I saw the advanced analytics on some of the Hawks lines the other day, and if memory serves correctly the Saad-AA-Kahun line had a 63% CF together and it wasn’t too small a sample size either.

Would love to see that third line heading into next season (assuming AA is still around).
- TommyHawk

Saad has always been a possession driver. Even last season when he supposedly struggled, his numbers were still vvg. He just wasn't getting rewarded with points.
Toews had the same problems. For most of last season his CF% was 56-57%.

So both bouncing back really wasn't all that unexpected to me. Still, there is no denying Toews just looked much better this season.

I don’t think the kings tanked at all. If they wanted to tank they wouldn’t have played Quick or Campbell and started cal petersen for more games. But in reality I don’t think roster moves would have made that possible.

The goal is to trade quick and get Petersen in net ASAP next season
- KINGS67

And hope Kopitar scores a PP goal nest year

And hope Kopitar scores a PP goal nest year

- LAHawk

Lol.

I had no idea he only had 1 PP GOAL this year. In what, the last game!!?

My god this year was awful

No need, Elbows knows Russian fluently and will volunteer to help.
- mohel

стрелять шайбу

Lol.

I had no idea he only had 1 PP GOAL this year. In what, the last game!!?

My god this year was awful
- KINGS67

I am out here in LA, and when the board here was talking how awful the Hawks were when we had our 8 game losing streaks, I would tell them that the Kings were worse.

My guess if kings trade the 5 pick. It’ll be to BUF. kings would get 7th pick SJ 1st and most likely another asset.

Idk. I’d rather keep the 5 pick but John hoven really believes they’ll trade down. I wouldn’t do that if dach or cozens is available
- KINGS67

Think you would get the 2 picks but doubt the Sabres give up a third asset to move up 2 spots. If it were me, I wouldn't even give up the 2nd 1st round pick to move up two spots. Considering the Sabres needs, given up 3 assets to move up 2 spots would be poor asset management to me.

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- riozzo

Draft him and hand off this:

http://www.infoese.ca/Eng...n%20Hockey%20Glossary.pdf

Think you would get the 2 picks but doubt the Sabres give up a third asset to move up 2 spots. If it were me, I wouldn't even give up the 2nd 1st round pick to move up two spots. Considering the Sabres needs, given up 3 assets to move up 2 spots would be poor asset management to me.
- Elbows15

I don’t want the kings trading the pick at all.

Not sure why John hoven thinks they’ll trade it unless they do get an offer they can’t refuse, like another 1st

I understand that. The guy was saying you don’t get rewarded for tanking and I strongly disagreed with him. Pointing out the hawks had massive upgrades due to tanking, being bad, whatever you want to call it.
- KINGS67

The hawks were bad but tanking? No. Raw bad.

When they got Kane, they won the lottery to move up like 5 or 6 spots. So tanking, no. Bad, yes.

That seems like a reasonable reason for the more consistent performance on a separate line. Someone had to give you that. Who was it?
- mohel

GPSHawks

Says the fan of a team who drafted Kane and Toews back to back years and now get a top 3 pick.

Hawks got rewarded handsomely with Toews and Kane due to them tanking. So yeah you can be rewarded for tanking.
- KINGS67

This from the team (Kings) that drafted in the top 5 in 2007, 2008, 2009.

I don’t want the kings trading the pick at all.

Not sure why John hoven thinks they’ll trade it unless they do get an offer they can’t refuse, like another 1st
- KINGS67

They shouldn't. They are going to get a vg prospect at 5. I really believe that this group of centers/forwards in the first 20 spots are going to be special. Normally I like one, maybe 3 players but there are about 10 players I would be fine with the Hawks taking. Even at 12, I felt the Hawks were going to get a vg prospect.

I've read on other blogs where many Hawks fans want Stan to select Bynam and many of them think Bynam is ready to step right into the NHL. Now, obviously, there are a lot of ill-informed hockey fans so I don't put much credence in their opinion - but it leads me to wonder if I've missed some expert analysis suggesting he's NHL ready - cuz I haven't seen that and I think it's highly unlikely he's that good or he would probably be in the conversation for the #1 over all.

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

IF they can afford to play it - that and the lack of ice sheets in non-traditional markets is what keeps down the growth of the sport.

Especially among the minority populations.

I've read on other blogs where many Hawks fans want Stan to select Bynam and many of them think Bynam is ready to step right into the NHL. Now, obviously, there are a lot of ill-informed hockey fans so I don't put much credence in their opinion - but it leads me to wonder if I've missed some expert analysis suggesting he's NHL ready - cuz I haven't seen that and I think it's highly unlikely he's that good or he would probably be in the conversation for the #1 over all.
- EbonyRaptor

From what I've read on here is that he was slotted as #6, but has been playing much better as of late?

So people think he is going to move up and should be considered as a higher pick. I don't think the Avs pass on him.

IF they can afford to play it - that and the lack of ice sheets in non-traditional markets is what keeps down the growth of the sport.

