Interesting article from Powers today:

Blackhawks free agent targets: 12 forwards Chicago could sign to play with Connor Bedard

Unlikely tier

Reinhart and Guentzel

Next tier
Marchessault

The Teuvo tier
Teravainen

Physical winger tier

Bertuzzi
Noesen
Mantha

The offensive winger tier
Sprong
Toffoli
DeBrusk
Drouin

Patrick Kane in his own tier as well

If they sign 1 of Marchessault or Teravainen + 1 of DeBrusk,Sprong,Noesen or Mantha I'd be happy. Drouin,Bertuzzi and Toffoli - I think it would be better to avoid.
2 of those guys + a healthy Hall would give Richardson options to mix with 98. And I think they'd be good for his overall production.

4-3-4-2-3

I don't think Jones is bad or anything, his cap hit is probably 1.5mil too rich for my taste, but his cap hit isn't going to be a problem. The salary cap will most likely increase little by little the next few years and if Kyle wants to,he'll probably be able to trade him with 2-3 years left on the deal.
- captainserious

That kind of balanced outlook has no home here, Cap'n!

That kind of balanced outlook has no home here, Cap'n!
- mohel

Seriously. Did you hear the news that no one has ever - not EVER - mentioned? Jones doesn't play up to his contract.

That kind of balanced outlook has no home here, Cap'n!
- mohel

Woops!

Dat Jones guy is a bum!
He is waaay overpayed! His +/- is much worse then Faber's!

Interesting article from Powers today:

Blackhawks free agent targets: 12 forwards Chicago could sign to play with Connor Bedard

Unlikely tier

Reinhart and Guentzel

Next tier
Marchessault

The Teuvo tier
Teravainen

Physical winger tier

Bertuzzi
Noesen
Mantha

The offensive winger tier
Sprong
Toffoli
DeBruska
Drouin

Patrick Kane in his own tier as well

If they sign 1 of Marchessault or Teravainen + 1 of DeBrusk,Sprong,Noesen or Mantha I'd be happy. Drouin,Bertuzzi and Toffoli - I think it would be better to avoid.
2 of those guys + a healthy Hall would give Richardson options to mix with 98. And I think they'd be good for his overall production.

4-3-4-2-3
- captainserious

Saw that article this am too and agree with how you’ve approached adding. Would love Teutonic (autocorrect for Teuvo) back but could potentially see Marchessault and have liked Sprong in DET but any of those other three I wouldn’t mind either.

I know he’s not a burner but of the final 3 I wouldn’t mind Toffoli. He can still score.

I don't think Jones is bad or anything, his cap hit is probably 1.5mil too rich for my taste, but his cap hit isn't going to be a problem. The salary cap will most likely increase little by little the next few years and if Kyle wants to,he'll probably be able to trade him with 2-3 years left on the deal.
- captainserious

All i know is I'm excited about Vlasic, Korchinski and seeing Del Mastro come up. I hope/ think the left side of the defense is going to be in good hands for many years.

I look at it this way if you didn't have the Jones contract it would be easier to sign a Reinhart. I think for that reason alone it won't happen. Bedard is going to get a fat contract in 3 seasons from now, maybe Korchinski? Who knows about the kids in the system.

Kings only have 4 big contracts
Leafs 5 contracts
Bolts 5 contracts

You can only give so many of those out before you are doing salary cap gymnastics, it's critical that KD isn't short sighted about this now, like many fans are, especially after he almost cleared the deck.

The Devils were the latest team that had to do salary cap gymnastics because they had to have Meier.

Look how quick it escalated for Ottawa

Some learning/strategy talk from Pope:

https://chicago.suntimes....ormation-adapt-tactically

Saw that article this am too and agree with how you’ve approached adding. Would love Teutonic (autocorrect for Teuvo) back but could potentially see Marchessault and have liked Sprong in DET but any of those other three I wouldn’t mind either.

I know he’s not a burner but of the final 3 I wouldn’t mind Toffoli. He can still score.
- HawkintheD

I expect the Hawks to sign at least 1 mid-tier UFA, all their free agents (RFA and UFA) won't and shouldn't return. KD will need to fill out a roster in the short-term, I imagine anyone he signs will have 2 year term, maybe 3 years (max.) if the AAV is reasonable and the player is less than 30.

