Kyle Beach seemed doomed from the start. He dominated the WHL. That he made absolutely no impact for the Hawks was unfortunate as he was taken high in his Draft. Seemed to have arrived in Chicago already buried deep in Q’s doghouse. Also some major injuries/concussions.

Fans tend to believe it is almost a sin to say anything negative about Hossa but the reality is his contract was and continues to be problematic. Fans tend not to separate the player and the contract. His contract had/has a large Cap hit and was front-loaded. He received a lot of money. There was obviously some either/or decisions that were made over the years when shredding salary. He scored 40 for the Wings before joining the Hawks. Never came close to this again. He was an important part of the Hawks but giving him his contract meant players like Buff were moved. Seeing Buff manhandle 2 players at once like they are mannequins is something to see.
- Z3Hawk

And after Byfuglien was moved - they won two more Cups with Hossa.

Would they have won them with Buff but without Hossa?

One is a large, effective player with a nasty edge. The other is a sure first-ballot HOFer (IMO, of course) - a great two-way, 200-foot, shoulda-won-a-Selke-or-two player who was instrumental in winning 3 Cups (and probably still could be, absent the itchy-scratchies).

I think the contract was just fine....

Here's a link to my write-ups on the top 12 guys available: http://www.hockeybuzz.com...post_id=18641257#18641257

Here's also the 'plausible comparison' that each player might turn into, not the best case scenario or worst case scenario, in between:
1. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Comparison: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Hedman
2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Comparison: Thomas Vanek, Alexander Radulov
3. Filip Zadina, LW, Comparison: Filip Forsberg, Mike Hoffman
4. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Comparison: Matthew Tkachuk, Wayne Simmonds
5. Adam Boqvist, D, Comparison: Hampus Lindholm, Tyson Barrie
6. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, Comparison: James van Riemsdyk, TJ Oshie
7. Evan Bouchard, D, Comparison: Matt Niskanen, Jacob Slavin
8. Quinton Hughes, D, Comparison: Ryan Ellis, Josh Morrissey
9. Noah Dobson, D, Comparison: Colin Miller, Jeff Petry
10. Joe Veleno, C, Comparison: Mikael Backlund, Tyler Bozak
11. Joel Farabee, LW, Comparison: Nik Ehlers, Jonathan Huberdeau
12. Barret Hayton, C, Comparison: Kyle Turris, Sam Reinhart
13. Ty Smith, D, Comparison: Morgan Reilly
14. Grigori Denisenko, LW, Comparison: William Nylander
15. Rasmus Kupari, C, Comparison: Sebastian Aho
16. Isac Lundestrom, C, Comparison: Travis Konecny
17. Martin Kaut, RW, Comparison: Michael Frolik
18. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Comparison: Sean Coutourier
19: Jared McIsaac, D, Comparison: Josh Manson
20: Ryan Merkley, D, Comparison: Justin Schultz
21. Bode Wilde, D, Comparison: Jake Gardiner
22: Serron Noel, RW, Comparison: Blake Wheeler
23. Alexander Alexyev, D, Comparison: Radko Gudas
24. Jacob Bernard-Docker, D, Comparison: Ron Hainsey
25. Ryan McLeod, C, Comparison: Ryan Kesler
26. Adam Ginning, D, Comparison: Brooks Orpik
27. Akil Thomas, C, Comparison: Mikael Backlund
28. Denoit-Olivier Groulx, C, Comparison: James Neal
29. Dominik Bokk, LW, Comparison: Alexander Semin
30. Jonathan Tychonick, D, Comparison: Tyson Barrie
31. K’Andre Miller, D, Comparison: Darnell Nurse
32. Jacob Olofsson, C, Comparison: Carl Soderberg
- ObeseOprah

Ryan Merkley is no Justin Shultz - go to Guelgh Storm page and watch Merkley at the Hlinka Tournament, featuring best under-18s in the World. Merkley is an incredible skater and has vision at high speed.

http://guelphstorm.com/ar...-ivan-hlinka-memorial-cup

Merkley is absolutely amazing in these vids. Scored 6 points in 5 games as a D-Man. Leading scorer for Canada got 7. Was still 16 when won.

