And Turcotte:

Alfie's son is a 200 foot centre with decent size and elite feet and hands. His wide skating base and strong edging work allows him rapid change in direction. Unfazed by venturing into the dirty battle areas. He can finish and his puck-handling, high hockey instincts, and soft hands rate up near the top of the class. An injury-riddled year has set him back a bit, but I wouldn’t count him out of being taken in the top half of the first round. Has great speed, an extra gear and displays strong edging. Has really good patience in his possessions, and will rile defenses into over commitment, nd then place the biscuit on a teammates stick for a shot. He will fearlessly take a hit, kills penalties, block shots and more importantly is an improving in the dot. Has built a two-way game. High end skill, balance, explosive feet and terrific touch may be enough to land NHL suitors who think the end product is going to something special. Has seen action as a winger. Committed to the University of Wisconsin.
- EbonyRaptor

Sounds comparable to the guy they took the last time they had the 3rd pick.

Calling it now, Stan trades the pick in some capacity.

Whether thats moving up or down the draft, or pairing it with Seabrook for a 2020 4th, I bet we're not going to pick #3 come June
- Slofire94

Come on Vasili is are man!

Sounds comparable to the guy they took the last time they had the 3rd pick.
- Ogilthorpe2

Toews has been mentioned as a comparable by some.

Come on Vasili is are man!
- GlennL

Pick him and don't trade him. Read all the reviews on this guy outstanding.

Vasily Podkolzin

Dynamic up and down winger who can make a difference in every game he plays with his and ability to play a power game, get in tight, barreling through opponents to make plays. Lines up at the half wall from the right side and uses his left shot to fire blasts on the PP. Smart and always in motion, looking to have the puck returned to his possession. He captained the Russian Hlinka Tourney team by example. In the Bronze medal game, while on the PK, he worked the wall in his end to unearth a puck which he quickly got up ice giving his teammate a breakaway. His teammate's attempt was stopped and as the USA team tried to exit their defensive end, he meets the existing US player with contact, and the puck rolls to his teammate at the red line who advances it to him. he enters the zone near the left wall and as the US defender closes, he spins back around and fires a backhand pass to his teammate who got another chance. Always working, and has such quick hands and head. The year the Blues stole Tarasenko 16th overall, I commented in my mock (where I had Tarasenko "a gift dropping to slot ten", due to the "Russian factor") how this was a top-five guy.

**I am going to go out on the line right now and say this kid is the best up and down winger in the class, and everyone should start praying their team doesn't pass him by, because he is the real deal, from Russia with love.**

--Bill Placzek--
- SoftServe

The Rangers will take this kid. Russians love New York area and there is a big Russian community there. And they will probably sign Panarin so he has a buddy.

UPDATE: mailbag blog being pushed for (obvious) new story tomorrow.

A great turn of events ladies and gentlemen. Have a great night and will have a new blog in the AM.

Sounds comparable to the guy they took the last time they had the 3rd pick.
- Ogilthorpe2

No to him

Hey JL, Where's the moderator ?
- boilermaker100

No moderator needed... cut it out guys and enjoy the good news tonight.

Thanks!

UPDATE: mailbag blog being pushed for (obvious) new story tomorrow.

A great turn of events ladies and gentlemen. Have a great night and will have a new blog in the AM.
- Justin Lowe

In that case, mailbag topic:

What coaching changes (if any) do you expect given that JC was basically handed his assistants this year?

The Rangers will take this kid. Russians love New York area and there is a big Russian community there. And they will probably sign Panarin so he has a buddy.
- RickJ

Take him Hawks!

Sounds comparable to the guy they took the last time they had the 3rd pick.
- Ogilthorpe2

That one worked out better than their previous #3 pick.

Sounds comparable to the guy they took the last time they had the 3rd pick.
- Ogilthorpe2

Be still my heart.

I've seen draft analysts use Toews and Kopitar as comp's

Ok , in the 5 minutes of research Ive done on each of the "Top 5" , assuming that Kakko goes #2 , I think I want the Hawks to draft Dylan Cozens

Take him Hawks!
- GlennL

He will be gone at #2.

If whoever we pick can come in and be a legit top 6 forward that really makes me like our forward group short term and long term.

The Third, Toews, Keith, Seabrook

For

Huberdeau, Ekblad and Reimer

Ok , in the 5 minutes of research Ive done on each of the "Top 5" , assuming that Kakko goes #2 , I think I want the Hawks to draft Dylan Cozens
- mrpaulish

Cozens is the guy I think they take too.

I will be posting a few things tomorrow on a couple of these guys. It will be top level and then will get into profiling these guys more over the next couple of months!

With all the tank talk I recall saying if the HAWKS play hard and play the right way till the end the HOCKEY GODS would smle on them .. And look what happen great news #3
I don't know who we get ,but I bet it will be discussed to death over the coming months .Another Defenseman ,you can never have to many D prospects

The Third, Toews, Keith, Seabrook

For

Huberdeau, Ekblad and Reimer
- Byfuglien Ate Me

Gustafsson for Kadri

The Third, Toews, Keith, Seabrook

For



Huberdeau, Ekblad and Reimer
- Byfuglien Ate Me

How about the third for kappanen, Johansson, and Kadri, helps solve your cap problems.

Take him Hawks!
- GlennL

No. Not him.

How about the third for kappanen, Johansson, and Kadri, helps solve your cap problems.

- LAHawk

I know you are joking but I would do Gustafsson for Kadri all day. Would have to find a suitor for AA.

Last time we picked 3rd in Vancouver we took Toews is that true .

I know you are joking but I would do Gustafsson for Kadri all day. Would have to find a suitor for AA.
- Elbows15

Kadri

Let’s hope it’s another of these #3 finds:

The @NHLBlackhawks have made five selections at No. 3 overall: Jonathan Toews (2006), Denis Savard (1980) and Ed Olczyk (1984). #NHLStats