How is it possible that some have Eiserman ranked as high as number 2 and others as low as number 16. What are some seeing that others aren’t?
- paulr

Some see the fact he can pot lots of goals as strength at the next level, and the other parts of his game and his improving his details are things that can be remedied.

Others see the chance to take defenseman and see other forwards are dynamic in other areas and will bet on those guys becoming better offensive generators than a "shot."

Hopefully the summer will help some of the young Hawks take the next step in being more consistent. I think especially the Dmen, as they get stronger it will help the team out of their end and get on the attack.

I'd like to see them get a little stronger, get better at winning battles. On the forwards hopefully win some more battles on the forecheck and create a bit more offense, get on the cycle more and get more pressure on the opposition. We often gain the zone and just get squeezed out, or fail to retrieve pucks and then our good offensive players don't get much chance to create anything. To me, so much of the game comes down to those 50-50 battles for the puck, and we (in my opinion) aren't good at winning those.
- breadbag

We haven't been able to cycle the puck since Hossa was here. It's the biggest thing we're missing in keeping the puck in the offensive zone.

Vegas just seemed physically stronger across the ice.
- NZBlackHawk

The teams looking to challenge for Lord Stanley's Cup usually has lots of quick and a large share of heavy.
In the last two Hawk games it was apparent that the opposing players were rounded into to all around efficient groups that have the ingredients to handle the heavy and give out physicality, and have the ability and considfence to hang around and score late.

When the Hawks get to that level, or IF the where at that level last night, a playoff ready group, you would have not been able to see so the much difference.

I found this article containing profiles on the top 16 prospects. Detailed write ups on each one listing strengths/weaknesses, NHL potential and risk/reward ratios.

https://thehockeywriters.com/2024-nhl-draft-guide/
- boilermaker100

Weird that none of the reports on Demidov mention his lack of outside edge use. Since Wiz pointed it out it’s all I look for. Guy will Mohawk, do massively wide stances, but barely uses his outside edge even on crossovers. Kind of reminds me of Trouble With The Curve where everyone raves about the guy’s highlights but ignores that he can’t handle a critical aspect of the game.

It's kind of funny. Hage is listed at 6'1" and 190 and is repeatedly referenced as small.

- Chunk

yeah, he is a tad over six feet

So, what number will Celebrini wear next season with the Hawks?

If we don't pick first, I'm sure we'll get a pretty good player. Just my personal opinion, but I just wonder if Eiserman is a complete enough package right now to fit what the Hawks are looking to draft.

My untrained gut just tells me maybe he needs longer to be NHL ready compared to some of the other guys who might be able to make the transition sooner because they already have a more rounded game? Just a thought, but still feel like we'll get a good player either way, seems like some decent talent available in the first 5 choices.

Some see the fact he can pot lots of goals as strength at the next level, and the other parts of his game and his improving his details are things that can be remedied.

Others see the chance to take defenseman and see other forwards are dynamic in other areas and will bet on those guys becoming better offensive generators than a "shot."
- wiz1901

Bill - is Levshunov(RHD) ready for NHL duties in your opinion or will he need a season in Rockford?

Glad you enjoyed the game. Watching, it appeared the Hawks didn’t win many board battles. If Bedard, Nazar, Reichel, Kurashev are in the top 6, I hope KD is looking to bring in a forward or 2 that belong on the top 2 lines that can come out of a board battle with the puck on their stick.
- LAHawk

Some of that is the veteran factor. A team like Vegas was built around guys who play heavier hockey, know the angles, where to push, how to intimidate the younger guys.

A lot of that is talent. Not good players are going to get inconsistent results even with the fundamental stuff like passing, being in position or winning 50/50's.

I agree that they should add some older guys who know how to play and can win some of those battles or at least provide a viable scoring option. Overpaying for 2 years of Marchessault and Toffoli I think would be very beneficial to Bedard, Nazar and probably Reichel to a certain degree. Also helps the D out.

I'd prefer debrusk over tt just because he's got a bit more jam but it will be interesting to see what happens with either this year and I think either help with the things you mentioned above.