The Hawks won't be contenders next season, ideally they pick-up 1-2 guys that can be moved at the 2025 TDL for a reasonable return.

All i know is I'm excited about Vlasic, Korchinski and seeing Del Mastro come up. I hope/ think the left side of the defense is going to be in good hands for many years.

I look at it this way if you didn't have the Jones contract it would be easier to sign a Reinhart. I think for that reason alone it won't happen. Bedard is going to get a fat contract in 3 seasons from now, maybe Korchinski? Who knows about the kids in the system.

Kings only have 4 big contracts
Leafs 5 contracts
Bolts 5 contracts

You can only give so many of those out before you are doing salary cap gymnastics, it's critical that KD isn't short sighted about this now, like many fans are, especially after he almost cleared the deck.
- BetweenTheDots

He's got no interest in signing a guy like Reinhart right now. He's said so. He's going to look for a few more (better) guys that he can sign for 2 years (3 max). Reinhart is looking for a max term contract. It's his only chance at it. Same with Guentzal.

In two more years, the cap will be going up and Seth's contract will be even less of an issue. The only problem I see him actually presenting is if the Hawks find a few more top tier RHD's and he's in the way on the roster.

Break out the Guiness
Or
the Blackhawks commercial to break out the El Bandino Yankee tequila
Or just celebrate any way you like
If the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast comes on
And the broadcast team in their pregame banter
Says the Blackhawks are busting Out
And it is not just Conner Bedard
The Blackhawks have patiently developed a young versatile blueline crew to assist Bedard

It could be not just a dream
It could happen faster than you think
With a big boost should KD select a prospect with the first of their ‘24 picks

Here is the dilemma: is there a right answer or a better choice what prospect KD wants
Or YOU prefer as you pretend to be in KD’s shoes and choose from a bumper crop

Envisioning a deep well rounded defense is your choice among dmen going to be a Right handed so you balance out better the left right pairings?’Or you cannot pass on the incredible offensive generator kid? Nyet and nyet; take the big Russian?

I am not advocating to draft a dman; I just cannot decide which one if, indeed, the best player come our choice in KD’s mind is ANOTHER defenseman

If a dman give your “defense” for your choice.

He's got no interest in signing a guy like Reinhart right now. He's said so. He's going to look for a few more (better) guys that he can sign for 2 years (3 max). Reinhart is looking for a max term contract. It's his only chance at it. Same with Guentzal.

In two more years, the cap will be going up and Seth's contract will be even less of an issue. The only problem I see him actually presenting is if the Hawks find a few more top tier RHD's and he's in the way on the roster.
- Chunk

Oh just ask S Jones to try playing wing? Not happening, right?!

Interesting article from Powers today:

Blackhawks free agent targets: 12 forwards Chicago could sign to play with Connor Bedard

Unlikely tier

Reinhart and Guentzel

Next tier
Marchessault

The Teuvo tier
Teravainen

Physical winger tier

Bertuzzi
Noesen
Mantha

The offensive winger tier
Sprong
Toffoli
DeBrusk
Drouin

Patrick Kane in his own tier as well

If they sign 1 of Marchessault or Teravainen + 1 of DeBrusk,Sprong,Noesen or Mantha I'd be happy. Drouin,Bertuzzi and Toffoli - I think it would be better to avoid.
2 of those guys + a healthy Hall would give Richardson options to mix with 98. And I think they'd be good for his overall production.

4-3-4-2-3
- captainserious

I think Patrick Kane is going to end his career as a Hawk. Not sure when that will be, but I think he will end it in Chicago when the time comes. Would be nuts if the Hawks were in a position to acquire him at the deadline a few years from now for a playoff run.

Where would you like to see Vlasic improve?
- paulr

Defensively.

Never too early to plan ahead. Wheeler at the Athletic has a list of his top 2025 prospects.

https://theathletic.com/5...spects-2025-james-hagens/

He has his top 28 in three tiers 1, 2-8, 9-28.

James Hagens, a Center at #1.

2-8 are: Logan Hensler RD, Anton Frondell C, Michael Misa C, Ivan Ryabkin C, Porter Malone RW, Roger McQueen C, Charlie Trethaway RD.

