I don’t know if I am fond of the players they want to move. Oh Kreider sure but at what cost? I do NOT want to gamble on Chytill or kappa Kakko (sic). We don’t want Trouba.
- jhawk59

I would make that phone call and see what their thoughts are. I definitely wouldn't bail them out in any way, cause in these kind of situations you might be able to get rid say a Seth Jones, and come away with some nice things and Trouba.

I don’t know if I am fond of the players they want to move. Oh Kreider sure but at what cost? I do NOT want to gamble on Chytill or kappa Kakko (sic). We don’t want Trouba.
- jhawk59

Chytill would be perfect as second line center. Don't what the Rangers are trying to do, reports are changing some of the core players and getting cap relief. Two players I would be targeting would chytill and othman.

I wouldn’t let Lundell get away if I was Florida GM. My hope is based more upon if Lundell asked out and there is no report of that at least right now.

I want to know why Byfield on LA doesn’t score more. Big kid like him just stand in front of net and get some points. Probably the way he plays on his line but LA Hawk fan would know
- jhawk59

Don't watch enough LA games to know. Could be how he's deployed, he has a pretty low shooting percentage and is getting less than 2 shots per game so that's not going to help.

He could just be on the MacKinnon growth plan where you wonder when he's going to take that next step and all of a sudden he's the best player in the league (forward anyway - I think you can make the argument that Makar is up there).

Chytill would be perfect as second line center. Don't what the Rangers are trying to do, reports are changing some of the core players and getting cap relief. Two players I would be targeting would chytill and othman.
- Scott1977

I think Kakko would be a nice get from them. He should be a 20 goal player with more playing time. He drives play and doesn't need the puck on his blade so theoretically would be comparable with Bedard. But either would be fine.

Seravilli thinks the Senators are thinking about moving someone with term and that they want a defender.

Should be interesting to see how it shakes out. I think the Hawks will have some movement but its kind of tough at this stage since other than Donato and Smith - most of their assets are having mercurial years so it would be tough to leverage one of them for a player that isn't also a change of scenery candidate (Hall, Kurashev, I'd include Reichel, other people may not - all would be change of scenery candidates rather than driving a lot of value).

I think Kakko would be a nice get from them. He should be a 20 goal player with more playing time. He drives play and doesn't need the puck on his blade so theoretically would be comparable with Bedard. But either would be fine.

Seravilli thinks the Senators are thinking about moving someone with term and that they want a defender.

Should be interesting to see how it shakes out. I think the Hawks will have some movement but its kind of tough at this stage since other than Donato and Smith - most of their assets are having mercurial years so it would be tough to leverage one of them for a player that isn't also a change of scenery candidate (Hall, Kurashev, I'd include Reichel, other people may not - all would be change of scenery candidates rather than driving a lot of value).
- fattybeef

From the rebuild at minimum one priority is to develop and keep Rinzel and Moore. Another priority should be to not trade Arty, yes KK, and the top five pick in ‘25. Now who is left to interest the NYR? I would bet player(s) they would like are on another team and not too much Chicago’s roster

If the NYR want to discuss Reichel I would be surprised why they want him. S Jones….well you would get Trouba in return and how you employ our dmen changes because it is too early for KK and Arty. I imagine Kaiser becomes more prominent as the puck mover. Put in a call to NYR and touch base on what they want and who they are offering - sure you could inquire. But I don’t see a trade consummated between Blackhawks and NYR

I think Kakko would be a nice get from them. He should be a 20 goal player with more playing time. He drives play and doesn't need the puck on his blade so theoretically would be comparable with Bedard. But either would be fine.

Seravilli thinks the Senators are thinking about moving someone with term and that they want a defender.

Should be interesting to see how it shakes out. I think the Hawks will have some movement but its kind of tough at this stage since other than Donato and Smith - most of their assets are having mercurial years so it would be tough to leverage one of them for a player that isn't also a change of scenery candidate (Hall, Kurashev, I'd include Reichel, other people may not - all would be change of scenery candidates rather than driving a lot of value).
- fattybeef

Norris Pinto grieg chabot be four players I would be asking about.

