Jack Skille and uncertain if he drafted a couple of Russians. One a center. But Babchuk must have been on Neil Smith-?
- jhawk59

That was Smith.

Really liked what little I saw from Podkolzin at the WJC. He was pretty electric with the puck. I just read from Corey Pronman (The Athletic prospect guru) that Podkolzin likely isn't coming over for two years though, which would make me incredibly sad. Maybe he'd come if Panarin was here? I should put the glue stick down.
- ObeseOprah

That kind of stuff is why I wouldn't draft a Russian in the 1st round unless he's already been playing in N.A. like in the CHL. Hopefully this is the only top-5 or even top-10 pick the Hawks have for a long while - we can't afford to gamble on a Russian that may decide to stay home and play. If the Russian was a 10 on the scale of 1-10 but there were concerns if he would come over to play in N.A. - I would rather take a lower rated player and be assured of him playing in the Hawks system.

Kravchuk was good. Zhamnov should have been if he gave a poop. Zhamnov was probably one of the most talented players in the league when he played. There were times he was the best player on the ice by far. His problem was he only showed up occasionally.

Still can't believe Kravchuk was traded for Joe (frank)ing Murphy.
- Elbows15

Ya, forgot about him. Crazy good skills but half asleep and aloof most of the time.

Really liked what little I saw from Podkolzin at the WJC. He was pretty electric with the puck. I just read from Corey Pronman (The Athletic prospect guru) that Podkolzin likely isn't coming over for two years though, which would make me incredibly sad. Maybe he'd come if Panarin was here? I should put the glue stick down.
- ObeseOprah

I think it had more to do with him not being really ready for it more than him not wanting to come over. Could be wrong though

That kind of stuff is why I wouldn't draft a Russian in the 1st round unless he's already been playing in N.A. like in the CHL. Hopefully this is the only top-5 or even top-10 pick the Hawks have for a long while - we can't afford to gamble on a Russian that may decide to stay home and play. If the Russian was a 10 on the scale of 1-10 but there were concerns if he would come over to play in N.A. - I would rather take a lower rated player and be assured of him playing in the Hawks system.
- EbonyRaptor

Ovechkin and Malkin were not playing in North America and those picks turned out pretty good. Yakupov was a Russian playing in the OHL and we all know how that turned out....

Elbows, another guy I forgot was Igor Ulanov. Stay at home D man, decent skill and wasn't afraid to battle. They could use a guy like that now.

Would not bet against Kaner notching career point #900 in his hometown tonight

It wasn't a leak. It was pure speculation from LeBrun. Leaks come from LAz or Zawalski
- Elbows15

Zawalski says he's heard whispers too.
https://670thescore.radio...eith-future-trade-rebuild

Would not bet against Kaner notching career point #900 in his hometown tonight
- EnzoD

I think he will. He is usually lights out at Buffalo.

Ovechkin and Malkin were not playing in North America and those picks turned out pretty good. Yakupov was a Russian playing in the OHL and we all know how that turned out....
- EnzoD

So you hope the Hawks select Podkolzin if he's the highest rated player on the board when they pick - knowing he's already said he won't come to N.A. for a couple years?

So you hope the Hawks select Podkolzin if he's the highest rated player on the board when they pick - knowing he's already said he won't come to N.A. for a couple years?
- EbonyRaptor

If the paid scouts who watch him every game think he's the best player on the board, I think they should take them. From what I've seen in highlights and Craig Button's review, I'd be very happy with the big Canadian Centers in Cozens and Dach too.


Take the best player available. I think the Russia factor is less at play for sure-fire top 5 picks. Seems like more mid-round/borderline NHL Russians are a greater risk to stay and play the lower level of competition in the KHL. i think Svechnikov will be a stud in Carolina soon too.

Would not bet against Kaner notching career point #900 in his hometown tonight
- EnzoD

How many more does he need?

How many more does he need?
- Savetheembers33

Zawalski says he's heard whispers too.
https://670thescore.radio...eith-future-trade-rebuild
- tvetter

Interesting that Zawaski guessed a prospect and a 2nd in return for Keith. I think that's a more realistic return than a 1st round pick. That 4 more years at $5.5M is the problem. If he had one year remaining I would think he would return a 1st and more, but not as Keith's cap/term stand now.