Wiz, in his 2025 mock has Hagen 1st and the other 7 in his top eight, though in a different order. Looks like there is some consensus so far.

https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/2025

I'm expecting some improvement from the Hawks next season. If they stay within the top 8 they could land a tier 2 player in 2025 to aid the rebuild. Much like this year when they is no clear cut 2-8, looks like decent players will also be available 2-8 in 2025.

Interesting article from Powers today:

Blackhawks free agent targets: 12 forwards Chicago could sign to play with Connor Bedard

Unlikely tier

Reinhart and Guentzel

Next tier
Marchessault

The Teuvo tier
Teravainen

Physical winger tier

Bertuzzi
Noesen
Mantha

The offensive winger tier
Sprong
Toffoli
DeBrusk
Drouin

Patrick Kane in his own tier as well

If they sign 1 of Marchessault or Teravainen + 1 of DeBrusk,Sprong,Noesen or Mantha I'd be happy. Drouin,Bertuzzi and Toffoli - I think it would be better to avoid.
2 of those guys + a healthy Hall would give Richardson options to mix with 98. And I think they'd be good for his overall production.

4-3-4-2-3
- captainserious

KD, IMO, will likely go after some some 2nd-3rd tier free agents like Wennberg, Roslovic, Duclair, Foegele. None will be long term solutions since I think they will be signed to 2 year deals. They will just be placeholders until some of the prospects are ready or when (and if) Davidson makes a big free agent splash down the road. Guys like the above would return some draft capital if the Hawks are in seller's mode the next or following season.

A few things before I go ack to re-arranging the rest of the draft selections past 100:

Just throwing out there b/c I didn’t at the time.
Comments, replies etc. to various posts.

Someone mentioned a possible college Free agent signing.
I have gone back four blogs and tried to quickly scan and comment - I just I should have when the person through the post up.

Contrary to the narrative of how Kyle was trying frantically to trade cup for Ollie Moore…and he was still there when Tampa’s pick at #19 was on the clock.
I am not trying to p-o anyone here but the idea that “The hawks were oh so lucky he was STILL THERE is Kyle’s narrative of a new GM with a fun position in a rebuild locking in on an opinion of prospect and falling in love with potential. (There is nothing wrong with that as I have been saying that picking in a slot after #1 can be a “plant the flag moment for the team, as I have enough issues with that, but

Grade A prospect - incredible speed, but “ The speed is a blessing and a curse, more of the latter in his own end. He’s so quick that while he can anticipate and cut off passes, he sometimes over commits in his own zone and gets burned. In the offensive zone, I don’t really see much of a delay game from him. It’s a lot of trying to turn the corner and making a behind the back or cross ice pass.”
Moore had some of the best outside edges in that draft (unlike Demidov who has poor outside/good inside). Moore’s skill and physical ability was still off the charts good but I think at draft time teams knew that his processing skills still needing catching up with his feet.
My true point is most NHL teams didn’t see him as a guy they were taking easier than when the Hawks selected at #19, it wasn’t some “lucky error.”
I just wanted to set that idea up correctly and I think there is so much he can bring as a forward on the top two line.

Lastly, I am the one staying there was more than one reason to show Towes and Kane the door - in their loyalty of not knowing anything about the Beach + molestation.

Maybe Patrick is done chasing silver and would reasonable resign in Chicago, as he is what Kurashev isn’t…a guy who can hold pucks and quickly find an open Bedard.
To me he and the kid make a better combo that adding any of those other potlickers.

To 2025:
Check out my mock with over 2 rounds up.
I have the Hawks taking Fiddler’s sone, a RD with like the 3rd or 4th pick…I have seen him and I really like his upside. You won’t see him on any one else’s 2025 banter.

With all this disparity for draft prognosticators, I believe their lists are based on OTHER’s lists.

I think the second tier is clearly containing defensemen Levshunov, Richardenson with the other four going top 12.

I see Demidov sitting on the board longer after the deep dive scouting on him, and Silayev to drop to as far as 8th because the unknowns there too.

The issue now is the best forwards are Eiserman, Catton, and Lindstrom but most see Levshunov and Richardenson as a notch above them long term, because both MIGHT be a teams chance to get their KK, or Vlasic…

I think before July you will see the draft ranks start being closer to reality.