Plus you get Bedard, Nazar, Reichel (maybe), Vlasic, KK, the golden domer, and probably another young guy or two into a playoff race and meaningful games at the end of the year. I'd really like to see them at about 85 points this next year.

On next year's lineup, I don't see TJ back. Blackwell's a UFA so maybe they let him walk and afa the rest of the RFA forwards, hoping only a couple are back out of Anderson, Entwistle, Raddysh and R. Johnson. I'd prefer they not qualify Raddysh or Reese Johnson.

With happened to Raddysh this year? I get it he wasn't playing with 19 but when he was slotted higher in the lineup earlier in the season, he was invisible.

Hopefully we get more than 10 games out of Hall next season too.
- HawkintheD

On a garbage team someone is gonna score 20. It was him last year. It's an unpopular opinion but I think it was Kurashev's turn this year and with more talent in the line up he shuffles down and is forgotten.

Screw that, went to the Wings, hope they never see the playoffs.

It'll be another off season taht i have to hear how great of GM Stevie Y is and how bad KD is and doesn't know what he's doing and his coach sux.......................
- vabeachbear

YES! This guy gets it! Knew there was a reason I liked you VA.

I think some size and physicality is needed to balance out the forwards. That’s why I think if Lindstrom is available, and the Hawks aren’t picking first, KD will go with him. As much as the scoring from Eiserman would be helpful I’d like to see hopefully a top six player who can win the puck battles and still produce offensively. And I’d prefer the Hawks steer completely clear of any Russian player with that first pick.
- paulr

Eiserman is a 200lb 17 year old. He is not little. And from what Bill says he can be kinda mean.

Agreed on the Russians. Pass.

God no!

Seriously though the Leafs stocked up on some sandpaper guys this year. Be interesting to see if Matthews, Marner and Bystander can step up and get involved in the tougher areas of the ice or continue to be perimeter only players? All three have proven they can produce points without getting a bloody nose or some bumps and bruises but are they ready to get banged up to try to win?
- paulr

If we're being honest - the Leafs have been plagued by bad goaltending and a lack of push from the blue line. Other than Reilly they have zero push from the back end and Reilly is no Adam Fox (or Duncan Keith). And the guys they have, other than maybe McCabe aren't really shutdown specialists either or "tough to play against" or whatever platitude makes sense.

Aside from the 17-18 season - Matthews has been a PPG player in the playoffs. Nylander the last 4 years has been a PPG player in the playoffs and pretty decent before that. Marner has 47 points in 50 playoff games.

It's confusing to me what the realistic expectation there is for those guys.

Toews was 119 over 137 playoff games. Kane 138 over 143. Hossa was 149 over 205.

Their top 3 seems to be in alignment with the top 3 of the Hawks during the glory days except they don't have a competent blue line (probably 1 elite forward too many) and that team composition isn't really their fault.

I'll go with Kaiser. His second stint was really good. He knows how to get out of his own zone and can actually complete a pass in stride. Also, his coverage in the defensive zone was better than most on this team.

As some others here have mentioned, I think KK will need to show improvement in his defensive play to hold a permanent spot on this team next year. They have the option to send him down now, so I don't think they will hesitate to do so if needed.
- Chunk

It takes at least 2 full years of NHL experience to figure out where these guys are gonna land. I think it's a little premature to start talking about putting him in Rockford.

And in a lot of respects he's done very well defensively, especially with Murphy as a partner.

The focus next year should be starting to unlock that offensive potential so they have someone who can push from the back end.

It's kind of funny. Hage is listed at 6'1" and 190 and is repeatedly referenced as small.

- Chunk

Have been wondering where the smurf/not smurf line is drawn these days - seems like it is taller/heavier than previously. So which of these guys are smurfs?

Celebrini 6-0 190
Eiserman 5-11 191
Blackwell 5-10 190
T. Iginla 6-0 185
Bedard 5-10 185
Ludwinski 5-11 183
Demidov 5-11 181
Nazar 5-10 181
Parekh 6-0 178
Kantserov 5-9 176
Paraczak 5-11 174
Guttman 5-9 174
Catton 5-11 170

Is it 5-11 and under and weight less than 190? Or does it include their style of play?

