For as much grief as Stan gets, some of it deserved, I think he has a plan and that plan is to try to get back to Cup contending status while the old core is still playing at a high level. Therefore, I doubt Stan would select Podkolzin UNLESS he knew without a doubt that Podkolzin would come to N.A. immediately - not leaving it up to the whims of an 18 year old to probably do this or that. This is a gift that must not be squandered by pinning hopes on something not 100% guaranteed. If Stan doesn't have a rock solid assurance Podkolzin will play on the Hawks in 2019/20 then I have to believe he will select someone else.

I'll take a stab at your inquiry on the forward prospects you listed:

On Kurashev, there was an article about him yesterday on the Blackhawks website. I've seen his first few games as an Ice Hog and while he hasn't dented the scoresheet, you can tell he cares about playing a 200 foot game as he didn't make any mistakes, positioned himself well, and covered for any D mates who were lured out of position. When he did handle the puck, you did see glimpses of offensive talent and hockey sense. Project him as a middle 6 forward, likely as a winger even though he has played center.

https://www.nhl.com/black...-rave-reviews/c-306603214

On Kubalik, he could be at least a 20/20 power forward with grit if he lives up to what others have billed him as but could also flop. Project him as a middle 6 power forward if banging on all cylinders.

On Hakkarainen, he was drafted last year and is likely at least a year away from signing an ELC. Plays a solid 200 foot game. Projects as a bottom 6 player, likely as 4th line shutdown center. Possibly a better version of Kampf, i.e. strong defense but better offensive skills.

On Slavin, big body and is best to play at least a year at Colorado College next season before thinking about making a jump. Probably best to stay 2-3 years in college. Projects as a bottom 6 power winger who can beat the other team along the boards and drive the net.

Don't know much about any of the Russian forward prospects whether Altybarmakyan, Kayumov, or Shalunov. The Hawks will be lucky if just one of them crosses the pond.
- AEL_Fox

Thanks for your take, I think it kind of solidifies my initial thought that we really don't have any high end F talent in the pipeline. Maybe you argue Barratt, but you also have Sikura who, to me, is nothing more than a third liner right now. I think we have to take the best F. I'd be very happy with Kakko, Cozens, or Dach. I think that has the potential to change this team.

I could really see the Rangers taking Vasili to further entice Panarin..
- Butcherboy66

That would be a sweet Russian line!

IMO hawks have enough d man depth hawks need center depth in the system plus i think huges drops to 3. I think nj picks kappo then rangers pick the russian so now who the hawks pick hughs cozens or bryam?

IMO hawks have enough d man depth hawks need center depth in the system plus i think huges drops to 3. I think nj picks kappo then rangers pick the russian so now who the hawks pick hughs cozens or bryam?
- Scott1977

Based on how they drafted last year when Bovquist dropped to 8, they are going to draft the best available player regardless of size, so it would be Hughes

IMO hawks have enough d man depth hawks need center depth in the system plus i think huges drops to 3. I think nj picks kappo then rangers pick the russian so now who the hawks pick hughs cozens or bryam?
- Scott1977

I would be surprised if Hughes drops from 1-2. I would be utterly shocked, and excited as an be, if he dropped to 3. Don't see it happening.

I would be surprised if Hughes drops from 1-2. I would be utterly shocked, and excited as an be, if he dropped to 3. Don't see it happening.
- HawksHype

Yeah if Hughes drops to the Hawks I'd crap my pants. The kid is going to be a stud.

The kid has Kane like skills (not sure how good his shot is yet) and is blazing fast.

Can't imagine how much better that kid would get having Kane as his mentor.

Yeah if Hughes drops to the Hawks I'd crap my pants. The kid is going to be a stud.

The kid has Kane like skills (not sure how good his shot is yet) and is blazing fast.

Can't imagine how much better that kid would get having Kane as his mentor.
- bhawks2241

It would be like Dave Matthews driving over a bridge throughout Chicago.

Flip the 3rd and Young Henri to Columbus for Seth Jones and let them get on with their rebuild since probably not a lot of guys will re-sign there this year.

That’s not proper attire to be cooking over a stove, that woman could hurt herself.
- Chief4Feathers

only if the burner was turned on and the pot was on said burner...

Not quite. And if TG is as old as he lets on then he might be scared off by the sport because every team has a Skip who calls all of the shots and then stands there and yells at the rest of his team to sweep harder and faster.