And as odd as a selection of Berkly Catton, might be in the top 4-5 he is a really good lightweight playmaker…

A few things before I go ack to re-arranging the rest of the draft selections past 100:

Just throwing out there b/c I didn’t at the time.
Comments, replies etc. to various posts.

Someone mentioned a possible college Free agent signing.
I have gone back four blogs and tried to quickly scan and comment - I just I should have when the person through the post up.

Contrary to the narrative of how Kyle was trying frantically to trade cup for Ollie Moore…and he was still there when Tampa’s pick at #19 was on the clock.
I am not trying to p-o anyone here but the idea that “The hawks were oh so lucky he was STILL THERE is Kyle’s narrative of a new GM with a fun position in a rebuild locking in on an opinion of prospect and falling in love with potential. (There is nothing wrong with that as I have been saying that picking in a slot after #1 can be a “plant the flag moment for the team, as I have enough issues with that, but

Grade A prospect - incredible speed, but “ The speed is a blessing and a curse, more of the latter in his own end. He’s so quick that while he can anticipate and cut off passes, he sometimes over commits in his own zone and gets burned. In the offensive zone, I don’t really see much of a delay game from him. It’s a lot of trying to turn the corner and making a behind the back or cross ice pass.”
Moore had some of the best outside edges in that draft (unlike Demidov who has poor outside/good inside). Moore’s skill and physical ability was still off the charts good but I think at draft time teams knew that his processing skills still needing catching up with his feet.
My true point is most NHL teams didn’t see him as a guy they were taking easier than when the Hawks selected at #19, it wasn’t some “lucky error.”
I just wanted to set that idea up correctly and I think there is so much he can bring as a forward on the top two line.

Lastly, I am the one staying there was more than one reason to show Towes and Kane the door - in their loyalty of not knowing anything about the Beach + molestation.

Maybe Patrick is done chasing silver and would reasonable resign in Chicago, as he is what Kurashev isn’t…a guy who can hold pucks and quickly find an open Bedard.
To me he and the kid make a better combo that adding any of those other potlickers.

To 2025:
Check out my mock with over 2 rounds up.
I have the Hawks taking Fiddler’s sone, a RD with like the 3rd or 4th pick…I have seen him and I really like his upside. You won’t see him on any one else’s 2025 banter.

With all this disparity for draft prognosticators, I believe their lists are based on OTHER’s lists.

I think the second tier is clearly containing defensemen Levshunov, Richardenson with the other four going top 12.

I see Demidov sitting on the board longer after the deep dive scouting on him, and Silayev to drop to as far as 8th because the unknowns there too.

The issue now is the best forwards are Eiserman, Catton, and Lindstrom but most see Levshunov and Richardenson as a notch above them long term, because both MIGHT be a teams chance to get their KK, or Vlasic…

I think before July you will see the draft ranks start being closer to reality.

And as odd as a selection of Berkly Catton, might be in the top 4-5 he is a really good lightweight playmaker…
- wiz1901

I mentioned college/CHL/European free agents, but it was more of a question rather than naming any specific potential signees. Maybe someone else mentioned a specific potential prospect.

If the Hawks draft in the 2-5 range I'm still in favour of drafting a goal scorer - Eiserman or Demidov, then take an RHD with Tampa's pick. However, as we get closer to the draft it seems the defensemen, specifically the RHD, are rising up the rankings. I wouldn't be shocked or terribly disappointed if KD took a RHD, I would prefer Levshunov over any other d-man.

I wouldn't be too surprised to see KD trade down in the draft too, if he's comfortable his pick will be available. If KD is sold on Eiserman and feels he'll be available a #6, then maybe he can swap the Hawks first round picks (4 and 18ish) for Ottawa's (6 and 16). Ottawa would need to add more, but that could be the foundation of a trade.

I mentioned college/CHL/European free agents, but it was more of a question rather than naming any specific potential signees. Maybe someone else mentioned a specific potential prospect.

If the Hawks draft in the 2-5 range I'm still in favour of drafting a goal scorer - Eiserman or Demidov, then take an RHD with Tampa's pick. However, as we get closer to the draft it seems the defensemen, specifically the RHD, are rising up the rankings. I wouldn't be shocked or terribly disappointed if KD took a RHD, I would prefer Levshunov over any other d-man.

