in 4th round by Chicago Blackhawks yesterday, is committed to Providence College for '25-26

6-foot-2 center had 26-39-65 for Moncton then added 10 goals in postseason as Wildcats advanced to Memorial Cup

Led Germany with 7 pts in 5 games in WJC

Was hoping to see him in Rockford,not college
- captainserious

College is a step up from the Q tho at least and Providence has a great program.

Figures, KFC overcompensates, now he has a ton of behemoths and no smaller skill guys.


Wonder why Vanacker’s name isn’t on this camp list?
- paulr

It is. Bottom of the first page.

College is a step up from the Q tho at least and Providence has a great program.
- Assman22

Wasn't aware Providence had a good program.
Hopefully it is just one year, I mean the kid is 20 right?

Wasn't aware Providence had a good program.
Hopefully it is just one year, I mean the kid is 20 right?
- captainserious

He's a 4th rounder. It's a lottery ticket.

That said, Providence was a pretty good team last year. Without a ton of name recognition (Trevor Connelly, John Mustard, Taige Harding, and Connor Kelly were the only names I knew and the last three were Hawks draft picks), they made the college hockey playoffs and lost to Denver in the first round.

One thing is abundantly clear about this draft. The Hawks did NOT draft BPA. They didn't have to. They've already got a stuffed prospect pool, so they took swings on guys that had a ton of size (although that was a theme for this entire draft), but they have the potential to be absolute monsters. These are all very boom/bust draft picks.

If one of them hits (outside of Frondell, who I think is going to be great for this team), it will be an enormous advantage. If all you get out of this class is Frondell, then it's a still a win.

Wasn't aware Providence had a good program.
Hopefully it is just one year, I mean the kid is 20 right?
- captainserious

Correct and sounds like one year and then Rockford ideally but he also had to be ready so we’ll see how he does this season. He’s a 4th rounder for a reason.

Update on Isaac Howard situation.

Sure the hawks checked in. Wonder which camp we are in?


https://thehockeywriters....-to-isaac-howard-dilemma/
- Revco38

Hawks offered little, cause they know if he goes back to MSU they can get him for nothing this time next year. Howard wants to play with Nazar, so he wasn't agreeing to a contract with the other teams.

I'd offer them one of our 3 2nds next year, not ours, but the one in the middle. They get the pick in next years draft wihich is deeper and has more talent than 2027.

They took Nestrisil before West?
- rpeters01

Yes, very similar to last year, when you see the behind the scenes video, KD seemed really to want Vanacker almost more than Boisvert, but he thought it was more of a chance that Vanacker was there than Boisvert.

I don't see it with West and Nestrasil, but WTF do i know.

@MarkDivver
Hearing Julius Sumpf, drafted in 4th round by Chicago Blackhawks yesterday, is committed to Providence College for '25-26

6-foot-2 center had 26-39-65 for Moncton then added 10 goals in postseason as Wildcats advanced to Memorial Cup

Led Germany with 7 pts in 5 games in WJC

Was hoping to see him in Rockford,not college
- captainserious

Doneghey seemed very happy he was going to Providence, they have a good relationship with the coaching staff, and work well together on development

Not if there was never one available, look at 2022. Cooley and Wright were basically the best centers available and from what I can tell they are both playing wing in the NHL.

Plus if you already got your centers set and you need to fill in around them. I’m not going to pretend to know what the Hawks are really thinking about Bedard and Nazar, but it seems like the goal of this draft was to add complementary pieces. That’s not a knock on Frondell - who I really like - it’s just that outside of Schaefer and maybe Misa that’s basically all that is/was theoretically available. They are still just drafting kids, so you can draft someone with the best intentions and all of the best scouting and intel, but it is a very inexact science.
- Chunk

Has UT moved Cooley to wing? I see some UT hockey and missed that...... Regardless and to your point, that seemingly weakish draft, to this point anyways, at center shows just how valuable the position is. A whole draft and it might be a near complete dearth of centerman. ......... Not an easy position to fill at all and that's why every single team is looking for centerman.

