Stamkos
Crosby
Toews
Weber
Doughty
Datsyuk
Getzlaf
Tavares
Karlsson
Malkin
- RoloTahmasee

now drop Weber, Tavares, and one way Karlsson and troll some other board...

and why would anyone propose a challenge and you answer with DEFENSEMEN?

It's enough your list is weak before the debate starts.

Yeah I remember reading when we got him that he was the 6th ranked player in the 09 draft but fell to 17th and had never quite lived up to his potential. I've always read that the Bowmans have a lot of contacts in Sweden and hope they have some insight into what he could become. Oduya has blossomed after coming here.
- kissthecup22

I don't recall anyone having Rundblad THAT high...
the thing is when I saw him he ALWAYS stood out at the competition level and internationally, but you have dedicate yourself and build your game.

Here's my blast from the past in my 2009 Mock:

12. Minnesota Wild - David Rundblad, RH defense, 6 foot two, 188 lbs.
The good-sized Swedish d-man is a beautiful skater, adept at making "coast-to-coast" plays on the ice. He has a strong power-play presence, with soft hands, and a booming shot. When he takes off like an unbridled stallion into the attacking zone, he dangles as well as a forward, has puck control to work in tight, and passes well from both sides of the stick. Much of last year's scouting on him was filled with reports of him wandering around the defensive zone, chasing puck carriers, not reading well, and playing the puck and not the man. He has shown considerable improvement understanding his positioning and actions in his zone. It is still his weak point, but he's playing in the Swedish elite every game, and it is helping to further develop a defenseman's mindset, strength, and toolbox. He is first and foremost a puck-moving blue liner, but given time to develop a more efficient defensive side to his game, should become a well-rounded two-way defenseman.

This was THEN, and truthfully, we all haven't seen enough opportunities to compete and improve have we?

And before you take my opinion from 2009 on him to the bank look who i rated # 17 (where Rundblad was taken) check who I had there, lol :

17. St. Louis Blues - Jeremy Morin, RH left wing-Centre, 6 foot zero 1/2, 188 lbs.
Might be the best pure shooter in this draft after Tavares, a great PP presence whose all-around game comes with coachable aspects. He has a wicked one-timer and can be deadly around the net. Skating is a concern with many scouts, but he seems to have a feel where to get open in the offensive zone and use his lightning fast hands in a Brett Hull clone fashion. He was the best forward prospect at the Four nations tournament. Not afraid of high traffic areas, or getting hit, he relies on his anticipation to make up for his lack of a top gear. Unselfish player whose passes are pinpoint if his opening closes. Will drop 'em in defense of a teammate, and not a player who gets intimidated. He is committed to working on his defensive game.

I remember a few years ago you were huge on Tyler Myers but now not so much. It's nice to see someone being objective around here and not locked on to their subjective opinions. Carry on Wiz.
- 6628

No I thought he would have rounded out the Hawk defense as back then Seabs & Duncs were just getting into the heavy work.

I have two hats, and I try to be more positive when the draft is coming, because I want to bring hope and kinda stress the upside part and still describe the vinegar in their game.

Buffalo rushed him, so all the Hawk fans out there need to see how it can adversely affect the kids...and Myers STILL has tools with some still needing to get put in the toolbox. But hey...when you are already getting that kind of coin, in the back of your head, you think, they PAIDS me, so I can't be all that far from "rounded."

It's kinda like you wish the NHL had a "re-do" clause, where you get to pull a million off a deal if Bickell or Myers DON"T play to expectations.

I truly think if Myers had a more affordable contract he would have a much better chance of a new start somewhere, and better hopes of being the player so many of these fans think he is, after looking at contract, size & points.

Would a Seabrook for Myers deal be a possibility? Blasphamy i know. Gains a younger big body dman on smaller cap hit, throw in versteeg. Roszival and Sharp would never waive their nmc for buffalo imo. Not sure if the Sabres would do it but would like something along the lines of versteeg, seabrook, leddy for myers, hackett and a 2nd. Sign prosser for 3rd pairing and bring brookbank back as #7. Just a thought on a stormy Florida day

- ikeane[url]

Buffalo would do it and laugh for years afterwards.

