If they sign Panarin then he's the number 2 center 😉. Haha
- SoftServe

No thanks

If they draft Pod...what are the chances that he and Maxim Shalunov both come over next season?
- tvetter

Doubtful. I was just looking at Pod's numbers for this season and they are less than impressive in the leagues he has played in. He did well against his peers, tho. But in the KHL and their minor league, the MHL, he didn't really produce.

I would say he probably isn't ready for the NHL at this point. Seen a couple of reports where he has stated he isn't coming over to NA until he is ready for the NHL.

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

That would be so sweet. Unlikely, but sweet.

My sister loved Murph...even has an autographed sweater
- Ogilthorpe2

I am sure your sister is a fine woman with terrible taste in hockey players.

Catching up on all the lottery results discussion...

Very surprised yet happy that the Hawks drew the #3 ball.

At #3, if Kakko isn't taken with the first two picks, I would take him. Otherwise, prioritize a center (preferably Cozens or Turcotte) or a defenseman (particularly Byram).

Like the trade idea of Gustafsson for Kadri. Effective, gritty, skilled true 3C solved. Would still need to acquire at least one new top 4 D and possibly another who can play 4/5/6 but they should be doing that even if Gustafsson stays put.

And those who are calling Podkolzin "Pods" makes me think of Scott Podsednik.

Okay, see you all tomorrow...

Does Maxin Shalunov really exist? I think he is the Yeti of Russian hockey players.

For all you Sikura haters: The Hogs won tonight 4-3 with Sikura getting the tying goal in the 3rd and the winning goal in OT. Just curious - are the nets bigger in the AHL? Or maybe the goalies are smaller in the AHL? Help me out here because Sikura has averaged about 1 goal per game since being sent down so I need help getting my head around that. Somethings amiss.

Doubtful. I was just looking at Pod's numbers for this season and they are less than impressive in the leagues he has played in. He did well against his peers, tho. But in the KHL and their minor league, the MHL, he didn't really produce.

I would say he probably isn't ready for the NHL at this point. Seen a couple of reports where he has stated he isn't coming over to NA until he is ready for the NHL.
- Elbows15

I didn’t realize he’s only 17. This guy makes it sound like he might never come to N/A....

https://youtu.be/QFAwgdXAdf0

Doubtful. I was just looking at Pod's numbers for this season and they are less than impressive in the leagues he has played in. He did well against his peers, tho. But in the KHL and their minor league, the MHL, he didn't really produce.

I would say he probably isn't ready for the NHL at this point. Seen a couple of reports where he has stated he isn't coming over to NA until he is ready for the NHL.
- Elbows15

That's the thing. It could be 2 or 3 years. Who knows? If the Hawks were on a 3+ year rebuilding plan and Podkolzin was the clear cut BPA - then fine, he would be worth waiting for. But we have to have to have a clear understanding of the mission and if the mission is to try to take a run at the Cup in the T&K window - then is waiting 2 or 3 years for our top draft pick before he even comes over to N.A. and takes time to settle in to NHL play really in keeping with the mission? Or would taking the 2nd BPA who can contribute while the T&K window is still open? Most likely Cozens or Turcotte will need a year in Jr/college but that still puts them on the track to get here "in time".

I didn’t realize he’s only 17. This guy makes it sound like he might never come to N/A....

https://youtu.be/QFAwgdXAdf0
- Ogilthorpe2

I don’t think the Hawks are in a place to take a risk on the guy.

For all you Sikura haters: The Hogs won tonight 4-3 with Sikura getting the tying goal in the 3rd and the winning goal in OT. Just curious - are the nets bigger in the AHL? Or maybe the goalies are smaller in the AHL? Help me out here because Sikura has averaged about 1 goal per game since being sent down so I need help getting my head around that. Somethings amiss.
- EbonyRaptor

Sikura is okay by me. However, MLB hitters sent to AAA for rehab, usually don't find it as difficult. It's a completely different level than what exists in the Bigs. Wouldn't you agree? It doesn't surprise me at all that he had a good night. Given his skill set, you'd almost expect it. Think the guy will be good in the very near future. Not everything happens overnite.

That's the thing. It could be 2 or 3 years. Who knows? If the Hawks were on a 3+ year rebuilding plan and Podkolzin was the clear cut BPA - then fine, he would be worth waiting for. But we have to have to have a clear understanding of the mission and if the mission is to try to take a run at the Cup in the T&K window - then is waiting 2 or 3 years for our top draft pick before he even comes over to N.A. and takes time to settle in to NHL play really in keeping with the mission? Or would taking the 2nd BPA who can contribute while the T&K window is still open? Most likely Cozens or Turcotte will need a year in Jr/college but that still puts them on the track to get here "in time".
- EbonyRaptor

The Hawks drafted Boqvist knowing he would [likely] take 3 years to develop, and it seems that he's still at least a year away regardless of what his video game numbers have looked like this season.