From the rebuild at minimum one priority is to develop and keep Rinzel and Moore. Another priority should be to not trade Arty, yes KK, and the top five pick in ‘25. Now who is left to interest the NYR? I would bet player(s) they would like are on another team and not too much Chicago’s roster

If the NYR want to discuss Reichel I would be surprised why they want him. S Jones….well you would get Trouba in return and how you employ our dmen changes because it is too early for KK and Arty. I imagine Kaiser becomes more prominent as the puck mover. Put in a call to NYR and touch base on what they want and who they are offering - sure you could inquire. But I don’t see a trade consummated between Blackhawks and NYR
- jhawk59

I don't get the fascination with Moore. He's a fantastic skater and tries super hard but he doesn't seem to have that dynamic difference maker potential like Nazar does or is a pure goal scorer like Larids or has other stuff like a mean streak like Boisvert or Spellacy.

The only untouchable guys in the system for me would be Bedard, Nazar, Vlasic and Levshunov. To add a top player I listen on everyone else. Like a Brady TheChuck, Barzal, you could twist my arm on Batherson.

Obviously for someone like a Norris, Chytil, Kakko, Zegras - that is more of a change of scenery type player - the above list expands significantly to exclude more players.

I also think before you start to slide some of these guys around - like they are with Crevier - they need some looks in the NHL. They can't hide a guy in the AHL who is getting 2 points per game at this point. Just bring him up and see what happens. Same thing with Korchinski, a quick look before the holidays, just to see if he can competently run the power play and push the puck forward with confidence also helps make Jones even more unnecessary.

One year of Trouba for 5 years of Jones I think is a win.

Or send Donato and Jones to Nashville for RoR and a 4th. Lol.

I don't get the fascination with Moore. He's a fantastic skater and tries super hard but he doesn't seem to have that dynamic difference maker potential like Nazar does or is a pure goal scorer like Larids or has other stuff like a mean streak like Boisvert or Spellacy.

The only untouchable guys in the system for me would be Bedard, Nazar, Vlasic and Levshunov. To add a top player I listen on everyone else. Like a Brady TheChuck, Barzal, you could twist my arm on Batherson.

Obviously for someone like a Norris, Chytil, Kakko, Zegras - that is more of a change of scenery type player - the above list expands significantly to exclude more players.

I also think before you start to slide some of these guys around - like they are with Crevier - they need some looks in the NHL. They can't hide a guy in the AHL who is getting 2 points per game at this point. Just bring him up and see what happens. Same thing with Korchinski, a quick look before the holidays, just to see if he can competently run the power play and push the puck forward with confidence also helps make Jones even more unnecessary.

One year of Trouba for 5 years of Jones I think is a win.

Or send Donato and Jones to Nashville for RoR and a 4th. Lol.
- fattybeef

Problem either moving Jones, just like Rangers problem with moving Trouba, is both have total say if they want to move, and where they would agree to be moved to.

I don't get the fascination with Moore. He's a fantastic skater and tries super hard but he doesn't seem to have that dynamic difference maker potential like Nazar does or is a pure goal scorer like Larids or has other stuff like a mean streak like Boisvert or Spellacy.

The only untouchable guys in the system for me would be Bedard, Nazar, Vlasic and Levshunov. To add a top player I listen on everyone else. Like a Brady TheChuck, Barzal, you could twist my arm on Batherson.

Obviously for someone like a Norris, Chytil, Kakko, Zegras - that is more of a change of scenery type player - the above list expands significantly to exclude more players.

I also think before you start to slide some of these guys around - like they are with Crevier - they need some looks in the NHL. They can't hide a guy in the AHL who is getting 2 points per game at this point. Just bring him up and see what happens. Same thing with Korchinski, a quick look before the holidays, just to see if he can competently run the power play and push the puck forward with confidence also helps make Jones even more unnecessary.

One year of Trouba for 5 years of Jones I think is a win.

Or send Donato and Jones to Nashville for RoR and a 4th. Lol.
- fattybeef

If past is prologue, Donato and Smith are due 2 x $4 mil. Contracts by KD. Losing AA and Hall’s !10 mil. KD needs to do his overpay a vet to hit the floor cap game again.

I don't get the fascination with Moore. He's a fantastic skater and tries super hard but he doesn't seem to have that dynamic difference maker potential like Nazar does or is a pure goal scorer like Larids or has other stuff like a mean streak like Boisvert or Spellacy.

The only untouchable guys in the system for me would be Bedard, Nazar, Vlasic and Levshunov. To add a top player I listen on everyone else. Like a Brady TheChuck, Barzal, you could twist my arm on Batherson.

