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I know I’ll kick myself for this later, but hey, figured I’d have a little fun heading into the Entry Draft Weekend.

Below, I will list out 5 Bold Predictions of Blackhawks/non-Blackhawks predictions… for fun!

First though, I have been hearing more chatter this week from a couple sources. As Ek reported yesterday, the Blackhawks are trying to land James van Riemsdyk rights prior to July 1st. I heard the same thing that the Hawks are getting aggressive in landing the players they want, JVR being one of them.

As someone wrote yesterday, Stan is in survival mode, which is obvious considering the Hawks last few seasons, combined with Rocky’s strong, almost threatening language in his recent presser. So don't be surprised on a big(ger) more like this happening this week.

I have also been hearing Hossa’s name pop up in conversations with my contacts.

With that being said, here are my 5 bold predictions:

1 – Stan Bowman announces Thursday at his press conference that he “is happy with his team and doesn’t expect many changes. They are just really excited for a couple draft picks in the 1st round.” #bold

… then proceeds to execute #2 and #3 on this list.

2 – The Chicago Blackhawks deal Marian Hossa’s contract, along with Carl Dahlstrom and Alexandre Fortin to the Ottawa Senators for Tom Pyatt.

3 – The Blackhawks aquire James van Riemsdyk’s right from the Maple Leafs in exchange for a 4th round pick in 2019 and Tanner Kero.

The Blackhawks immediately announce the signing of JVR for 5 years at 6.25M AAV.

4 – Erik Karlsson is traded to the Vegas Golden Knights for a 1st and 2nd rounder in 2019, Jake Leschyshyn and Jon Merrill. Poor, poor Ottawa.

5 – The entry draft on Saturday plays out this way:

1st – Dahlin (BUF)
2nd – Svechnikov (CAR)
3rd – Kotkaniemi (MTL)
4th – Hughes (OTT)
5th – Zadina (ARI)
6th – Bouchard (DET)
7th – Tkachuk (VAN)
8th – Wahlstrom (CHI)

… a bunch of guys in between

27th – a last minute phone call from Ray Shero and the Devils sees the Hawks move the 27th pick for Damon Severson, 4th rounder and 5th rounder in the 2018 draft (that’s a BONUS prediction, you’re welcome). The Hawks get the RHD they are looking for to play with Keith + an additional draft pick for Mark Kelley to play with.


I’ll have more updates on the message boards if any other whispers and/or moves come up.

See ya out there!

JL

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