Buffalo would do it and laugh for years afterwards.
- Elbows15

Brace yourself...the proposals don't get better as you keep reading

I

Here's my blast from the past in my 2009 Mock:

12. Minnesota Wild - David Rundblad, RH defense, 6 foot two, 188 lbs.
The good-sized Swedish d-man is a beautiful skater,
- wiz1901

I do remember Rundblad being highly spoken of coming into that draft, but don't remember any details...... His skating was an attribute coming in?

If so what are your thoughts on his skating in his few games with the Hawks?.. I don't wanna say I was shocked but this kid looked very, very heavy legged. Don't know if he had a physical problem or that he lacked confidence that badly, but this kid had some heavy slow feet.

Check your messages, Wiz..........

Nashville signing Ribiero and Derek Roy. Not that either of the two scare me as individuals, but makes the division even tougher...if that's possible.

Maybe if you win the central, you get a bye to the Western Conference Finals
- eburgio

Not counting their injured overpaid county western wife/singer centre Fisher, the Preds STILL have EIGHT guys there who have at times lined up at centre.

Colin Wilson and others (Colton Scissions,either Craig Smith or Derek Roy) are just never gonna be centres but wings but old man Matt Cullen gets relegated to wing too/or press box.

It is easy for me to say they still keep tough Paul Gaustad around just to justify trading a FIRST ROUNDER for his 4th line self, but the new regime may want that contract gomne too.

Calle Jarnkrok, their return from RED Wings for Legwand will be odd man out until he actually gets better...everytime I saw him with the Preds he was just so weak on the puck, handed it over magically no matter how "quick strike" he may have looked when the play started.

Brace yourself...the proposals don't get better as you keep reading
- Ogilthorpe2

Turble..just turble. The under appreciation of Seabrook is absolutely mind bottling.

Turble..just turble. The under appreciation of Seabrook is absolutely mind bottling.
- Elbows15

I'd much rather have Myers.

Turble..just turble. The under appreciation of Seabrook is absolutely mind bottling.
- Elbows15

Trade him and a 1st for Jack Skille.

I don't recall anyone having Rundblad THAT high...
the thing is when I saw him he ALWAYS stood out at the competition level and internationally, but you have dedicate yourself and build your game.

Here's my blast from the past in my 2009 Mock:

12. Minnesota Wild - David Rundblad, RH defense, 6 foot two, 188 lbs.
The good-sized Swedish d-man is a beautiful skater, adept at making "coast-to-coast" plays on the ice. He has a strong power-play presence, with soft hands, and a booming shot. When he takes off like an unbridled stallion into the attacking zone, he dangles as well as a forward, has puck control to work in tight, and passes well from both sides of the stick. Much of last year's scouting on him was filled with reports of him wandering around the defensive zone, chasing puck carriers, not reading well, and playing the puck and not the man. He has shown considerable improvement understanding his positioning and actions in his zone. It is still his weak point, but he's playing in the Swedish elite every game, and it is helping to further develop a defenseman's mindset, strength, and toolbox. He is first and foremost a puck-moving blue liner, but given time to develop a more efficient defensive side to his game, should become a well-rounded two-way defenseman.
- wiz1901

Reading this made me think he's ideal for when Q wants to put a Defenseman out at Wing, as he has shown a penchant for the last two years.

Trade him and a 1st for Jack Skille.
- Beaver-Warrior

Wasn't Skille playing first line in the playoffs? They might want more than that for him.