Obviously for someone like a Norris, Chytil, Kakko, Zegras - that is more of a change of scenery type player - the above list expands significantly to exclude more players.

I also think before you start to slide some of these guys around - like they are with Crevier - they need some looks in the NHL. They can't hide a guy in the AHL who is getting 2 points per game at this point. Just bring him up and see what happens. Same thing with Korchinski, a quick look before the holidays, just to see if he can competently run the power play and push the puck forward with confidence also helps make Jones even more unnecessary.

One year of Trouba for 5 years of Jones I think is a win.

Or send Donato and Jones to Nashville for RoR and a 4th. Lol.
- fattybeef

I cannot disagree with what you say but I am under the impression that KD wants to see how Moore develops. If Moore is the player you think he is once he turns pro, then KD will have to readjust his hope for Moore’s contribution. I hate to call Moore only partially in his second collegiate season but honestly if he doesn’t show any clues to become a goal scoring difference maker, you still have a pretty good player who eventually comes aboard

I will believe a S Jones for Trouba type deal when it happens if it does, indeed, come to fruition. Trimming payroll so that S Jones can replace Trouba - that is going to make a difference for NYR in playoff success. IDK that NYR go much farther in post season after this trade although they are a better team from the perspective just those two players swap uniforms

I cannot disagree with what you say but I am under the impression that KD wants to see how Moore develops. If Moore is the player you think he is once he turns pro, then KD will have to readjust his hope for Moore’s contribution. I hate to call Moore only partially in his second collegiate season but honestly if he doesn’t show any clues to become a goal scoring difference maker, you still have a pretty good player who eventually comes aboard

I will believe a S Jones for Trouba type deal when it happens if it does, indeed, come to fruition. Trimming payroll so that S Jones can replace Trouba - that is going to make a difference for NYR in playoff success. IDK that NYR go much farther in post season after this trade although they are a better team from the perspective just those two players swap uniforms
- jhawk59

The same people whining that Vlasic or Rinzel were busts are now certain Moore is a bust. Like Vlasic and Rinzel let’s give Moore, and all the other kids some time.

I don't get the fascination with Moore. He's a fantastic skater and tries super hard but he doesn't seem to have that dynamic difference maker potential like Nazar does or is a pure goal scorer like Larids or has other stuff like a mean streak like Boisvert or Spellacy.

The only untouchable guys in the system for me would be Bedard, Nazar, Vlasic and Levshunov. To add a top player I listen on everyone else. Like a Brady TheChuck, Barzal, you could twist my arm on Batherson.

Obviously for someone like a Norris, Chytil, Kakko, Zegras - that is more of a change of scenery type player - the above list expands significantly to exclude more players.

I also think before you start to slide some of these guys around - like they are with Crevier - they need some looks in the NHL. They can't hide a guy in the AHL who is getting 2 points per game at this point. Just bring him up and see what happens. Same thing with Korchinski, a quick look before the holidays, just to see if he can competently run the power play and push the puck forward with confidence also helps make Jones even more unnecessary.

One year of Trouba for 5 years of Jones I think is a win.

Or send Donato and Jones to Nashville for RoR and a 4th. Lol.
- fattybeef

I have to say when i watch the Blackhawks they are a very slow team as a whole. I'm not bashing Murphy he can't help he's slow and has pretty bad hands, but teams know this and consistently dump to the side Murphy defends, i see countless times he just has to defend because the forwards beat him to the puck easily, this happens all over the ice to Murphy and others, I think that's why that 3rd line of the Russian, Di ckinson and Andersen defend so well because they have above average speed in the nhl.

How many prospects can skate like Moore? How many can skate like Rinzel? You can't afford to trade these guys because if they develop their game at the pro level these are the players that can be stars not only on their team in their league. I have to believe if Moore can stick handle which sounds like he can how much space will he create for Bedard or Nazar? I really like his potential on defense as well, if he's good at it i imagine he'd be a threat like McDavid on the penalty kill. If he can be anything like Dylan Larkin he's going to be a pain in the ass to play against.

Vanacker’s first game back last night, no goals no assists. Obviously that pick was a bust.
- paulr

You clearly have a future here as an elite poster.