Here's a link to my write-ups on the top 12 guys available: http://www.hockeybuzz.com...post_id=18641257#18641257

Here's also the 'plausible comparison' that each player might turn into, not the best case scenario or worst case scenario, in between:
1. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Comparison: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Hedman
2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Comparison: Thomas Vanek, Alexander Radulov
3. Filip Zadina, LW, Comparison: Filip Forsberg, Mike Hoffman
4. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Comparison: Matthew Tkachuk, Wayne Simmonds
5. Adam Boqvist, D, Comparison: Hampus Lindholm, Tyson Barrie
6. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, Comparison: James van Riemsdyk, TJ Oshie
7. Evan Bouchard, D, Comparison: Matt Niskanen, Jacob Slavin
8. Quinton Hughes, D, Comparison: Ryan Ellis, Josh Morrissey
9. Noah Dobson, D, Comparison: Colin Miller, Jeff Petry
10. Joe Veleno, C, Comparison: Mikael Backlund, Tyler Bozak
11. Joel Farabee, LW, Comparison: Nik Ehlers, Jonathan Huberdeau
12. Barret Hayton, C, Comparison: Kyle Turris, Sam Reinhart
13. Ty Smith, D, Comparison: Morgan Reilly
14. Grigori Denisenko, LW, Comparison: William Nylander
15. Rasmus Kupari, C, Comparison: Sebastian Aho
16. Isac Lundestrom, C, Comparison: Travis Konecny
17. Martin Kaut, RW, Comparison: Michael Frolik
18. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Comparison: Sean Coutourier
19: Jared McIsaac, D, Comparison: Josh Manson
20: Ryan Merkley, D, Comparison: Justin Schultz
21. Bode Wilde, D, Comparison: Jake Gardiner
22: Serron Noel, RW, Comparison: Blake Wheeler
23. Alexander Alexyev, D, Comparison: Radko Gudas
24. Jacob Bernard-Docker, D, Comparison: Ron Hainsey
25. Ryan McLeod, C, Comparison: Ryan Kesler
26. Adam Ginning, D, Comparison: Brooks Orpik
27. Akil Thomas, C, Comparison: Mikael Backlund
28. Denoit-Olivier Groulx, C, Comparison: James Neal
29. Dominik Bokk, LW, Comparison: Alexander Semin
30. Jonathan Tychonick, D, Comparison: Tyson Barrie
31. K’Andre Miller, D, Comparison: Darnell Nurse
32. Jacob Olofsson, C, Comparison: Carl Soderberg
- ObeseOprah

Nice list, thank you! Must comment on Kupari vs. Kotkaniemi. Kupari is no way near player like Sebastian Aho. Kupari has great wheels but not that great hockey IQ and ability to score is a suspect. Kotkaniemi might played himself in to a top 10 pick after U18´s. Coutourier is a good comparison and he has some Kopitar/Toews in him.

And after Byfuglien was moved - they won two more Cups with Hossa.

Would they have won them with Buff but without Hossa?

One is a large, effective player with a nasty edge. The other is a sure first-ballot HOFer (IMO, of course) - a great two-way, 200-foot, shoulda-won-a-Selke-or-two player who was instrumental in winning 3 Cups (and probably still could be, absent the itchy-scratchies).

I think the contract was just fine....
- StLBravesFan

Beach had a problem with balance on his skates. He lost his board battles. He was never the productive AHL like he was in junior. He was smart, could pass but he left North American hockey as a failure and last I heard drifted into oblivion

Beach had a problem with balance on his skates. He lost his board battles. He was never the productive AHL like he was in junior. He was smart, could pass but he left North American hockey as a failure and last I heard drifted into oblivion
- jhawk59

Tallon should have been fired after that draft. Holy shart did he suck in that draft.

If you can save the 1st round pick to get a developmental upside player with the NSH pick and then take Oliver Wahlstrom at #8....I'd be very happy. The more I read about this guy the more I wonder if he isnt the better player to Tzchuk. Wahlstrom is younger and outproduced Brady Tzchuck by a wide margin. That being said based on culture/attitude change needed for the Hawks to get meaner...I would love to see Tzchuck somehow slide with a run on Defenseman. His addition of much needed nastiness to the Top 6 would be fun.