*****

Hi All,

Just returned to Iowa from my 7th prospect camp today. I don't post often, but read almost daily. Scrimmages run Tuesday through Thursday. Disappointed that most of the highly touted prospects aren't participating in the scrimmages (Teuvo, McNeill, Danault, Johns, Clendening , etc) but I did get to see high draft picks Hayden, Louis, and Schmaultz . The scrimmage started at 10:45, but if you are going and want a seat , better get there by 10:00. They played 2- 25 minute periods. The play was fast and intense but needless to say sloppy. If you want one word to take away from Tuesdays scrimmage it is "John Hayden" ( ok 2 words ). Hayden was a man among boys. At 6'3 210 pounds and only 19 years old, drafted in the 3rd round last year, he is everything you wish Bickell was.
Big, strong, fast, good hands, PHYSICAL..........he hit when the situation called for it and also was in 2 scraps. I look for him to be the Hawks power forward in possibly 2 years. On a line with Schmaultz and Louis, Hayden and mates controlled the offensive zone at will. Louis , another Chicago kid drafted last year is small at 5'7" but not afraid to mix it up. Very shifty and with a good shot, Louis will have a tough time with his size. Schmaultz, this years #1 has noticeable offensive skill. He made a sweet back- hand pass from behind the net for the first goal. He also has good vision and speed , but I dont remember him hitting anyone. Time will tell on him. Anyway, I had hope this has been if value. Thanks to all for your hockey enthusiasm. Go Hawks !

Hi All,

Just returned to Iowa from my 7th prospect camp today. I don't post often, but read almost daily. Scrimmages run Tuesday through Thursday. Disappointed that most of the highly touted prospects aren't participating in the scrimmages (Teuvo, McNeill, Danault, Johns, Clendening , etc) but I did get to see high draft picks Hayden, Louis, and Schmaultz . The scrimmage started at 10:45, but if you are going and want a seat , better get there by 10:00. They played 2- 25 minute periods. The play was fast and intense but needless to say sloppy. If you want one word to take away from Tuesdays scrimmage it is "John Hayden" ( ok 2 words ). Hayden was a man among boys. At 6'3 210 pounds and only 19 years old, drafted in the 3rd round last year, he is everything you wish Bickell was.
Big, strong, fast, good hands, PHYSICAL..........he hit when the situation called for it and also was in 2 scraps. I look for him to be the Hawks power forward in possibly 2 years. On a line with Schmaultz and Louis, Hayden and mates controlled the offensive zone at will. Louis , another Chicago kid drafted last year is small at 5'7" but not afraid to mix it up. Very shifty and with a good shot, Louis will have a tough time with his size. Schmaultz, this years #1 has noticeable offensive skill. He made a sweet back- hand pass from behind the net for the first goal. He also has good vision and speed , but I dont remember him hitting anyone. Time will tell on him. Anyway, I had hope this has been if value. Thanks to all for your hockey enthusiasm. Go Hawks !
- Gary0301

Thanks for taking the time, Gary...........

I don't recall anyone having Rundblad THAT high...
the thing is when I saw him he ALWAYS stood out at the competition level and internationally, but you have dedicate yourself and build your game.

Here's my blast from the past in my 2009 Mock:

12. Minnesota Wild - David Rundblad, RH defense, 6 foot two, 188 lbs.
The good-sized Swedish d-man is a beautiful skater, adept at making "coast-to-coast" plays on the ice. He has a strong power-play presence, with soft hands, and a booming shot. When he takes off like an unbridled stallion into the attacking zone, he dangles as well as a forward, has puck control to work in tight, and passes well from both sides of the stick. Much of last year's scouting on him was filled with reports of him wandering around the defensive zone, chasing puck carriers, not reading well, and playing the puck and not the man. He has shown considerable improvement understanding his positioning and actions in his zone. It is still his weak point, but he's playing in the Swedish elite every game, and it is helping to further develop a defenseman's mindset, strength, and toolbox. He is first and foremost a puck-moving blue liner, but given time to develop a more efficient defensive side to his game, should become a well-rounded two-way defenseman.

This was THEN, and truthfully, we all haven't seen enough opportunities to compete and improve have we?

And before you take my opinion from 2009 on him to the bank look who i rated # 17 (where Rundblad was taken) check who I had there, lol :

17. St. Louis Blues - Jeremy Morin, RH left wing-Centre, 6 foot zero 1/2, 188 lbs.
Might be the best pure shooter in this draft after Tavares, a great PP presence whose all-around game comes with coachable aspects. He has a wicked one-timer and can be deadly around the net. Skating is a concern with many scouts, but he seems to have a feel where to get open in the offensive zone and use his lightning fast hands in a Brett Hull clone fashion. He was the best forward prospect at the Four nations tournament. Not afraid of high traffic areas, or getting hit, he relies on his anticipation to make up for his lack of a top gear. Unselfish player whose passes are pinpoint if his opening closes. Will drop 'em in defense of a teammate, and not a player who gets intimidated. He is committed to working on his defensive game.
- wiz1901

I got that from his prospect bio on the Hawks website. It said his midterm rank was 4 and final was 6 but after reading your reply I thought that maybe that was for European skaters and sure enough that checked out . Thanks.