I haven't seen enough of Frondell but every time I did he seems to have centerman traits despite a reported lack of offensive IQ. I gotta believe KD thinks the kid is a centerman but if he isn't and is moved to wing they passed on a kid in Martone who by most any measure/evaluation is rated a good bit higher as a wing than Frondell.

Has UT moved Cooley to wing? I see some UT hockey and missed that...... Regardless and to your point, that seemingly weakish draft, to this point anyways, at center shows just how valuable the position is. A whole draft and it might be a near complete dearth of centerman. ......... Not an easy position to fill at all and that's why every single team is looking for centerman.

I haven't seen enough of Frondell but every time I did he seems to have centerman traits despite a reported lack of offensive IQ. I gotta believe KD thinks the kid is a centerman but if he isn't and is moved to wing they passed on a kid in Martone who by most any measure/evaluation is rated a good bit higher as a wing than Frondell.
- Mr Ricochet

Not sure where the low-IQ thing comes from. I've not read that anywhere. Here is Pope's write-up and Davidson's comment:

https://chicago.suntimes....ll-third-pick-tank-on-ice

Frondell’s shot is elite, arguably the best in the class, which was one of his biggest appeals. That applies to both his wrist shots and one-timers.

“He’s a really smart hockey player,” Davidson said. “He uses his body very effectively, especially in battles along the wall. He just has a really projectable game to the NHL.

“He plays the game the way that it’s played, not only in North America in the small rink, but also in May and June. I think he plays very heavy and hard — almost ‘playoff hockey.’ That’s something that we were really excited to add.”

Also:
“I know how to use my body when I have the puck,” Frondell said. “I like to play both offensive and defensive [hockey]. It’s important to score but more important to not let in any goals.”

I liked Martone as well, but I think Frondell can be a better overall player.

The SC winners aren't loaded with "points" guys. They are loaded with players who know how to play hockey and do what is needed to be done. Of course they have one or two that load up on goals and assists, but it's not the be all end all for them.

I've been screaming for months that the Hawks need to get Bedard some high end help, but that is an immediate need. I don't think there is any issue at all with drafting what you believe are the most "complete" players available.

Seravelli was on Mully and Haugh and had some solid thoughts but went on he's bullish on Bedard's offseason. Basically, a new training regime then hit on what really matters, in his opinion the Hawks are working on repairing his BAD habits!! ....

No Haugh, and the rest of the universe who blames his linemates, he sees the need for Bedard himself to improve before any top 6 add will help him improve!!!... Preach!!

https://www.audacy.com/st...L&actionContentId=101-455

Seravelli was on Mully and Haugh and had some solid thoughts but went on he's bullish on Bedard's offseason. Basically, a new training regime then hit on what really matters, in his opinion the Hawks are working on repairing his BAD habits!! ....

No Haugh, and the rest of the universe who blames his linemates, he sees the need for Bedard himself to improve before any top 6 add will help him improve!!!... Preach!!

https://www.audacy.com/st...L&actionContentId=101-455
- Mr Ricochet

Almost everyone and their mother have been harping on the fact that Bedard needs to be a more complete player both in Chicago and among outside observers. As you said, good on him for identifying the problem and working to fix it.

The reason that people say he needs better linemates is because he has been asked to carry the majority of the point scoring burden as an 18-19 year old. Having better linemates obviously spreads out the scoring threats so that opponents can't just focus on taking him away.

Not sure where the low-IQ thing comes from. I've not read that anywhere. Here is Pope's write-up and Davidson's comment:

https://chicago.suntimes....ll-third-pick-tank-on-ice

Frondell’s shot is elite, arguably the best in the class, which was one of his biggest appeals. That applies to both his wrist shots and one-timers.

“He’s a really smart hockey player,” Davidson said. “He uses his body very effectively, especially in battles along the wall. He just has a really projectable game to the NHL.