Ehh.... maybe just go with everyone shorter than 6-2 and/or lighter than 200 is a smurf

If we're being honest - the Leafs have been plagued by bad goaltending and a lack of push from the blue line. Other than Reilly they have zero push from the back end and Reilly is no Adam Fox (or Duncan Keith). And the guys they have, other than maybe McCabe aren't really shutdown specialists either or "tough to play against" or whatever platitude makes sense.

Aside from the 17-18 season - Matthews has been a PPG player in the playoffs. Nylander the last 4 years has been a PPG player in the playoffs and pretty decent before that. Marner has 47 points in 50 playoff games.

It's confusing to me what the realistic expectation there is for those guys.

Toews was 119 over 137 playoff games. Kane 138 over 143. Hossa was 149 over 205.

Their top 3 seems to be in alignment with the top 3 of the Hawks during the glory days except they don't have a competent blue line (probably 1 elite forward too many) and that team composition isn't really their fault.
- fattybeef

I said those three Leafs can put up points playing perimeter games, can or will they play the hard nosed hockey It takes to win? All three avoid the corners and front of the net, especially in the playoffs. This season Matthews has shown more of a willingness to go to the net but the other two haven’t. Toews battled Chara, Bergeron and Lucic for every inch of ice in the ‘13 playoffs. Hoss battled anyone. Kane wasn’t afraid of any area on the ice but he didn’t get into physical confrontations. Against Florida last season Matthews had one shot from the slot the entire series. Toews, Kane and Hossa were playoff performers, so far Toronto’s three haven’t demonstrated that.

Have been wondering where the smurf/not smurf line is drawn these days - seems like it is taller/heavier than previously. So which of these guys are smurfs?

Celebrini 6-0 190
Eiserman 5-11 191
Blackwell 5-10 190
T. Iginla 6-0 185
Bedard 5-10 185
Ludwinski 5-11 183
Demidov 5-11 181
Nazar 5-10 181
Parekh 6-0 178
Kantserov 5-9 176
Paraczak 5-11 174
Guttman 5-9 174
Catton 5-11 170

Is it 5-11 and under and weight less than 190? Or does it include their style of play?

Ehh.... maybe just go with everyone shorter than 6-2 and/or lighter than 200 is a smurf
- totem

It’s smurfs all the way down. Always has been.

YES! This guy gets it! Knew there was a reason I liked you VA.
- HawkintheD

Your Red Wings played 82 games this year, and won 27 in regulation. Arizona (with one game left) is currently ahead of four teams, and they also have won 27 games in regulation. Only six teams have won fewer than 27 games in regulation.

Stevie signed a bunch of serviceable old guys who helped keep them in games. But they don't really look like a coming juggernaut to me. And again, they are five years into their rebuild - at least three years ahead of the Hawks.

I saw a post above - from fatty, I think - setting 85 points for a Hawks target next year. That'll be a very tall order, imo.

I don't think a Hawks player has ever won the award, but FWIW Connor Murphy was selected as the King Clancy Award nominee from the Hawks. Third straight season he was the nominee.

https://www.nhl.com/black...ng-clancy-memorial-trophy

It takes at least 2 full years of NHL experience to figure out where these guys are gonna land. I think it's a little premature to start talking about putting him in Rockford.

And in a lot of respects he's done very well defensively, especially with Murphy as a partner.

The focus next year should be starting to unlock that offensive potential so they have someone who can push from the back end.
- fattybeef

I'm not saying they will or won't (nor am I advocating either way). I'm just saying that if they think he needs it, they won't hesitate to do so.

On a garbage team someone is gonna score 20. It was him last year. It's an unpopular opinion but I think it was Kurashev's turn this year and with more talent in the line up he shuffles down and is forgotten.
- fattybeef

It's not unpopular. It's flat out wrong Fatty.

