Just saw my first, post lottery, mock draft on The Athletic....has us taking the Russian.
- Ogilthorpe2

But he’s a Russian Towes?...

Just saw my first, post lottery, mock draft on The Athletic....has us taking the Russian.
- Ogilthorpe2

The Russian might end up being a heck of a player. I wouldn't worry about it. Podkolzin apparently has a great work ethic to go with his skill.

I’d prefer they take one of the best available centers at #3 - either Cozens or Dach. Both have good size and speed - and reasonably project to be top-six capable.

Ive been thinking that too. The NYR overthink iit, leaving Kakko for us. If not , my heart is set on Cozens
- mrpaulish

I want a heavy center with a big wingspan who can skate. Or a Dman who can do the same.

They are much more valuable than a winger.

Craig Button on his April edition of the draft analysis made the point that the gap between Kakko at #2 and Podkolzin at #3 is closer then the gap between Hughes and Kakko ... so maybe NYR takes Podkolzin and Kakko falls in our laps.
- EbonyRaptor

That likely isn't too bad if it happens. This top 3 seem like all pretty good bets.

Not this year 16 goals .Takes more bad penalty .Not what I would call a good teammate .Defensively ok but not great . Rather hang onto Gus ,till at least the trade deadline . Draft a solid two way Center out of the 3 spot and move on .
- oldduffman

He scored 16 this year and hit a poop ton of posts. his role also changed this year with the addition of Tavares. He would be a great return for Gustafsson. Puts up close to elite CF% number. Which the Hawks need more of. He had a whopping 43 PIM. Toews had 40.

I’d prefer they take one of the best available centers at #3 - either Cozens or Dach. Both have good size and speed - and reasonably project to be top-six capable.
- Chief4Feathers

Yes. Don’t waste a #3 pick on a wing.

But he’s a Russian Towes?...
- Byfuglien Ate Me

He plays the wing. So, no.

But he’s a Russian Towes?...
- Byfuglien Ate Me

Always leery of Russians. Never know where their head is at.

The Russian might end up being a heck of a player. I wouldn't worry about it. Podkolzin apparently has a great work ethic to go with his skill.
- breadbag

I’d rather trade down than pick a Russian wing with the 3rd overall. Wings are a dime a dozen, and Russians tend to be flakey when it comes to career decisions.

Yes. Don’t waste a #3 pick on a wing.
- Ogilthorpe2

Well... we’d never say Kane at #1 was a waste. But there isn’t a winger in this draft that is Kane. Always good to prioritize center and defenseman when all other factors are equal.

Im not disagreeing with you. Kadri can be a nasty piece of work which is the type of player the Hawks are in need of. But the Leafs will let other players go before him.
- RickJ

Most likely. But it would be a good deal for both teams. Would give some cap space to the Leafs and with Gus triggering their PP, he would still put up points.

And he is better defensively than Gardiner and could be his replacement much cheaper. Gus will also play the body.

Always leery of Russians. Never know where their head is at.
- Ogilthorpe2

For me its more leery of the lack of success the Hawks have had drafting Russians. Kid is going to be a good player.

I’d rather trade down than pick a Russian wing with the 3rd overall. Wings are a dime a dozen, and Russians tend to be flakey when it comes to career decisions.
- Ogilthorpe2

Agreed, the KHL contract and transfer complications would give me pause, or at least I’d want some solid information on the prospect’s desire to actually play in the NHL. But, having an Ovechkin or Tarasenko would be nice.

Lots, and I do mean LOTS, of Haters on Twitter very upset that the Hawks moved up to 3rd. Very entertaining. PE should do some reading.

Bring me Alex Turcotte at #3.
- Elbows15

I'd go with Kirby Dach.

I’d prefer they take one of the best available centers at #3 - either Cozens or Dach. Both have good size and speed - and reasonably project to be top-six capable.
- Chief4Feathers

Dach and Cozens would be my top choices too.

Lots of options now that are exciting. We have a guarantee with Cozens or Pod*. And we could get lucky with a change at #2 and see Kakko drop. Or Stan wants to drop a bit and take another top D prospect and trades down a few spots, acquires something extra. He's probably been planning on drafting around 12, so this is the scratch off he was waiting for. Lots and lots of options here, pretty exciting to see what transpires.

Most likely. But it would be a good deal for both teams. Would give some cap space to the Leafs and with Gus triggering their PP, he would still put up points.

And he is better defensively than Gardiner and could be his replacement much cheaper. Gus will also play the body.
- Elbows15

More often the wrong body, but let us not split hairs. Ha! In actual fact, you are correct. Also, somewhat improved as the season rolled along.

Always leery of Russians. Never know where their head is at.
- Ogilthorpe2

First off, they have to be enrolled in Rosetta Stone courses or have a translator at every practice, game and team event. Then there has to be a Russian teammate. And then they want a guaranteed spot on the team or an out so they can f$ck off to the KHL instead of Rockford. Hawks can't afford a miss with this pick

Yes. Don’t waste a #3 pick on a wing.
- Ogilthorpe2

I know almost as bad as wasting a # 1 on a right wing

Saad Toews Kakko ($1mil)
ADB Strome Kane
Tanev ($2mil) Hayes ($6.5 mil) Kubalik ($1.5 mil)
Caggiulla Kampf ($1.5mil) Kahun
Perlini or Sikura ($1.25mil)

Keith Joki
???? Murphy
Gus Seabs
Dahlstrom

Crow
Delia or Forsberg ($1mil)

Cap hit $73,000,000 plus cost of 2nd pairing defender (so maybe $79,000,000)

(AA, a prospect, and our 1st next year for a young stud defender with a few years of NHL experience)

For me its more leery of the lack of success the Hawks have had drafting Russians. Kid is going to be a good player.
- Elbows15

I’d take Dach, Cozens and Byram over Podkolzin.

I’d take Dach, Cozens and Byram over Podkolzin.
- DarthKane

I hope Pod goes #2, and we get Kakko.

He plays the wing. So, no.
- Elbows15

Plays C as well.