I (We) all cling to the idea that all these first round picks are going to lace up and take over critical line-up slot sand make the Blackhawks a winner, clinging to the Tampa idea of successfully finding your Kurcherov & Point outside the first round, to add to the early selections of Stamkos and Hedman.
I am not so sure current past draft history can even see NHL teams finding consistent success in early top ten drafting.
Dach taken over Bowen Bryram, Alex Turcotte & Dylan Cozens doesn’t signal a crucial draft error when you see the alternative prospects while selected 8-15 are staring to carve their spots as NHLers, ala Philip Broberg, Matt Boldy & Cole Caufield are continuing to elevate their value.

I understood Kyle’s idea of many early round picks gives his team more “chances” offensive help and fast bigger defenseman can upgrade into a defense that can contend with both large and small attackers.

All the names above were drafted FIVE years ago.

He was allowed to spend millions on vets willing to take the $ to help stop the slide, and give examples of playing NHL hockey “right.”

There was nothing incorrect about the roster infusion, or about the fact that it might not be a success. (I bet when he was offering Columbus two firsts with Ivan Demidov in mind at slot 4 in 2023, including this year’s unprotected was done with Kyle fully understanding that a few days after the draft he was going to go shopping to that now present veteran precense.)

Regardless if they start winning at a better rate, even a top four draft pick is not going to turn the 2025-26 roster into contender UNLESS they find a NHL pure shooter to sign or are able to trade assets for.

And despite the fortunate draft win of Connor Bedard, he’s a kid who still needs to get BETTER, to be able to take pucks back, and that doesn’t negate his offensive game, which he has honed for years. He’s part of the problem, because he is not a dominant body player. I have no doubt he improves, and his entire presence becomes more dominant.
I don’t think it is finding the “perfect linemates.” It is a matter of his maturity and that is going take time.

We are not in the middle of a WHL-NHL player signing war with that large expansion allowing newbies to become instant stars...the skating aspect in the new NHL means good feet get good auditions and less time and space that kids like Bedard have to understand and overcome..

I think Kakko would be a nice get from them. He should be a 20 goal player with more playing time. He drives play and doesn't need the puck on his blade so theoretically would be comparable with Bedard. But either would be fine.

Seravilli thinks the Senators are thinking about moving someone with term and that they want a defender.

Should be interesting to see how it shakes out. I think the Hawks will have some movement but its kind of tough at this stage since other than Donato and Smith - most of their assets are having mercurial years so it would be tough to leverage one of them for a player that isn't also a change of scenery candidate (Hall, Kurashev, I'd include Reichel, other people may not - all would be change of scenery candidates rather than driving a lot of value).
- fattybeef

I will also say and this is why i am opposed to wheeling and dealing for now. When KD decides or is required to go down this road there's no turning back. I think one of the worst things that could happen is you start wheeling and dealing and your draft picks that you trade away start developing into stars and you're left with okay returns. Then he can become like a gambler who tries to win his money back and doubles down a trade with another trade and gets burned again. In spite of what fans think there is no urgency for now Connor is 19 years old, if he was 23 that's a different story.

I don’t know if I am fond of the players they want to move. Oh Kreider sure but at what cost? I do NOT want to gamble on Chytill or kappa Kakko (sic). We don’t want Trouba.
- jhawk59

Kreider does not fit the Hawks narrative, too old. Chytill does, however he has concussion issues, Hawks would need to underpay. Kakko for the right price would make sense, as he works on the defensive side as well, and maybe he can put up some points with the Hawks. Trouba I would stay away from, unless Jones goes the other way as was suggested. There will be hockey trades to be made, however they have to fit the long term plan.

I will also say and this is why i am opposed to wheeling and dealing for now. When KD decides or is required to go down this road there's no turning back. I think one of the worst things that could happen is you start wheeling and dealing and your draft picks that you trade away start developing into stars and you're left with okay returns. Then he can become like a gambler who tries to win his money back and doubles down a trade with another trade and gets burned again. In spite of what fans think there is no urgency for now Connor is 19 years old, if he was 23 that's a different story.
- BetweenTheDots

I agree that Kyle shouldn't pay in trades for kids who are complete reclaimation projects.

I am all for finding a true NHL dominant scorer who you PAY.

You clearly have a future here as an elite poster.
- mohel

I firmly believe you try to look for the negative in everything, current players, draft picks, the GM, the coach and most of all the negative in winning Stanley Cups. What are the benefits of being positive about anything?

Problem either moving Jones, just like Rangers problem with moving Trouba, is both have total say if they want to move, and where they would agree to be moved to.
- LAHawk

Correct. You have to sell him the rebuild is gonna take another 5 years so don't you wanna try to win with these guys who are trying to win now?