So you hope the Hawks select Podkolzin if he's the highest rated player on the board when they pick - knowing he's already said he won't come to N.A. for a couple years?
- EbonyRaptor

I would imagine that once the draft order is determined they would problaly reach out to the players and find out what there contracts contain as far as out clauses before they select anyone.

If the paid scouts who watch him every game think he's the best player on the board, I think they should take them. From what I've seen in highlights and Craig Button's review, I'd be very happy with the big Canadian Centers in Cozens and Dach too.


Take the best player available. I think the Russia factor is less at play for sure-fire top 5 picks. Seems like more mid-round/borderline NHL Russians are a greater risk to stay and play the lower level of competition in the KHL. i think Svechnikov will be a stud in Carolina soon too.
- EnzoD

And the wait for at least 2 years before he comes over doesn't matter?

And the wait for at least 2 years before he comes over doesn't matter?
- EbonyRaptor

Unless he has a contract in the KHL, the 2 years thing is pure speculation, right? There's a good chance that whoever they draft won't be in the NHL for 2 years anyway, right? Probably what will happen with Boquist as I'm not holding my breath on him being NHL ready next year.

Zawalski says he's heard whispers too.
https://670thescore.radio...eith-future-trade-rebuild
- tvetter

I think it's obvious to see that for a team at the bottom of the league and teams willing to pay a high price for Defensive help that the Hawks would at least entertain the idea. We've been talking about the possibility of it for months and some people (not really on here) are finding it shocking that this could come up. It's hilarious that some people to seem to find it blasphemy that they could even entertain the idea. Your not doing your job if you don't at least talk to the player and his agent to find out what they want.

Its like people saying that there's no way the Hawks should ever trade Kaner. So if Edmonton calls and asks about Kane you're just gonna hang up only to find out they were willing to do McDavid for Kane? Obviously this is an EXTREME example, but you get the point. You take the call and see what they have to say. Whether you wanna seriously entertain it or not is up to you.

Same argument goes for Gus. Is he a good Defender? No, but his offensive skill makes him valuable and you wanna see where it goes. However, if a team calls and says we need PP help and Gus is our guy, we'll give you a second and a prospect or a later round pick you're gonna take it because its an obvious overpay for him. Gotta take the calls and work the motions to see what comes up

Unless he has a contract in the KHL, the 2 years thing is pure speculation, right? There's a good chance that whoever they draft won't be in the NHL for 2 years anyway, right? Probably what will happen with Boquist as I'm not holding my breath on him being NHL ready next year.
- EnzoD

From what I've heard it's just that he likely wouldn't be ready NEXT year. Hadn't heard anything about two years or of any other issues with contracts or something like that in my research about him.

Still think Boqvist ends up on the Hawks roster next year as well. He may not be ready for it, but the potential of what he could bring on offense may be too tempting to pass up on. They already considered keeping him to start this year, wouldn't shock me one bit if they did it going into next year.

- EnzoD

So - based on his points the past several games - he’ll be going for 1,000 by the TDL...?

- EnzoD

ohh yeah he's gonna get it then

Zawalski says he's heard whispers too.
https://670thescore.radio...eith-future-trade-rebuild
- tvetter

Yeah, after the report last night he came out with it. Given Keith's responses I don't think he is any hurry to leave. IMESHO, it was or will be done as a courtesy to Keith. The organization giving him the respect they feel he has earned and if he wanted to leave, they would do their best to put him in the best possible situation for him and the Hawks.

If the paid scouts who watch him every game think he's the best player on the board, I think they should take them. From what I've seen in highlights and Craig Button's review, I'd be very happy with the big Canadian Centers in Cozens and Dach too.


Take the best player available. I think the Russia factor is less at play for sure-fire top 5 picks. Seems like more mid-round/borderline NHL Russians are a greater risk to stay and play the lower level of competition in the KHL. i think Svechnikov will be a stud in Carolina soon too.
- EnzoD

Button is not good at this. Pass on the Russian. Hawks have never drafted a Russian worth a poop.
Dachs? Pass for me. If the Hawks are at 5. its Turcotte or Boldy for me.

Button is not good at this. Pass on the Russian. Hawks have never drafted on worth a poop.
Dachs? Pass for me. If the Hawks are at 5. its Turcotte or Boldy for me.
- Elbows15

What about Cozens?

What about Cozens?
- EnzoD

Haven't seen enough of him. I didn't like him at all in the Prospect game but that is far from an ideal situation to make a determination on him. There was something about him that put me off on him.

I want to see him in a game with his team to get a better idea.