The old curling rinks in Canada used to have ash trays and drink holders on posts down the length of the rink. Now apparently they want athletes to play the game.

- RickJ[/img]

Huge fan of Women's Curling.

Just created a team in NHL, will let you know how the season goes. I'm expecting 82-0 with a Stanley Cup.

Saad-Toews-Cagguila
Panarin-Cozens-Kane
Debrincat-Strome-Dzingel
Tanev-Kampf-Perlini
Hayden

Keith-Jokiharju
Stralman-Murphy
Gustaffson-Seabrook
Dahlstrom

Crawford
Delia

For as much grief as Stan gets, some of it deserved, I think he has a plan and that plan is to try to get back to Cup contending status while the old core is still playing at a high level. Therefore, I doubt Stan would select Podkolzin UNLESS he knew without a doubt that Podkolzin would come to N.A. immediately - not leaving it up to the whims of an 18 year old to probably do this or that. This is a gift that must not be squandered by pinning hopes on something not 100% guaranteed. If Stan doesn't have a rock solid assurance Podkolzin will play on the Hawks in 2019/20 then I have to believe he will select someone else.
- EbonyRaptor

100% agreed.

What about a trade centered around
Mitch Marner and a D prospect
for
the 3rd overall and Keith and #GLORIOUS CAP SPACE

Flip the 3rd and Young Henri to Columbus for Seth Jones and let them get on with their rebuild since probably not a lot of guys will re-sign there this year.
- fattybeef

I was thinking the 3rd and Saad for Seth Jones and Josh Anderson.

What about a trade centered around
Mitch Marner and a D prospect
for
the 3rd overall and Keith and #GLORIOUS CAP SPACE
- Slofire94

When Marner signs for $10.5 mil. there goes your glorious cap space

What about a trade centered around
Mitch Marner and a D prospect
for
the 3rd overall and Keith and #GLORIOUS CAP SPACE
- Slofire94

I am in. I don't think Toronto is but screw them anyway.

What about a trade centered around
Mitch Marner and a D prospect
for
the 3rd overall and Keith and #GLORIOUS CAP SPACE
- Slofire94

Crazy. Marner going nowhere, for anything.

Thanks for your take, I think it kind of solidifies my initial thought that we really don't have any high end F talent in the pipeline. Maybe you argue Barratt, but you also have Sikura who, to me, is nothing more than a third liner right now. I think we have to take the best F. I'd be very happy with Kakko, Cozens, or Dach. I think that has the potential to change this team.
- HawksHype

Generally yes, no top 6 forwards in the pipeline. Lots of middle and bottom 6. Sikura, Wise, and Kurashev come closest. None of them are 1st liners but could possibly play 2nd line depending on who their linemates are.

I see Barratt being similar to Caggiula and Shaw: all terrain forward who can slot on any line and be effective but is not a true 1st liner or even 2nd liner. Plus, all 3 of them are sh!t disturbers who can really get under the opponent's skin while still playing fearlessly and not have their overall game be rattled as the physicality ramps up.

Agree that Kakko, Cozens, and Dach are on the short list for the 3rd pick. Hughes is pretty much a consensus #1 overall so would be surprised if he wasn't selected by the Devils. As for Podkolzin, I would consider him only if the Hawks can get a guarantee from him that he will play in the NHL in 2019-20.

Based on how they drafted last year when Bovquist dropped to 8, they are going to draft the best available player regardless of size, so it would be Hughes
- LAHawk

Agree, if Hughes somehow doesn't go #1 or #2, then the Hawks draft him as BPA.

I was thinking the 3rd and Saad for Seth Jones and Josh Anderson.
- LAHawk

We need more Saad types, not fewer. Gustafsson is the trade chip.

When Marner signs for $10.5 mil. there goes your glorious cap space
- LAHawk

If I'm his agent he's getting every dollar that the Leafs are paying Mathews. And Tavares can thank Marner for alot of his 47 goals. The kid is a superstar in a small body.

It would be like Dave Matthews driving over a bridge throughout Chicago.
- HawksHype

Well played...

Agree, if Hughes somehow doesn't go #1 or #2, then the Hawks draft him as BPA.
- AEL_Fox

Then I would expect a unicorn to trot onstage and announce that pick for the Hawks.

“The Chicago Blackhawks are proud to select...”

Huge fan of Women's Curling.
- Elbows15

I'm reading that statement as being a truthful statement.