true justice and reprieve with this lucky win, but like the Crosby win, isn't is very valuable to have strong Chicago New York area franchises?

Am I becoming a conspiracy theorist?
- wiz1901

Easy to think that way.

One thing this does is send a message to every team, that "tanking" does not assure anything.

Wiz, you can vouch for this in Tampa, but many folks outside of the major hockey centers do not appreciate the depth of hockey fandom everywhere in the country. Sure, it is great to have original 6 teams and major market teams succeeding, but hockey fans across north america love hockey, good competitive hockey. And the league is the deepest of any sport at any time ever.

Tampa has a great hockey community and fan base. There are like 10 or 12 sheets of ice around the city.

Watched Dach last night... he's a hell of a player too. Don't be surprised if he's in the comversation come June.
- Justin Lowe

So your watching that tough Saskatoon series too, Justin.

He and Leason are playing up against an entire loaded team, so it is a great evaluation time for them.

Dach is an under the radar skater and he may be tougher than he appears to me so far, I just wish he would shoot a whole lot more...

How often do we talk about the need for center depth with this team? The Hawks were just gifted something sweet...go out and draft a big frame at center. SO PUMPED!!!!
- frafra

yeah!

Easy to think that way.

One thing this does is send a message to every team, that "tanking" does not assure anything.

Wiz, you can vouch for this in Tampa, but many folks outside of the major hockey centers do not appreciate the depth of hockey fandom everywhere in the country. Sure, it is great to have original 6 teams and major market teams succeeding, but hockey fans across north america love hockey, good competitive hockey. And the league is the deepest of any sport at any time ever.

Tampa has a great hockey community and fan base. There are like 10 or 12 sheets of ice around the city.
- TrueGrit

Just ask Tanner

Easy to think that way.

One thing this does is send a message to every team, that "tanking" does not assure anything.

Wiz, you can vouch for this in Tampa, but many folks outside of the major hockey centers do not appreciate the depth of hockey fandom everywhere in the country. Sure, it is great to have original 6 teams and major market teams succeeding, but hockey fans across north america love hockey, good competitive hockey. And the league is the deepest of any sport at any time ever.

Tampa has a great hockey community and fan base. There are like 10 or 12 sheets of ice around the city.
- TrueGrit

The more I think about the pick, the more I do not want them to trade it unless they are absolutely BLOWN away with an offer. What a fortunate situation they got themselves into last night.

yeah!
- wiz1901

I don't know or follow a lot of these prospects the way you and others do, but who do you think is the best center available after Hughes?

Easy to think that way.

One thing this does is send a message to every team, that "tanking" does not assure anything.

Wiz, you can vouch for this in Tampa, but many folks outside of the major hockey centers do not appreciate the depth of hockey fandom everywhere in the country. Sure, it is great to have original 6 teams and major market teams succeeding, but hockey fans across north america love hockey, good competitive hockey. And the league is the deepest of any sport at any time ever.

Tampa has a great hockey community and fan base. There are like 10 or 12 sheets of ice around the city.
- TrueGrit

10 or 12 sheets of ice for a relatively small population in a non traditional hockey market, pretty good! And you have Bettman to thank for sticking with all the naysayers who questioned him and the NHL from putting and keeping franchises in cities like that. Bettman has done an amazing job of growing the game and of growing the it by the "grassroots". Now young athletes in the U.S especially in non traditional markets have another sport to consider and some of the best athletes will choose hockey as an alternative to baseball, football, basketball etc.

3 way trade? Who are you, Ek?
- Rota's Rooter

It's actually 2 separate trades although they're connected because the main piece in the first trade is used in the second trade.

