*Drops Gloves*


I said he plays C too.
- Byfuglien Ate Me

PODKOLZIN a wing never a centre

but the Russian kid the Rangers drafted last year they are planning to play at centre...
would a Russian duo in NYC due better in transition?

anybody for trading the #3 to fill a couple of holes? Just asking?
- bogiedoc

nope

I think they would rush to the mike if Kaapo Kakko was still on the board with whether he can actually transition to an NHL centre or simply stays on one of the wings with a skilled pivot getting him the biscuit.
A lot depends upon whether the Rangers see Kaapo Kakko, who isn't an East-West lateral skater is a true centre but simply a North-South wing.
Could the Rangers see the value in selecting the faster and more dynamic 200 foot Vasily Podkolzin?
Will the Russian factor play any part in picks two or three?
Certainly Podkolzin needs to get physically stronger, but there is denying his tenacious ability to go to the tough areas, make an impact on each and every shift with quick feet that split the defense, a lightning quick shot, and an in your face style that is a delight when he is on your team.
If the 'hawks have any qualms about Podkolzin's upside or issues with his North American transition, they can take comfort in the fact that the next four available forwards are also highly skilled centres with Dylan "shoot first" Cozens and the even bigger Kirby "pass-firt" Dach as terrific possible impact players down the pike too.
And don't count out the Blackhawks from using later picks to drop up and down the draft board as they have in past drafts.
Most would argue Kaapo Kakko is the entire second tier of this draft year based on the fact he might be able to make the transition to the NHL next season.
A lot depends upon whether the Rangers see as a future NHL centre or as a NHL winger. Even though Kaapo Kakko is ranked second overall, there aren't many negatives that can be found in Vasily Podkolzin's game except unless being Russian can be considered a deficit. A year ago, the Ranger's saw Vitali Kravtsov as guy with tremendous upside and projected him as a centre, with a return to wing only if he failed at playing pivot. Drafting Podkolzin, who is a dynamic winger and 200 foot player, might ensure that his own and Vitali Kravtsov's transition into the North American big league are much more comfortable as dual additions.
Or do the Rangers, as other teams have in the most recent past, see the centre ice position as more essential and do they look towards one of the bevy of North America centres who also show promise as possible early selections?
Or if the Devils are interested, maybe even a trade up and out of slot two to select Jack Hughes?
Lots of video and lots of thinking are going to keep the Rangers scouting and GM busy.
Heck, if Tampa wins the Stanley Cup they will have three first rounders! And they will use them to continue adding more high skilled forwards and defensemen.

and finally:
NJ
Jack Hughes is the undisputed number one, but this would mark another centre with little size added to the team's centre ice position.
Did Ray Shero's comments of no-comment on selecting Jack and saying," It's hard right after this to talk about it because there are so many good young players in this draft, but for us, we recognize Jack is a great young player and it's certainly a great night for our franchise..." Does this leave us feeling they might be willing to select one of the "other good young players?" Many think Hughes can make an NHL club next October even if it is to act as a PP guy who sees limited minutes at the bottom end of the line-up while building his strength. Many also think Kakko is much more suited to come into the NHL straight away, and not get pushed off the puck. Is this what Shero was eluding to?
Is he just being noncommital to Hughes until his final draft meetings with his scouting staff?
Or maybe they find a trade partner to move up and select Jack Hughes? The most likely taker to move up into the slot might be the Rangers who might have two extra first rounder(s) if Tampa wins Lord Stanley's Cup.
Lots of speculation by me, but Shero set me off!
The Devils have three more picks before the end of the second round. I bet at some point they go new age defender hunting, maybe by using picks to move up, or that first one to go down.

Do you think Bowan is at the same level as Heiskanen and Makar?
- EbonyRaptor

I guess you haven't been on DraftSite looking at my mock b/c I have concerns in his hockey head, not his 4 direction skating...he is the 3rd defenseman on my board...
read the profile I wrote on him...

people like Corey Prohman think he is better than both those guys but I do not.

read it

Last thing:

Every single time I saw this Russian kid he was rougher faster and better than everyone and can score

u don't trade out of this slot this year....trust your scouting staff
- wiz1901

Hey Wiz we won!