WAHLSTROM Scouting Report

“He’s strong, doesn’t get tossed around, sticks his nose in there and when he skates he looks like
- EnzoD[Buffalo Sabres center] Jack Eichel,” - U.S. national junior team coach Bob Motzko

"Wahlstrom is a flashy puck wizard who creates offensive chances almost casually…can dance around the ice with the puck on a string, making filthy dekes…he moves around the ice with an effortless, yet powerful, stride that generates plenty of speed…starts and stops on the puck…impressive lateral quickness for his size make him elusive…possesses strong instincts and vision on the ice…makes some skilled passes that put his teammates in prime scoring opportunities, sometimes to their surprise…patient with the puck…loves to shoot the puck and has a rifle of a shot with a surprisingly tricky release…strong on his feet and willing to play in greasy areas of the ice…can be a load to handle when he gets moving…can be relentless in his offensive efforts…protects the puck well using his reach and body position…physical game is there in flashes…when he is engaged he is tenacious and viscous on the forecheck and relentless in his puck pursuit…has some impressive offensive upside at the next level but needs to show he wants it before he’ll reach it - Future Considerations"

https://www.milehighhockey.com/2018/3/13/17105790/2018-nhl-draft-prospect-profile-oliver-wahlstrom-scuting-report[url]

Somebody like Ty Dellandrea might fit that bill!

Beach had a problem with balance on his skates. He lost his board battles. He was never the productive AHL like he was in junior. He was smart, could pass but he left North American hockey as a failure and last I heard drifted into oblivion
- jhawk59

I remember he was once considered as top 5 pick for 2008 but there was some issues with his character also? He was not the brightest star in the sky?

I believe that Rick Dudley has been a valued and trusted evaluator of talent each organization he has worked. How anyone fits in with a hands on owner is unknown. But red flag maybe. Owners are not as experienced evaluating and managing sports players. Immediate thought is to compare to Jeer Jones in football. Someone who is especially knowledgable about the NFL can shed light on what the dynamic has been with Jerry Jones. I dk in hockey how much influence did P Roy have in Colorado. He split ways there due to philosophical differences.

The new Carolina owner appears comitted and he probably has a hand in the process of their transaction. Appears Carolina willing to spend, has s good core and their early pick will be a good add.

I think Chicago is similar to Carolina ...as in their roster evaluation, except maybe depth is a bit deeper and young defense is promising and already accomplished. The Hurricane goaltending is like.....well...like a hurricane was near by and left its mark of destruction. Ward is not long term solution and Darling had a rocky season.
.
There are some good young players in Carolina and in Chicago. But Carolina pending new management direction had been trending as an up and coming. Chicago will hit rock bottom before turn around. I am iffy on Bowman, don't like Q.

@ByScottPowers
Blackhawks prospect Henri Jokiharju won't be included on Finland's World Championship team. He played well in the tournaments leading up to it, but Finland is going with more experienced defensemen.

I am curious to what others think about the following--for cap reduction purposes/to make trades/sign free agents, which "larger" salary would be better to get rid of--Murphy's or AA's?

Kyle Beach seemed doomed from the start. He dominated the WHL. That he made absolutely no impact for the Hawks was unfortunate as he was taken high in his Draft. Seemed to have arrived in Chicago already buried deep in Q’s doghouse. Also some major injuries/concussions.

Fans tend to believe it is almost a sin to say anything negative about Hossa but the reality is his contract was and continues to be problematic. Fans tend not to separate the player and the contract. His contract had/has a large Cap hit and was front-loaded. He received a lot of money. There was obviously some either/or decisions that were made over the years when shredding salary. He scored 40 for the Wings before joining the Hawks. Never came close to this again. He was an important part of the Hawks but giving him his contract meant players like Buff were moved. Seeing Buff manhandle 2 players at once like they are mannequins is something to see.
- Z3Hawk

When Beach was in his final year at the junior level, I purposely attended a game to see him play. Unless he just had a bad game that day, he certainly did not dominate. In fact he was a non factor. I left disappointed with this Hawks pick and was certainly not surprised when he amounted to nothing.
During pre-game warmups he patrolled the center ice area looking for opponent response instead of warming up and focusing on his game. So smart he did not appear to be (as another poster stated). Also, wasn't he involved in a scrap with Aliu and in another fight injuring a non-fighter in training camp?