“He plays the game the way that it’s played, not only in North America in the small rink, but also in May and June. I think he plays very heavy and hard — almost ‘playoff hockey.’ That’s something that we were really excited to add.”

Also:
“I know how to use my body when I have the puck,” Frondell said. “I like to play both offensive and defensive
- Chunk[hockey]. It’s important to score but more important to not let in any goals.”

I liked Martone as well, but I think Frondell can be a better overall player.

The SC winners aren't loaded with "points" guys. They are loaded with players who know how to play hockey and do what is needed to be done. Of course they have one or two that load up on goals and assists, but it's not the be all end all for them.

I've been screaming for months that the Hawks need to get Bedard some high end help, but that is an immediate need. I don't think there is any issue at all with drafting what you believe are the most "complete" players available.

10 minutes after the lottery and the Hawks were inside the top 4 I posted I'm gonne enjoy everyday for a few months of thinking a really skilled winger with size in Martone might be, could be, a Hawk.

I'm over the moon the #3 pick has size. And if he's a centerman? Double my joy... And trust me, Chunk, I understand enough nuance that there are differences in a Barkov style/points and say a Larkin's. And that playoff hockey and regular season "stars" are two different things, Chunk. I get some of it, Chunk.

I thought, and still do, that if Frondell is any kinda offensive threat he'll be in the mold of a Hurricane. Lotta grit, hunger, sound hockey players and as a whole short on goals. ........ And yes, most any publication says Frondell won't be the kinda player who puts up a lotta points (I'd add like Dach was seen on draft day) but can still be a fine players.

High floor man and I like a lotta boxes the kid checks. Easy to imagine this kid as a 26 yr old beast in a scrum/facewash in the crease in the semifinals impacting the shift.. Just like a good Brindamoor Cane...... Hawks don't have much of that yet.

Not sure where the low-IQ thing comes from. I've not read that anywhere. Here is Pope's write-up and Davidson's comment:

https://chicago.suntimes....ll-third-pick-tank-on-ice

Frondell’s shot is elite, arguably the best in the class, which was one of his biggest appeals. That applies to both his wrist shots and one-timers.

“He’s a really smart hockey player,” Davidson said. “He uses his body very effectively, especially in battles along the wall. He just has a really projectable game to the NHL.

“He plays the game the way that it’s played, not only in North America in the small rink, but also in May and June. I think he plays very heavy and hard — almost ‘playoff hockey.’ That’s something that we were really excited to add.”

Also:
“I know how to use my body when I have the puck,” Frondell said. “I like to play both offensive and defensive
- Chunk[hockey]. It’s important to score but more important to not let in any goals.”

I liked Martone as well, but I think Frondell can be a better overall player.

The SC winners aren't loaded with "points" guys. They are loaded with players who know how to play hockey and do what is needed to be done. Of course they have one or two that load up on goals and assists, but it's not the be all end all for them.

I've been screaming for months that the Hawks need to get Bedard some high end help, but that is an immediate need. I don't think there is any issue at all with drafting what you believe are the most "complete" players available.

I’m not sure how I feel about this. One side of me wants to give Bedard immediate help. The other side doesn’t want to sign anyone long term due to the influx of kids coming. What kind of immediate help can you get short term that’s better than TT? What quality of UFA would sign a short term agreement to play for the Hawks? It’s really a catch 22 and for KD to figure out.

I’m not sure how I feel about this. One side of me wants to give Bedard immediate help. The other side doesn’t want to sign anyone long term due to the influx of kids coming. What kind of immediate help can you get short term that’s better than TT? What quality of UFA would sign a short term agreement to play for the Hawks? It’s really a catch 22 and for KD to figure out.
- Angotti

I get your points completely. It's why I was pulling for the Robertson trade. Still young, really good, one year left on his deal now, so if it doesn't work out you can move on.