I wouldn't be too surprised to see KD trade down in the draft too, if he's comfortable his pick will be available. If KD is sold on Eiserman and feels he'll be available a #6, then maybe he can swap the Hawks first round picks (4 and 18ish) for Ottawa's (6 and 16). Ottawa would need to add more, but that could be the foundation of a trade.
- DarthKane

Yea that wouldn't be a bad idea, they only need about 100 to 150 more goals to get to the nhl norm

I mentioned college/CHL/European free agents, but it was more of a question rather than naming any specific potential signees. Maybe someone else mentioned a specific potential prospect.

If the Hawks draft in the 2-5 range I'm still in favour of drafting a goal scorer - Eiserman or Demidov, then take an RHD with Tampa's pick. However, as we get closer to the draft it seems the defensemen, specifically the RHD, are rising up the rankings. I wouldn't be shocked or terribly disappointed if KD took a RHD, I would prefer Levshunov over any other d-man.

I wouldn't be too surprised to see KD trade down in the draft too, if he's comfortable his pick will be available. If KD is sold on Eiserman and feels he'll be available a #6, then maybe he can swap the Hawks first round picks (4 and 18ish) for Ottawa's (6 and 16). Ottawa would need to add more, but that could be the foundation of a trade.
- DarthKane

What about him using Tampa’s pick and possibly a second round pick to try to get back into the top ten of this year’s draft?

What about him using Tampa’s pick and possibly a second round pick to try to get back into the top ten of this yead’s draft?
- paulr

Trading into the top 10 is harder than it sounds. Let's say the 2nd tier goes down to 10. After Celebrini, the next 9 look something like in no order Levshunov, Lindstrom, D!ckinson, Silayev, Eiserman, Catton, Demidov, Parekh and Yaremchuk. All these guys are likely contributors in a few years. Why would a team trade out of a spot in the top 10 and miss out on one of them for God knows what at 18-20 and 34? I think I would want a bird in the hand versus two in the bush.

As an opposing GM, if I were to move out of the top 10 I would want a decent prospect instead of the 2nd to know that I am getting a guaranteed NHLer. If Parekh or Eiserman is available at 9 or 10, would anyone here give up the TB 1st and a Vlasic/Kaiser/DelMastro/Allen type prospect?

What about him using Tampa’s pick and possibly a second round pick to try to get back into the top ten of this year’s draft?
- paulr

Yeah, again, all the teams know the cream of the crop is the top 13 and they would be foolish to go quantity over quality with said trade, and draft trades on the floor are. rare.

I want to circle back to Eiserman.
With all those negative, no one is talking about he by far the YOIUNGEST player in the top 20 prospects.
And when Lindstom gets health a nice playoff performance would solidify him closer to the top sections too.

Someone was talking about a particular college forward and I cannot find the post.

Trading into the top 10 is harder than it sounds. Let's say the 2nd tier goes down to 10. After Celebrini, the next 9 look something like in no order Levshunov, Lindstrom, D!ckinson, Silayev, Eiserman, Catton, Demidov, Parekh and Yaremchuk.
- boilermaker100

I am going to say right now that many consider Levshunov and D!ckinson as tier two and the rest tier three based on those two's proximity to the " around the others...

You have a 4th grouping of super intriguing rearguards in Silayev, Parekh, and Yakemchuk and Tig Iginla, there because of his play, heart, pace, over any over the top super toolbox.
I - 4 - 3- 4

Yeah, again, all the teams know the cream of the crop is the top 13 and they would be foolish to go quantity over quality with said trade, and draft trades on the floor are. rare.

I want to circle back to Eiserman.
With all those negative, no one is talking about he by far the YOIUNGEST player in the top 20 prospects.
And when Lindstom gets health a nice playoff performance would solidify him closer to the top sections too.

Someone was talking about a particular college forward and I cannot find the post.
- wiz1901

Totem’s post on page 4? Sam DeAngelo, senior at W. Michigan. ANA'S pick from a few years ago, but will be a free agent if he doesn't sign with them this summer.

What about him using Tampa’s pick and possibly a second round pick to try to get back into the top ten of this year’s draft?
- paulr

I think the Hawks need to add as much talent as they can this year. They have a ton of draft capital over the next few years. They need to start adding through the draft more immediately. Unless they get the moon as a return, they need to start taking talent. Just my opinion.