No worries. I honestly don't know much about either Dahlstrom. A few years ago I remember the blueliner Dahlstrom had a brief stint with Rockford but management was not impressed at all and felt he was not prepared for the jump overseas so they returned him to Sweden. That was 2015 and he played his first full season with the Hogs this past year so I'm sure he has grown since then. How much is the question.

Of the Swedish defense prospects, I imagine Gustafsson has the upperhand then Carlsson. Maybe Svedberg? Has he improved or stagnated?

Press had a good prospect camp so maybe he gets a long look in training camp. He's big and has a mean streak. There's also Norell and Dahlstrom but not sure if either are far along in their development to warrant intrigue.

As for DeBrincat, I hope the Hawks take it slow with him and let him grow in Rockford but a part of me thinks he'll be rushed. IMHO, Fortin has the upperhand over DeBrincat based on the former showing last September that he has NHL speed and shooting ability to keep up with the pros. DeBrincat was invisible, though, and has had two successive prospect camps that left a lot to be desired (granted Fortin didn't play at all this July so maybe he regressed and we just didn't get a chance to see that drop off).
- AEL_Fox

With Samuelson around I would not be surprised to see a prospect move up in the ranking of all their young rearguard. Now if such a prospect steps up but still returns to Rockford, what then happens with the positive training camp. There is just way to much to know for sure and we are looking at many whom conceivably may take a next step. But I feel strongly that each player's strength is not so great as to offset the absolute most desired a tribute, namely, reliability.

Dahlstrom the dman, a former forward, has the skill and speed but his good size is for naught if he is passive. I guess I am curious just how good can Snuggerud be offensively. Gustafsson was the man on defense for Rockford and he is smart and is a terrific passer.

I do not have much faith in Svedberg. Just too slow. Otherwise he could be a third pair.

You and I think alike regarding DeBrincat and Fortin - JJ I believe has said as much in earlier blog. I am aware of the young Czech f/a sign and the OHL fast skater LW who had a goal in an exhibition game for us.

Let's keep an eye on Kryz development because he has the high end fast pace skill but needs work on a few things defensively, including not loosing puck coming out of his own end. It is exciting to think we may really have another offensive center once Sikula arrives. There simply too many prospects to bother mentioning all of them

Perhaps a tad premature, calling for smurfdom on the roster.

Consider: the effect of Samuelson coaching/teaching style.. The games will not be as quiet as prayer time in church!. Less stick checking as well. Wingels, Dauphin, possibly Hayden or Baun + the top two lines are not going to be pushed around.

Do you concur?

They will not rush DeBrincat btw. Fortin might earn a nine game trial before heading to the AHL. He might get knocked down but he does not play like a Smurf. He actually could become a prototypical NHL wing. Intriguing prospect and when reports suggest whether he can play consistently and rack up more points.....that is probably correct.
- jhawk59

, I think John Hayden will be the Darkhorse, I think that is the kid that will stick this year, I think Kyle Braun is as far is he's going to go, I think he will be A career Rockford player, the old never say never adage hopefully applies here regarding will butcher, and even a kid like that may take a year of seasoning at Rockford if he happens to sign here, but I think his agent will place him where he plays in the National Hockey League sooner than later. And as much as I fear that they may stand pat and we may be on a wing and a prayer with the couple of these Smurfs as I called them like schmaltz and if they rush the kid from the OHL, and it doesn't start out good, I think the coach will turn up the heat and the general manager to Add some veteran help, I am keeping an eye on the Colorado situation, I guess another Darkhorse could be this kid Fortin, i'm just not gonna fall into drinking the Kool-Aid in a couple of good preseason games by some of these kids, their window is now and I think they understand it which is why I think if they start out like crap, they will make a trade because they will have cap room from the hossa money.