I agree with this and the fact it was very unfair that the Oil got all these early picks, and mucked it up.
But the idea is the picks are gonna right the ship (the Hawks already have begun that climb I would venture to say) has to go hand in hand in understanding when the organization needs new leadership and good ole boys from past eras with name recognition don't make the team better because the game has radically changed in the last two seasons...
Scotty Bowman (on the father/son trip this last Fall) told assistant coach he didn't quite understand this new defense, and Granato spent and hour on the flight going through the scheme and philosophy to bring him up to the rapid changes in attacking and defending, and there are STILL NHL clubs who haven't caught on and may spend the pre-draft weeks re-evaluating their schemes.
- wiz1901

This is interesting and thanks for sharing it. At times, I've been feeling that some of the Hawks' player issues (and maybe coach Q's) was adapting to way the game is being played lately. The Hawks in 2009-2013 seemed ahead of the curve in the direction of the game and now it feels like we've been behind as it changed further. Understanding all of these changes isn't my strong suit, but I think you are making a lot of sense here.

In the old blog last night I relies to a lot of people and I also added what I had sent the draftsite editor about each team needs after re-edited it after the lottery....
I never was able to see that up anywhere on DraftSite so if you do please IM me link...

I wrote one for each team in the draft but reprinted the ones on the NJ Rangers and Hawks last night.

I am gonna throw them back up here now and hope Justin understands they are mine and have permission and intellectual possession to do so, ok?

I think the Blackhawks 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 or even top 7?
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-first" Dach as terrific possible impact players down the pike too.

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.

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.


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.

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.

I don't know or follow a lot of these prospects the way you and others do, but who do you think is the best center available after Hughes?
- frafra

I would take Cozens but Zegras and Turcotte and Dach are really good.

I don't mention K K because if you read my profile I fell like he is a much more effective player as a winger with a set up pivot.
He isn't going to play that bumper position on the power play that Toews or Patrice Bergeron play and neither is Dach.

Is the Finn a centre is my question?
Is Dach?
And is Cozens?

The thing about a gut like Peyton Krebs who will go 4th tier is he can be on the wing but win a lot of face offs.

I am just trying to show the complexities of 17 year old drafting and a lot of "he will get better in this or that area" are ALWAYS in the discussion.

Just ask Tanner
- Ogilthorpe2

that is the joker on the Arizona site who was delusional enough to fight with thefts about E O L being the best defenseman in the game?


I can't get off being irked by Prohman only because he talks to the team scouts and then his opinions lock with no fluidity, and he spews them in fan answers and is wrong over and over from Barkov to the Swedish kid in Vancouver to his stupid tiers where he elevates Dominik Bokk to top ten status...
that is why he moves on from site to site, and there is no paper trail to eat he mocked or said...I make incorrect evals too, but I have them all and they are easy to find...
he leads many to incorrect thoughts on these kids, and I don't know why...
(Spoken by the guy who told you Bowen Byram wasn't going to a better pro than Philip Broberg...)

I think the hawks value hockey iq as their top priority when selecting players. I don’t think they really care if a guy is 6’3 vs 5’10. A lot of times when I see a guy who is highly rated and is also 6’3, I worry that his stock may be overinflated.

Wiz or any other knowledgeable people, of the prospects in question for pick 3, who do you think has the highest hockey iq/ability to quickly read and make a play? I bet that is the guy that they go with.

So your watching that tough Saskatoon series too, Justin.

He and Leason are playing up against an entire loaded team, so it is a great evaluation time for them.

Dach is an under the radar skater and he may be tougher than he appears to me so far, I just wish he would shoot a whole lot more...
- wiz1901

There was big crowd on the youtube channel night night.

10 or 12 sheets of ice for a relatively small population in a non traditional hockey market, pretty good! And you have Bettman to thank for sticking with all the naysayers who questioned him and the NHL from putting and keeping franchises in cities like that. Bettman has done an amazing job of growing the game and of growing the it by the "grassroots". Now young athletes in the U.S especially in non traditional markets have another sport to consider and some of the best athletes will choose hockey as an alternative to baseball, football, basketball etc.
- paulr

Lots of transplants and natives into the sport. There is no doubt about growth under Bettman.

Gostibehere and Ryan Carpenter are native Floridians. Not to mention Texas, Arizona and California. Guys born and raised. There are numerous others that have gone north to play colegiately and junior. (Go Scott Conway and Providence at Frozen Four). Our youth programs go north and play high end tourneys and win. It is great for the game.