If Vasili is TRULY the BPA and helps this team out the most in the long run, then I have absolutely no qualms with taking him at 3 knowing he won't be able to help us next season.

Either way, the Hawks have options, and it's been a damn good night anyway to spin it.

I didn’t realize he’s only 17. This guy makes it sound like he might never come to N/A....

https://youtu.be/QFAwgdXAdf0
- Ogilthorpe2

Yikes, I want him even less after listening to that.

For all you Sikura haters: The Hogs won tonight 4-3 with Sikura getting the tying goal in the 3rd and the winning goal in OT. Just curious - are the nets bigger in the AHL? Or maybe the goalies are smaller in the AHL? Help me out here because Sikura has averaged about 1 goal per game since being sent down so I need help getting my head around that. Somethings amiss.
- EbonyRaptor

Brian Noonan was dynamite in the minors too and really never did much in Chicago!! Some guys just can’t finish at the top level, but tear up the minor leagues.

Ogi, who do u want the Hawks to take?

Sikura is okay by me. However, MLB hitters sent to AAA for rehab, usually don't find it as difficult. It's a completely different level than what exists in the Bigs. Wouldn't you agree? It doesn't surprise me at all that he had a good night. Given his skill set, you'd almost expect it. Think the guy will be good in the very near future. Not everything happens overnite.
- gabriel

It was to address those posters who judge Sikura exclusively on his inability to score a goal. Admittedly, it was a tad facetious on my part ... but sometimes to make a point ...

Ogi, who do u want the Hawks to take?
- ChicagoHope

I think he’s leaning towards Cole Caufield.

I think he’s leaning towards Cole Caufield.
- DarthKane

Ha!! Love your sarcasm!! I like the Finn and Russian a lot.

The Hawks drafted Boqvist knowing he would
- TommyHawk[likely] take 3 years to develop, and it seems that he's still at least a year away regardless of what his video game numbers have looked like this season.

If Vasili is TRULY the BPA and helps this team out the most in the long run, then I have absolutely no qualms with taking him at 3 knowing he won't be able to help us next season.

Either way, the Hawks have options, and it's been a damn good night anyway to spin it.

If the plan is the long run - then fine - draft accordingly. But is the plan is to try to win another Cup in the next few years while T&K are still playing at a top level - then draft accordingly. My point is they should figure out a plan and then stick with it.

It was to address those posters who judge Sikura exclusively on his inability to score a goal. Admittedly, it was a tad facetious on my part ... but sometimes to make a point ...
- EbonyRaptor

The point was well taken. Sometimes the impatience on the board baffles me.

I didn’t realize he’s only 17. This guy makes it sound like he might never come to N/A....

https://youtu.be/QFAwgdXAdf0
- Ogilthorpe2

There is a lot to like about the kid. No doubt about it. Has a strong work ethics. Plays both sides of the ice. Has some physicality to his game with a lot of skill. Have to take his KHL numbers with a barge of salt because kids his age rarely see the ice if they even get into the line-up.

I think he is going to come over but its a question of when to me.

And then Kakko falls into our laps. I don't think Hawks can pick wrong at 3. Very fortunate to have the 3rd overall pick!
- SoftServe

Agree with you. Unlikely you don't get a really good player in the top 3. It can happen, but odds are good that the player pans out pretty well.

Ogi, who do u want the Hawks to take?
- ChicagoHope

I honestly don’t follow the game closely enough at the developmental levels to have a strong opinion.

All I do know is that the Hawks have a poor history with Russian draftees, and from what I’m reading, Podkolzin seems like he’s at least 2-3 years away from coming to North America if he ever does at all.

Brian Noonan was dynamite in the minors too and really never did much in Chicago!! Some guys just can’t finish at the top level, but tear up the minor leagues.
- ChicagoHope

True but at the same time, Sikura was playing NCAA hockey last year at this time. He was a 6th Rd pick who has progressed and improved every year since being drafted.
What Ebony is saying is give the kid a bit more time before casting him aside.

The Hawks drafted Boqvist knowing he would
- TommyHawk[likely] take 3 years to develop, and it seems that he's still at least a year away regardless of what his video game numbers have looked like this season.

If Vasili is TRULY the BPA and helps this team out the most in the long run, then I have absolutely no qualms with taking him at 3 knowing he won't be able to help us next season.

Either way, the Hawks have options, and it's been a damn good night anyway to spin it.

Even if it takes Boqvist 3 years, he's already got one of those years in the books so at worst case he has 2 more years before he's playing on the Hawks. I would be surprised if he isn't playing on the Hawks in 2020/21. In fact, if Gustafsson is traded I wouldn't be too surprised in Boqvist is on the Hawks next season if he does well in training camp. I think it comes down to whether the Hawks think he is mentally tough and confident enough to work through the struggles he will face in the NHL.