I've resigned myself to the fact that they likely aren't going to add much else this year (although there seems to be more talk about them moving Reichel, so that might end up bringing something back as part of a package). Burakovsky is a decent addition to the middle six (or who knows if he regains his COL form could be top six). They have a few spots open for kids to fight over. Nazar should be better. From all accounts it looks like Bedard will be better. The D-corp, while young, is certainly more mobile, and should be able to put a lot of shots on goal. Finally, you can't discount what the new coach and staff will be able to do.

Cautious optimism.

One thing is abundantly clear about this draft. The Hawks did NOT draft BPA. They didn't have to. They've already got a stuffed prospect pool, so they took swings on guys that had a ton of size (although that was a theme for this entire draft), but they have the potential to be absolute monsters. These are all very boom/bust draft picks.

If one of them hits (outside of Frondell, who I think is going to be great for this team), it will be an enormous advantage. If all you get out of this class is Frondell, then it's a still a win.
- Chunk

I don't understand this, when you say BPA do you mean draft picks with the best stats?

I think they did draft BPA. Imo they are drafting who they believe will be the best pro. I watched KDs interview and he looked like he was glowing when he was talking about West, had a permanent smile on his face, i truly believe he thinks he's got the potential of a great hockey player in West.

It was funny listening to Doneghy when he said yea i read all the same stuff you guys do, when we drafted Rinzel they gave us a C minus, how does he look? Maybe you guys can go back and adjust your grades?

I’m not sure how I feel about this. One side of me wants to give Bedard immediate help. The other side doesn’t want to sign anyone long term due to the influx of kids coming. What kind of immediate help can you get short term that’s better than TT? What quality of UFA would sign a short term agreement to play for the Hawks? It’s really a catch 22 and for KD to figure out.
- Angotti

If Marner hasn't agreed to anything and it's true he's willing to sign 2 to 3 year contract i would over pay him for those 2 to 3 years for sure.

I don't understand this, when you say BPA do you mean draft picks with the best stats?

I think they did draft BPA. Imo they are drafting who they believe will be the best pro. I watched KDs interview and he looked like he was glowing when he was talking about West, had a permanent smile on his face, i truly believe he thinks he's got the potential of a great hockey player in West.

It was funny listening to Doneghy when he said yea i read all the same stuff you guys do, when we drafted Rinzel they gave us a C minus, how does he look? Maybe you guys can go back and adjust your grades?
- BetweenTheDots

Doneghey has admitted they wanted to get bigger players. By definition, they are eliminating a certain subset of players just based on size. It's really not a bad thing. It's just that I think it's the BPA "as long as you fit into this specific box".

I guess I'm arguing semantics here, but I don't see how you are dafting the best available if you artificially eliminate a group of players.

KD admitted that he wanted to take a home-run hack when drafting West. Sure the potential there is great but was he considered the best available? Same with Nestrasil?

Frondell is a bust.
First!

If Marner hasn't agreed to anything and it's true he's willing to sign 2 to 3 year contract i would over pay him for those 2 to 3 years for sure.
- BetweenTheDots

It would really be a risky bet by him, but imagine the payout he could get if he went to the Hawks and helped drag them to the playoffs and maybe win a round within a two year contract?

If Marner hasn't agreed to anything and it's true he's willing to sign 2 to 3 year contract i would over pay him for those 2 to 3 years for sure.
- BetweenTheDots

I kinda like that idea WTF not?
3 x $20M he couldn't say no. The Dodgers and Detroit Tigers did this in the early 2000's and built their teams.

Couple other things i heard Donnehey say was, stick to the traits, and remember it's a 5 year plan.

KD said you always want to get as many early draft picks as you possibly can, i know i overpaid to move up but we felt like we have a lot of assets developing and we actually think we are ahead of the curve, so why not swing for the fences to move up and draft West. That's part of the reason of getting so many draft picks is so you can use them as bargaining chips.

It would really be a risky bet by him, but imagine the payout he could get if he went to the Hawks and helped drag them to the playoffs and maybe win a round within a two year contract?
- Chunk

It took him 87 years to get out of the first round with Toronto.