I also saw that Leddy was drafted right before him. It's interesting to look back and see some familiar names along with where they were drafted and where they are now.

Thanks for taking the time, Gary...........
- Mr Ricochet

Any time Ric

I think bringing Myers to Chicago is great
- stljam

Great...for the Blues that is. Chicago fans would experience the blues for sure.

Trade him and a 1st for Jack Skille.
- Beaver-Warrior

Another point that is mind boggling is how anyone could rationally figure there could be a spot in Chicago for Myers, given others whom a decision FIRST AND FOrEMOST must be made given the salary cap constraints.

Now to be fair I understand the intrigue and how player personnel in sports want to take a talent and see what they can do with someone like Myers. And maybe there are teams that would bite....Detroit was mentioned somewhere, by someone in the ongoing discussion.

But here in Chicago beg tell what becomes of Rosival, Leddy and or Oduya, and Rundblad since Myers would be taking their job. Simply is not going to happen.

Moreover, as Rick said about Myers ....cannot complete a ten foot pass or puts it in your skates...just wow....like he needs remedial training in the AHL. May have potential but this kid was brought into the wrong NHL situation too soon.

Given the salary cap constraints and how certain players either will or will not fit into salary slots per their usage in Chicago (eg Leddy paid too much as a 5th or 6th dman), now you try to put Myers into a slot and he is grossly overpaid even if he turns out to be the real deal. You are going to turn over how many (?) players to "make" him fit your team's salary cap? No, not happening. And really, Leddy may not even stick after this season given his development and salary request.

There is also the consideration that you leave one roster spot (or expect one spot to open up) on defense. This would be for the season after next. A replacement for a third pair dman. In other words, you have healthy competition and hope one of the kids eventually can start out as a regular - again emphasis on an expectation for this to happen the season after next - on your third pair. There are three to watch: Johns, TVR, Fournier. Clendenning is a long shot and Dahlbeck is going to be an NHL player. When Dahlbeck arrives depends a lot upon what players Bowman may subtract through trade as well as Rundblad's adventure.

Personally I would not be at all surprised if eventually Dahlbeck is the steadying dman in a third pair, and one of the kids in Rockford would step into the other third
pair slot.

For everything stated above, it is obvious to myself that Myers would never work out in Chicago. It is a nice idea if you truly believe in his potential but it works maybe for some other team. If I am overlooking something, let me know. I readily admit I am not the most experienced or knowledgable person posting, but I believe I got this right. Too many players on defense to do something about to even consider bringing in Myers even if he was really good.

I see where some like to read or skim through the other team's blogs.

There is an interesting, sort of timely piece on Mirco Mueller for San Jose.

The blog writer starts off by explaining moves Doig Wislon, their GM, made. And why he made the moves.

But it gets interesting when you see that Wilson is leaving a spot open for a dman who is practically straight out of juniors. Usually happens only with some first rounders. Guess what, Mueller was a first rounder (2012),

But look closer and see that this prospect has as his most important part of his game ....to not get caught out of position. Huge jump from junior to NHL for a dman the very next season. Chicago by contrast has a few dmen who will be prepping in Rockford. Just fyi

No I thought he would have rounded out the Hawk defense as back then Seabs & Duncs were just getting into the heavy work.

I have two hats, and I try to be more positive when the draft is coming, because I want to bring hope and kinda stress the upside part and still describe the vinegar in their game.

Buffalo rushed him, so all the Hawk fans out there need to see how it can adversely affect the kids...and Myers STILL has tools with some still needing to get put in the toolbox. But hey...when you are already getting that kind of coin, in the back of your head, you think, they PAIDS me, so I can't be all that far from "rounded."