When Beach was in his final year at the junior level, I purposely attended a game to see him play. Unless he just had a bad game that day, he certainly did not dominate. In fact he was a non factor. I left disappointed with this Hawks pick and was certainly not surprised when he amounted to nothing.
During pre-game warmups he patrolled the center ice area looking for opponent response instead of warming up and focusing on his game. So smart he did not appear to be (as another poster stated). Also, wasn't he involved in a scrap with Aliu and in another fight injuring a non-fighter in training camp?
- 67hawks

Yes to both. The 2nd prospect was Mathis Olimb who got seriously injured (broken arm or something like that).

@ByScottPowers
Blackhawks prospect Henri Jokiharju won't be included on Finland's World Championship team. He played well in the tournaments leading up to it, but Finland is going with more experienced defensemen.
- AEL_Fox

He played really well and Finland´s coach Marjamäki chosed more experienced ones this time which was not surprise at all. But still Jokiharju didn´t make that easy for head coach. Really promising that he did so good there.

Yes to both. The 2nd prospect was Mathis Olimb who got seriously injured (broken arm or something like that).
- AEL_Fox

I thought he injured Kruger way back in camp one year.

Nice list, thank you! Must comment on Kupari vs. Kotkaniemi. Kupari is no way near player like Sebastian Aho. Kupari has great wheels but not that great hockey IQ and ability to score is a suspect. Kotkaniemi might played himself in to a top 10 pick after U18´s. Coutourier is a good comparison and he has some Kopitar/Toews in him.
- MjulQvist

I've only really researched the first 12, after that I took brief glances at each player and tried to somewhat hastily make a decision. Kotkaniemi seems to have moved up a lot of draft boards in the last month, seems like an interesting talent.

When Beach was in his final year at the junior level, I purposely attended a game to see him play. Unless he just had a bad game that day, he certainly did not dominate. In fact he was a non factor. I left disappointed with this Hawks pick and was certainly not surprised when he amounted to nothing.
During pre-game warmups he patrolled the center ice area looking for opponent response instead of warming up and focusing on his game. So smart he did not appear to be (as another poster stated). Also, wasn't he involved in a scrap with Aliu and in another fight injuring a non-fighter in training camp?
- 67hawks

I saw him display good vision, make nice passes in AHL. I corralated this to being a smart player. He could see how a nice pass created a good break out or set a teamatte on a break up ice. But otherwise he had a dumb attitude problem and it was chronicled so you are correct about not being smart in a broader sense of how the word is applicable. Tallon thought he was drafting a lw shotgun for Kane and Toews. I won't even go there about the failure of Markarov. Was an energy bottom line Rockford player and first few years back in Russia had poor offensive totals.

Make Brandon Saad expendable and move those monies. I dunno maybe to Calgary for Dougie Hamilton lol. Didn't they have him on the block at some point?
- fattybeef

IF Saad + prospect gets you Dougie Hamilton....sign me up! However, I am intrigued by the possibility of having 2 strong power forwards with offense in Wahlstrom/Tzchuck and Saad in the top 6. ZHawk raises a good point about Brady's offensive production vs a guy like Wahlstrom, but with the success and nasty factor that his brother Matthew has already had in Calgary...I would be shocked to see Tzchuck fall to 8. With that being said, I think that besides Nashville, Carolina, and Winnipeg, EVERY team needs Top 4 Dman so there could be a run on Dman with all of Dobson, Bouchard, Hughes and Boquist going from 4-7 after Dahlin/Svechnikov/Zadina. That scenario could leave the Hawks with the choice of Tzchuck or Wahlstrom...which would be a tough one. I'm willing to bet that Brady Tzchuck has enough offensive skill and instincts to be HIGHLY effective playing with Schmaltz and Kane as the much needed power forward that can skate and make plays.

Smooth!
- Spec41971

Smooth!!!!