Agreed....especially with Cozens or Dach. While the scouting on Podkolzin makes it sound like his ceiling is the highest of the players mentioned, the Hawks are in desperate need of centers with first or second line potential.
- Ron Swanson

I defer to wiz who seemsvto be saying to draft the best talent ehichbis thevruddisn wing. But what i teally want is total agreement with your post. Which is below

This

Also trumps about as close as you can get regarding a dman with size and speed. We have plenty ofvdmen although none have it all like the swede dman - this dman
to be first dman in 2019 draft

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.
- EbonyRaptor

Here is a real concern: with our second consecutive year pick of an elite talented player and keeping in mind this is a rebuild on the fly.......Rocky wants to win enough to draw fans and maybe hopefully run at playoffs.....in Boqvist AND the russian it is two years until the Russian is here and likely three years in Boqvist.....three years of less instant gratification and maybe sneaking into playoffs if you choose someone else.

Oh the mind games
Oh so many scenarios.

Dilly dilly. Hey Hillrods or whatever other genius words you make up. Too bad when your mother tried to abort you it didn't take.
- GPHawksfan

LOL... Whatever.... You're a Douch nozzle!.. Enjoy your Ban!!!

Here is a real concern: with our second consecutive year pick of an elite talented player and keeping in mind this is a rebuild on the fly.......Rocky wants to win enough to draw fans and maybe hopefully run at playoffs.....in Boqvist AND the russian it is two years until the Russian is here and likely three years in Boqvist.....three years of less instant gratification and maybe sneaking into playoffs if you choose someone else.

Oh the mind games
Oh so many scenarios.
- jhawk59

I don't agree with you supposition it takes Boqvist another 3 years until he plays for the Hawks, meaning it takes him 4 years of "seasoning" from the time he was drafted #8 over all. I think it will be only 1 more year before he make the Hawks (2 years total from when he was drafted) - 2020/21. I think there's a higher probability that he plays next season with the Hawks (2019/20) then not until 2022/23.

I cant believe the Hawks moved up to 3rd overall...

This team is already stacked for the future... Wonder what it would take to move up to #1 now and grab Hughes??...He's the next Kane.

I'm sure Bowmans plans have completely shifted knowing he's drafting 3rd overall instead of 13th... That's a jump...

Look, I'd give up #3, Gus and next summers 1st for Hughes.. That is a deal NJ couldn't refuse ..

LOL, bring in Hughes, sign Panarin and the Hawks could perhaps the best offense since the Oilers dynasty.. WOW..

This is amazing.

I cant believe the Hawks moved up to 3rd overall...

This team is already stacked for the future... Wonder what it would take to move up to #1 now and grab Hughes??...He's the next Kane.

I'm sure Bowmans plans have completely shifted knowing he's drafting 3rd overall instead of 13th... That's a jump...

Look, I'd give up #3, Gus and next summers 1st for Hughes.. That is a deal NJ couldn't refuse ..

LOL, bring in Hughes, sign Panarin and the Hawks could perhaps the best offense since the Oilers dynasty.. WOW..

This is amazing.
- Savard2Secord

Without a fixed team defense they will give up an equal amount of goals though

Last thing:

Every single time I saw this Russian kid he was rougher faster and better than everyone and can score
- wiz1901

Went to Draftsite 10 minutes after they got the #3 to see who you slotted there and it was not accessible, lotta traffic man.

But this morning I got on and I couldn't help myself, I first looked to see where you have NTDP centerman John Beecher. Very happy to see you have him at 41 where most everyone else has him about 70. Saw the 18's live twice this yr with Hughes, Turcotte and Zegras dressed and my eyes kept going towards Beecher. ......... To my eye a big, top speed in a few strides, skilled centerman who's floor is really high. ...... Be great if the Hawks find a way to get this kid 2nd or 3rd rd. But:

No doubt to me the Cossack is a beast. Big, fast, plays hungry, plays fast, thinks fast, high compete, hunts pucks, NHL release, can create his own shot, vision/hands to make a play and very very skilled.