Raddysh barely looked like he belonged in the NHL this year and even last year, it wasn't like he was driving play in the Ozone. He has a decent shot and a lot of his goals were more of the opportunistic variety.

Think Kurashev is more skilled. Yes, playing with Bedard helps but Kurashev is also helping drive play on that line.

That said, and I don't care what the one guy who keeps female doging about it says...he's a middle 6 player on a decent team and he'd be a good third liner on a contender.

It's not unpopular. It's flat out wrong Fatty.

Raddysh barely looked like he belonged in the NHL this year and even last year, it wasn't like he was driving play in the Ozone. He has a decent shot and a lot of his goals were more of the opportunistic variety.

Think Kurashev is more skilled. Yes, playing with Bedard helps but Kurashev is also helping drive play on that line.

That said, and I don't care what the one guy who keeps female doging about it says...he's a middle 6 player on a decent team and he'd be a good third liner on a contender.
- HawkintheD

The reason for my clear biased against Kurashev for the years prior to Bedard year ones is I was sure his on ice possession were ended far too many time when he was being pressured. In junior it came off more obvious and as a Blackhawk in his infancy, I figured he would have to take some steps to play middle six in the big leagues.
I think "Phil" has shown me he is more fearless than I thought, but the times he looses pucks, loses possession when pressured are still an issue. Oh, now with Bedrad he got the leash taken off so he is able to motor around, but the fact remains there are so many times he has been handed the puck on silver platters to fumble and end possession.
It is hopeful he keeps the confidence and continues to grow and fix the possession issues.
It is frustrating when you have this 18 year old who is so gifted he can make all these high end puck decisions and gift warp Kurachev, and then unless it Phil taken the one timer, turnovers are more likely than it developing a long attack look.

Honestly, I think there are lots of prospects who can take the one timer.

I want Bedard less frustrated by a linemate's lack of dominance.

I am not going to stretch and say Oliie Miller, or little Frankie are answers, but we are going to see if nazar is that multi-weaponed possible linemate that excels over Kurachev's abilities as a weapon.
Time is what we need.

There's an interesting proposal over on the Sabres board. One fan wants to sign Q as coach and knowing Q loves his vets, have them sign Kane and Stamkos. Then he suggests dumping Skinner (retaining a bit of his 9M) and using their 2024 1st as a sweetener. I like that last part. 3 years of Skinner and something like the 12th overall for nothing? KFC should be on the line now with Adams. I would even throw in Phillips or Crevier.

It takes at least 2 full years of NHL experience to figure out where these guys are gonna land. I think it's a little premature to start talking about putting him in Rockford.

And in a lot of respects he's done very well defensively, especially with Murphy as a partner.

The focus next year should be starting to unlock that offensive potential so they have someone who can push from the back end.
- fattybeef

I definitely lean towards Nazar, Slaggert and Korchinski all will be starting for the Blackhawks next season. If they fall off a cliff like Reichel did than i can see them doing stints in the rock.

Your Red Wings played 82 games this year, and won 27 in regulation. Arizona (with one game left) is currently ahead of four teams, and they also have won 27 games in regulation. Only six teams have won fewer than 27 games in regulation.

Stevie signed a bunch of serviceable old guys who helped keep them in games. But they don't really look like a coming juggernaut to me. And again, they are five years into their rebuild - at least three years ahead of the Hawks.

I saw a post above - from fatty, I think - setting 85 points for a Hawks target next year. That'll be a very tall order, imo.
- mohel

Are there 34 more points next year when you add in improved play from the younger players, maybe a key FA acquisition or two, and fewer injuries than this season?

I envision the first pair of 4/72 will be quite good. Korchinski should continue to improve, and hopefully he gets a better partner than Megna next year. If we're lucky, Bedard will have a healthy Taylor Hall on the left side. And if we're really lucky, they get Celebrini. I look forward to a full season from Nazar. And it should be interesting to see who makes it out of camp. Maybe they get lucky on another salary dump trade.

Marc Andre Fleury signs for one more year with the Wild $2.5 M