The on ice product is full value. Speed and skill, I have introduced many people to it down here and they love it. Compared to some of the prima donna antics of other sports (Baseball, Football and Basketball) hockey is a breath of fresh air.

Ok all I am not home now, so have to start closing ags to get out of a hotel.

Wont be back for a few days but IM if I pushed your buttons or you have a question or thing I am off track, and I will update the couple guys I didn't add profile for in the first and plan as usual to try And get something in writing on the top four rounds on DraftSite...
Wiz (Bill)

Kakko at #3 is who I would want if Rangers slip up.

So your watching that tough Saskatoon series too, Justin.

He and Leason are playing up against an entire loaded team, so it is a great evaluation time for them.

Dach is an under the radar skater and he may be tougher than he appears to me so far, I just wish he would shoot a whole lot more...
- wiz1901

I am. Those 2 have been great.

I'm really interested to see if Dach moves up a bit in the rankings. It seems he's trending that way.

Is there a U18 tournament coming up? I sq
Something 4/18-4/28? Is Podkolzin, Dach Cozen, Bryam, Zegras Turcotte playing?

You raised a lot of valid points.


With having more cap space than in years past , but still not enough to make the significant changes needed , due to as Stan said not spending all the money to appropriate for Strome and Debrincant raises the following year.

What's the level of either 1 or both Keith and Seabrook being moved this summer to maybe a Florida or Winnipeg team ?

The hawks I believe will be seriously looking to add 1 or 2 top 4 defenseman in the off Season and either another top 6 winger and possibly 1 or 2 centers depending upon the draft and the teams comfort level believing that their draft pick will play next year?

Would Stan move boqvist ?

Lots of transplants and natives into the sport. There is no doubt about growth under Bettman.

Gostibehere and Ryan Carpenter are native Floridians. Not to mention Texas, Arizona and California. Guys born and raised. There are numerous others that have gone north to play colegiately and junior. (Go Scott Conway and Providence at Frozen Four). Our youth programs go north and play high end tourneys and win. It is great for the game.

The on ice product is full value. Speed and skill, I have introduced many people to it down here and they love it. Compared to some of the prima donna antics of other sports (Baseball, Football and Basketball) hockey is a breath of fresh air.
- TrueGrit

Should hang a shingle out promoting yourself as a guru of numerous ice sports. And then get yourself involved in curling. There is a market in the USA for that sport too. I have buddies who go to places like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Syracuse teaching both the game itself to interested players and to ice technicians on how to prepare the ice. They get paid nicely and have a great time.

I am. Those 2 have been great.

I'm really interested to see if Dach moves up a bit in the rankings. It seems he's trending that way.
- Justin Lowe

I don’t pay as close of attention, but hasn’t Dach slid a bit since some of the recent rankings? Seems he was listed in the top 5 previously but now he sits just outside it.

Will be interested to hear you breaking down players in the months leading up to the draft and thanks for the morning blog.

Should hang a shingle out promoting yourself as a guru of numerous ice sports. And then get yourself involved in curling. There is a market in the USA for that sport too. I have buddies who go to places like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Syracuse teaching both the game itself to interested players and to ice technicians on how to prepare the ice. They get paid nicely and have a great time.
- RickJ

Ooh, Ice Technician...that sounds ok but I might prefer Ice Master. If Mo is lurking, I said “Ice”, Mo, and that’s how I meant it.

Should hang a shingle out promoting yourself as a guru of numerous ice sports. And then get yourself involved in curling. There is a market in the USA for that sport too. I have buddies who go to places like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Syracuse teaching both the game itself to interested players and to ice technicians on how to prepare the ice. They get paid nicely and have a great time.
- RickJ

They added Curling in Orlando. Have not got into it yet.

I am just an old man who still loves playing hockey and competing. No guru, just a big fan of the game.

The good lord willing, I will keep skating for years to come.

Is there a U18 tournament coming up? I sq
Something 4/18-4/28? Is Podkolzin, Dach Cozen, Bryam, Zegras Turcotte playing?
- kmw4631

Yes, but those still playing in the CHL playoffs (OHL, WHL, QMJHL) won't be there.

https://teamusa.usahockey.com/u18mensworlds2019