I'll let guys like you decide who slots 2-3 but as far as the Hawks using the #3 I can not take even the slightest chance on a player who may or may not report 2-3 yrs from now. Maybe at #20, maybe even at #10 but not at #3 no matter his ceiling. Not with centers available with a better chance than not of being top 3 NHLers available at #3.

I agree completely. Pick a lane and stick in it. When you teeter that's how you get stuck in the middle, which is obviously the worst place to be.

I'm just traditional in my mindset of building the team for sustainability. Taking a player who you know is worse but will immediately pay dividends is not in the best interest of this team.
- TommyHawk

Agree on all counts. ...... Take the best player available, all things being equal take the Dman, then centerman (this could be reversed if all things are equal depending on organIzational depth), then winger. Do that often enough over 4-5-6-7 yrs and you will ice a team that is talented and deep and where there are holes trade that depth to fill holes.

Lets say Cozens, Zegras, Turcotte ends up a Sheifelle like #1C. In 3 yrs you have a new core of Cozens and Strome at center, Dcat and Saad as wingers and 2 or 3 of Joki, Bovquist, Beaudin, Mitchell and Murphy to round out a top 4 and aging Toews and Kane. ....... To me that says, your words, sustainability.

u don't trade out of this slot this year....trust your scouting staff
- wiz1901

What do you think of trading up?

What do you think of trading up?
- Sn1362

Then you should be asking if either the Devils and Rangers are willing to trade down. I highly doubt it. Stick with the pick unless someone offers something crazy.

IMO I like the theory of NJ taking Hughes, The Rangers going for the Cossack because they have a some pretty good prospects in the pipeline now and also 2 more picks in this years top 30 and can entice him with the glamour of NY and other Russians already on the team.

This leaves the big Finn for the Hawks.

edit: My mistake, the Rangers have only one more pick in the top 30 this year. #22 from Winnipeg.

What do you think of trading up?
- Sn1362

A trade up would require ponying up other assets, so I'd be against that. I'd prefer they keep the pick, but if someone offered a boatload to move up a few spots and swap picks, that could be interesting.

In the Athletic, they talked about how the Hawks should be open to dealing the pick altogether. I'm not a fan of that idea at all. Different times, but the Hawks had the number three pick in 2000 (ish) and used it to acquire Brian McCabe while the Canucks drafted the Sedins at 3 and 4, didn't really work out so well. Ok, it eventually did.

What do you think of trading up?
- Sn1362

What package could the Hawks put together to interest the Devils? I think the only way that could happen is if the Devils have the Russian kid rated higher than #3

A trade up would require ponying up other assets, so I'd be against that. I'd prefer they keep the pick, but if someone offered a boatload to move up a few spots and swap picks, that could be interesting.

In the Athletic, they talked about how the Hawks should be open to dealing the pick altogether. I'm not a fan of that idea at all. Different times, but the Hawks had the number three pick in 2000 (ish) and used it to acquire Brian McCabe while the Canucks drafted the Sedins at 3 and 4, didn't really work out so well. Ok, it eventually did.
- HawkintheD

I was against the Hawks dealing draft picks, and would have really been against them trading the 3rd overall however two things changed my thinking. One was The trade for Strome and Perlini, two young guys who were wallowing in a bad situation and come to Chicago and Strome at least raising his game to what he was projected to be. The other was Ebonyraptor challenging me about why I felt so strongly about the Hawks keeping draft picks if a really good offer for a young player the Hawks may need. See sometimes someone on the web can change one's way of thinking. So if a young defenseman who has upside is offered, I think Bowman should think long and hard about making the move, weighing the potentials of making or not making the move.

As far as who I think the Hawks should select I have seen Cozens on TV and he looks pretty good. A really good skater and he is always in the action with his nose over the puck. Podkoizin, if he's available, introduces the Russian factor. Does he expect a spot on the roster right away? Does he refuse to play in Rockford? Does he use the KHL as leverage to get his way? Maybe he's too good to worry about those things?

Then you should be asking if either the Devils and Rangers are willing to trade down. I highly doubt it. Stick with the pick unless someone offers something crazy.