IF Saad + prospect gets you Dougie Hamilton....sign me up! However, I am intrigued by the possibility of having 2 strong power forwards with offense in Wahlstrom/Tzchuck and Saad in the top 6. ZHawk raises a good point about Brady's offensive production vs a guy like Wahlstrom, but with the success and nasty factor that his brother Matthew has already had in Calgary...I would be shocked to see Tzchuck fall to 8. With that being said, I think that besides Nashville, Carolina, and Winnipeg, EVERY team needs Top 4 Dman so there could be a run on Dman with all of Dobson, Bouchard, Hughes and Boquist going from 4-7 after Dahlin/Svechnikov/Zadina. That scenario could leave the Hawks with the choice of Tzchuck or Wahlstrom...which would be a tough one. I'm willing to bet that Brady Tzchuck has enough offensive skill and instincts to be HIGHLY effective playing with Schmaltz and Kane as the much needed power forward that can skate and make plays.
- EnzoD

With ya Enzo,But beating a dead horse I would trade up in a heartbeat to the top four, even if it cost me the second pick in the first round.

I thought he injured Kruger way back in camp one year.
- breadbag

I want to say that is true as well. The Kruger incident wasn't a one-sided fight like it was with Olimb. Freak accident with Kruger instead?

Kyle Beach seemed doomed from the start. He dominated the WHL. That he made absolutely no impact for the Hawks was unfortunate as he was taken high in his Draft. Seemed to have arrived in Chicago already buried deep in Q’s doghouse. Also some major injuries/concussions.

Fans tend to believe it is almost a sin to say anything negative about Hossa but the reality is his contract was and continues to be problematic. Fans tend not to separate the player and the contract. His contract had/has a large Cap hit and was front-loaded. He received a lot of money. There was obviously some either/or decisions that were made over the years when shredding salary. He scored 40 for the Wings before joining the Hawks. Never came close to this again. He was an important part of the Hawks but giving him his contract meant players like Buff were moved. Seeing Buff manhandle 2 players at once like they are mannequins is something to see.
- Z3Hawk

Never a good skater and kind of a brick head.

Lol, Hossa was still wielding the power of Grayskull as a 38 year old and dominating most opponents he faced. And lets be honest. Buff was moved because he wanted to play top 4 minutes on the blue line and it was Keith - Seabs, and Soup and Hammer - where would he fit in? Deal worked out for the player and for the Hawks at the time (If Hayes would have signed in Chicago that would make that easier to swallow) until it didn't.

@ByScottPowers
Blackhawks prospect Henri Jokiharju won't be included on Finland's World Championship team. He played well in the tournaments leading up to it, but Finland is going with more experienced defensemen.
- AEL_Fox

Another Bowman fail, he should have kept Pokka and dealt Jokiharju.

IF Saad + prospect gets you Dougie Hamilton....sign me up! However, I am intrigued by the possibility of having 2 strong power forwards with offense in Wahlstrom/Tzchuck and Saad in the top 6. ZHawk raises a good point about Brady's offensive production vs a guy like Wahlstrom, but with the success and nasty factor that his brother Matthew has already had in Calgary...I would be shocked to see Tzchuck fall to 8. With that being said, I think that besides Nashville, Carolina, and Winnipeg, EVERY team needs Top 4 Dman so there could be a run on Dman with all of Dobson, Bouchard, Hughes and Boquist going from 4-7 after Dahlin/Svechnikov/Zadina. That scenario could leave the Hawks with the choice of Tzchuck or Wahlstrom...which would be a tough one. I'm willing to bet that Brady Tzchuck has enough offensive skill and instincts to be HIGHLY effective playing with Schmaltz and Kane as the much needed power forward that can skate and make plays.
- EnzoD

I think selling low on Saad would be a mistake, but I'd like to give something else for Hamilton. Calgary needs depth scoring, unfortunately we don't have much to give. It's hard to trade skaters when your team's talent pool is depleted. Our talent pool drops off fast after Kane, Keith, Toews, Saad, DBK, Seabrook, Schmaltz. No more Sharp, Panarin, Hossa, Versteeg, etc. to fill in the 'non-Toews Kane' spots.

Another Bowman fail, he should have kept Pokka and dealt Jokiharju.
- DarthKane

#FireStanley

Another Bowman fail, he should have kept Pokka and dealt Jokiharju.
- DarthKane

if Jurco signs elsewhere this summer, StanBo can possibly use his late round 1st and Jokiharju to trade back for him...and of course, give him a NMC! Get er done Stan!!!