If past is prologue, Donato and Smith are due 2 x $4 mil. Contracts by KD. Losing AA and Hall’s !10 mil. KD needs to do his overpay a vet to hit the floor cap game again.
- LAHawk

First I see what you could get an trade for Donato before entertaining resigning him. If they do resign Donato I could see 2x 4million. Smith no slaggert takes his spot. I know this just hypothetical trade idea would trade Toronto's 1st and kurshev to Ottawa for Pinto and greig and 3rd and 5th

I cannot disagree with what you say but I am under the impression that KD wants to see how Moore develops. If Moore is the player you think he is once he turns pro, then KD will have to readjust his hope for Moore’s contribution. I hate to call Moore only partially in his second collegiate season but honestly if he doesn’t show any clues to become a goal scoring difference maker, you still have a pretty good player who eventually comes aboard

I will believe a S Jones for Trouba type deal when it happens if it does, indeed, come to fruition. Trimming payroll so that S Jones can replace Trouba - that is going to make a difference for NYR in playoff success. IDK that NYR go much farther in post season after this trade although they are a better team from the perspective just those two players swap uniforms
- jhawk59

For sure. Moore I think is a very low floor player. Toughest part with him is do you leave him in the NCAA for a third year to see if some kind of offensive flair sparks or just say f-it he's gonna be a solid north south player and you need those too?

If past is prologue, Donato and Smith are due 2 x $4 mil. Contracts by KD. Losing AA and Hall’s !10 mil. KD needs to do his overpay a vet to hit the floor cap game again.
- LAHawk

Not really. You think he overpaid for Bertuzzi and Teuvo? You can argue they haven't quite provided what we were hoping but they were paid mkt value I think.

I have to say when i watch the Blackhawks they are a very slow team as a whole. I'm not bashing Murphy he can't help he's slow and has pretty bad hands, but teams know this and consistently dump to the side Murphy defends, i see countless times he just has to defend because the forwards beat him to the puck easily, this happens all over the ice to Murphy and others, I think that's why that 3rd line of the Russian, Di ckinson and Andersen defend so well because they have above average speed in the nhl.

How many prospects can skate like Moore? How many can skate like Rinzel? You can't afford to trade these guys because if they develop their game at the pro level these are the players that can be stars not only on their team in their league. I have to believe if Moore can stick handle which sounds like he can how much space will he create for Bedard or Nazar? I really like his potential on defense as well, if he's good at it i imagine he'd be a threat like McDavid on the penalty kill. If he can be anything like Dylan Larkin he's going to be a pain in the ass to play against.
- BetweenTheDots

You can afford to trade those guys if a Brady TheChuck or Matt Barzal becomes available. You certainly wouldn't trade him for Norris, Chytil or Zegras. I don't think anyone here has advocated for that.

Larkin was a bigger and more mature prospect. He was in the NHL after one NCAA season. They aren't really comparable at this point other than the fact that they both skate good.

Rinzel could jump Levshunov in the RHD depth chart and you can argue he's been more impactful than a player like Faber was in the NCAA. Not sure why his name popped up here.

Not really. You think he overpaid for Bertuzzi and Teuvo? You can argue they haven't quite provided what we were hoping but they were paid mkt value I think.
- HawkintheD

I understand, but I don’t see any mid-level UFA’s at the Bertuzzi TT level this year. You have the big boys Raantanin, Marner, maybe Borser, them the rest IMO aren’t any improvement.

Forgot you also have Martinez coming off the books do that is $15 mil. You need to replace with some bod(ies)y

You can afford to trade those guys if a Brady TheChuck or Matt Barzal becomes available. You certainly wouldn't trade him for Norris, Chytil or Zegras. I don't think anyone here has advocated for that.

Larkin was a bigger and more mature prospect. He was in the NHL after one NCAA season. They aren't really comparable at this point other than the fact that they both skate good.

Rinzel could jump Levshunov in the RHD depth chart and you can argue he's been more impactful than a player like Faber was in the NCAA. Not sure why his name popped up here.
- fattybeef

That would be nice if those guys became available for sure but i think those guys would also choose where they wanted to play.

I really believe KD is going to mirror what the Stars did. He's already drafting high potential skill over size. Be patient in developing those kids. Make trades that make sense and trade for or draft players that fit the culture they are trying to build.