IMO I like the theory of NJ taking Hughes, The Rangers going for the Cossack because they have a some pretty good prospects in the pipeline now and also 2 more picks in this years top 30 and can entice him with the glamour of NY and other Russians already on the team.

This leaves the big Finn for the Hawks.

edit: My mistake, the Rangers have only one more pick in the top 30 this year. #22 from Winnipeg.
- Rota's Rooter

Apparently they also have TB’s if the Bolts win the Cup, and Dallas’ if the Texans get to the third round

No to the Russian if they plan to move AA. We always hear the argument to get Russians if we have a Russian to make the culture change easier, so it should work the other way. Let someone else worry about that point in the future where he decides to return to the fatherland. Pick one of the other two if they fall or trade down, add some immediate assets while the T and K windows are open. Trading up is also something of interest, depending on how much it will cost.

Frankly I could give a poop about getting Russians. Why are teams always held hostage by these guys? Always the specter of them heading back home. Give me a roster spot or else? No AHL for me, insert me into lineup. The culture and language is so different. We are always trying to get Russian buddies for current Russian players. Never about how good they are, they are good, just can we pacify them in some way so they don't go running back to Red Square.

These problems do not seem to exist in players from any other country, just Russia. Get Hughes or Kakko, or trade down.

No to the Russian if they plan to move AA. We always hear the argument to get Russians if we have a Russian to make the culture change easier, so it should work the other way. Let someone else worry about that point in the future where he decides to return to the fatherland. Pick one of the other two if they fall or trade down, add some immediate assets while the T and K windows are open. Trading up is also something of interest, depending on how much it will cost.

Frankly I could give a poop about getting Russians. Why are teams always held hostage by these guys? Always the specter of them heading back home. Give me a roster spot or else? No AHL for me, insert me into lineup. The culture and language is so different. We are always trying to get Russian buddies for current Russian players. Never about how good they are, they are good, just can we pacify them in some way so they don't go running back to Red Square.

These problems do not seem to exist in players from any other country, just Russia. Get Hughes or Kakko, or trade down.
- kwolf68

Are not Hughes and Kakko consensus #1 and #2 while the 'Hawks are slated to take the #3 pick?

We've obviously talked about the D prospects and some of the big F's, but what about some of the other prospects we have. Notably Kurashev, Kubalik, Hakkarainen, Slavin, and (about to butcher this) Alty-bumface-yan. I've heard mention of Kubalik next year, but how do the others stack up? I remember when we drafted some of these guys some of the hype around them, and seen some highlight reel plays from a few. Do these pan out to the NHL? Or are they more add-in prospects on deals?

I was against the Hawks dealing draft picks, and would have really been against them trading the 3rd overall however two things changed my thinking. One was The trade for Strome and Perlini, two young guys who were wallowing in a bad situation and come to Chicago and Strome at least raising his game to what he was projected to be. The other was Ebonyraptor challenging me about why I felt so strongly about the Hawks keeping draft picks if a really good offer for a young player the Hawks may need. See sometimes someone on the web can change one's way of thinking. So if a young defenseman who has upside is offered, I think Bowman should think long and hard about making the move, weighing the potentials of making or not making the move.

As far as who I think the Hawks should select I have seen Cozens on TV and he looks pretty good. A really good skater and he is always in the action with his nose over the puck. Podkoizin, if he's available, introduces the Russian factor. Does he expect a spot on the roster right away? Does he refuse to play in Rockford? Does he use the KHL as leverage to get his way? Maybe he's too good to worry about those things?
- paulr

Never say never and totally depends. Say the Sabres want to offer Dahlin for the 3rd overall...then sure.

I kid. Just don't want to see the situation I described before. Brian McCabe was an ok dman, but then you look at the career of whichever Sedin was picked in the 3rd slot. History tells you that deal was no gouda.

After an evening and early morning of research, I’ve decided on Cozens. Case closed.

Make it happen Stan.

After an evening and early morning of research, I’ve decided on Cozens. Case closed.

Make it happen Stan.
- Ogilthorpe2

Have never seen him play, but everything I've read points to him being a top 6 center in the NHL. Wouldn't mind that at all.