It's kinda like you wish the NHL had a "re-do" clause, where you get to pull a million off a deal if Bickell or Myers DON"T play to expectations.

I truly think if Myers had a more affordable contract he would have a much better chance of a new start somewhere, and better hopes of being the player so many of these fans think he is, after looking at contract, size & points.
- wiz1901

Good point about rushing a kid. It's happened forever and it usually doesn't work out in the long run. Some notable exceptions like Savard and Wilson. But with the salary cap the practice will continue. Your point should be well taken.

Good point about rushing a kid. It's happened forever and it usually doesn't work out in the long run. Some notable exceptions like Savard and Wilson. But with the salary cap the practice will continue. Your point should be well taken.
- 6628

I agree about rushing kids but I fear it will happen more frequently with teams trying to get under the cap.

Looks like you are more correct than not - surprised at how many make the jump from juniors (or the foreign equivalent) to the NHL.

Still don't see that many college players coming in directly at top-6 levels.
- StLBravesFan

I think we'll begin to see it in the not so distant future. In the past 'can't miss' prospects from North America went the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) route. College hockey was, by and large, for the prospects who weren't sure fire bets to make their way to the NHL.

I think we'll see more and more top end prospects consider, if not choose, to go the College route. I think as a parent the better choice, regardless of the boy's talent, is College hockey. The education aspect is, or should be, a huge selling point. I personally know allot of people, close friends, who thought they had a chance to play pro and weren't good enough. One friend was a star player for RPI in the early 80's and has a degree and a good career, the rest played in the OHL and are all now general laborers.

The other reason you don't see College players making a direct jump to the NHL is game scheduling that sees CHL players play a far more NHL like schedule in terms of number of games played and in competitiveness. But scheduling can be adjusted by Colleges to entice the top players away from the CHL.

I'll be surprised if one day College hockey doesn't begin to attract better players away from the CHL.

I agree about rushing kids but I fear it will happen more frequently with teams trying to get under the cap.
- jhawk159

You could be right and you could be wrong.

With the crazy money and teams having used both compliance buyouts, there is going to be some interesting decisions on whom makes a roster and whom is sent packing.

Loan a player to the KHL or wherever Huet went? Trade two NHL players for a 6th round choice? Yzerman example will not be overlooked in following years. Or a minor leaguer who might be short in one area of the game talent wise, but is a good checker ....he makes the team surprisingly since he is a cheap contract. Maybe a collegiate is unearthed, or a Dennis Rasmussen comes over. Boston brought in an experienced Swedish league center last year and Montreal hopes they have a European prospect whom is a late bloomer making their roster this fall.

Well it is possible kids get rushed too. All sort of possibilities. Even bring in a Kyle Cumiskey as a third pair and play him only a few shifts per game. Not that I am saying this happens in Chicago; I am merely saying he represents the sort of depth player that teams may have to go with.

Heck, even Toronto is giving Kontiola a tryout.

And whom is that former Blackhawk dman, offensive type player who went to Montreal briefly and sort of is blackballed ....playing in Italy now. Even he could resurface.

Teams will have to be creative.

You could be right and you could be wrong.

With the crazy money and teams having used both compliance buyouts, there is going to be some interesting decisions on whom makes a roster and whom is sent packing.

Loan a player to the KHL or wherever Huet went? Trade players for a 6th round choice? Or a minor leaguer who might be short in one area of the game talent wise, but is a good checker ....he makes the team surprisingly since he is a cheap contract. Maybe a collegiate is unearthed, or a Dennis Rasmussen comes over. Boston brought in an experienced Swedish league center last year and Montreal hopes they have a European prospect whom is a late bloomer making their roster this fall.



Well it is possible kids get rushed too. All sort of possibilities. Even bring in a Kyle Cumiskey as a third pair and play him only a few shifts per game. Not that I am saying this happens in Chicago; I am merely saying he represents the sort of depth player that teams may have to go with.

Heck, even Toronto is giving Kontiola a tryout.

And whom is that former Blackhawk dman, offensive type player who went to Montreal briefly and sort of is blackballed ....playing in Italy now. Even he could resurface.

Teams will have to be creative.
- jhawk59

Are you thinking of Chris Campoli?