Especially among the minority populations.
- StLBravesFan

12 ice pads in Tampa, a non traditional market with a population of 390K or so people is very good. You're right about cost but there are many ways that all socio economic populations afford to play in Canada so I'm sure the U.S can figure it out.

GPSHawks
- Elbows15

Should've guessed that one. Cognitive slippage over here.

From what I've read on here is that he was slotted as #6, but has been playing much better as of late?

So people think he is going to move up and should be considered as a higher pick. I don't think the Avs pass on him.
- RedRevenge

That's not what I asked - I asked if anyone had seen reports that he is ready to play in the NHL in 2019/20?

- HawkintheD

He'll always strike out fear as Jimmy Piersall to me.

Worst actor depiction of an athlete in the history of movies (yes - worse that Gary Cooper).

He'll always strike out fear as Jimmy Piersall to me.

Worst actor depiction of an athlete in the history of movies (yes - worse that Gary Cooper).
- StLBravesFan

Norman Bates?

Norman Bates?
- LAHawk

Yes - as Anthony Perkins.

Says the fan of a team who drafted Kane and Toews back to back years and now get a top 3 pick.

Hawks got rewarded handsomely with Toews and Kane due to them tanking. So yeah you can be rewarded for tanking.
- KINGS67

Not sure tanking was even a thing when they were drafted.

Regardless... Hawks didn't tank. They just sucked that bad lol due to years of terrible management and drafting.

He'll always strike out fear as Jimmy Piersall to me.

Worst actor depiction of an athlete in the history of movies (yes - worse that Gary Cooper).
- StLBravesFan

That throwing motion....egads.

There's still time to set up a bracket. 26 are in so far.

https://bracketchallenge....l.com/leagues/amazing-run

Well, I'm absolutely THRILLED...

This helps the Hawks a ton. They're going to get a very-very-very good if not elite forward here, which relieves Bowman of having to address the issue via free agency, which means he can spend more on addressing our defense issues.

The last 4-5 months for the Hawks have been great..

I mean that Schmaltz for Strome & Perlini trade was an absolute steal, and that's not a knock on Schmaltz either - he's a very good player and he will be great once he fixes the quirks in his game, more specifically his shoot/pass bias. Not to get too far off topic here but I figured Schmaltz would be a Hawk for a very long time, so I not only bought 2 of his jerseys but I also was buying up his hockey cards like mad this past summer (Debrincat too, but he's going no where)... So yea, I was/am a big Schmaltz fan but IMO, Strome looks to be the better player and it's obvious Strome has way more skill than Schmaltz, not to mention Perlini is no slouch either. I know some don't like him, but the kid is talented and he really took his game to another level the last 20 games of the season and I honestly believe Perlini is part of this "new core" of younger players the Hawks have collected over the past couple of years.

Back to the draft tho: The Hawks picking 3rd overall really solved the issue of Bowman shopping for a long-term top 6 forward, I mean he may go out and sign a 50 or 60 point veteran forward to a short-term deal, but obviously the long-term solution will be who the Hawks take at 3rd overall..

As far as the players the Hawks could potentially take:

Obviously any of the top 5 are in play at 3rd overall, even if it means trading up to take your guy...

Jack Hughes is a guy that would fit this team like a glove, however he does have some deficiencies such as size and his defensive game, (similar knocks Kane had on his game before he was drafted) but I think he makes up for that with his elite skating and offense, and to be honest if anyone is going to fall in the draft I think that player would be Hughes due to his deficiencies I pointed out, because the next 2 players after Hughes are complete players in Kakko and Podkolzin and I wouldn't be shocked if they were taken before Hughes just because they are complete players, so Hughes may fall into Bowmans lap, and honestly I think the Hawks would be the best fit for Hughes because Kane was a similar player at that age and he turned out to be one hell of a player at both ends of the ice. No, Kane isn't elite defensively however he's not even close to a liability. So I think Kane and Toews could really help Hughes round out his game.

Kappo Kakko is a player I really like. Kakko is a complete player - he can do it all. IMO he's similar to Toews, but Kakko has way more offensive upside to Toews. He also has size on his size, not only that but he plays bigger than he is, and overall I think he would be an excellent fit for this team - especially if Bowman want's to add bigger skilled players to his roster, and like Hughes Kakko is NHL ready, I mean I'm confident Kakko could make the team, but at the same time it's always good to give a kid a year in junior to really round-out his skills and add more confidence.. I mean you dont want to throw a young kid into the fire regardless of how good he is because from a psychological standpoint it could really damage his confidence if he doesn't adjust right off the bat... Without question tho, anyone the Hawks do take at #3 will get 9 games of NHL action in October just to give them a taste and to see if they truly are ready for the show.. Also let me add I love his name too Kappo Kakko.

Of course there is Vasili Podkolzin, who is similar to Kakko, good size, excellent shot, excellent at all aspects of the game, and what I said about Kakko really applies to Podkolzin.. I mean you take either one of them before you think about taking Cozens (who I will get to as well).. Because both Kakko and Podkolzin have complete games and they have excellent compete games, I mean they're the full package.

Obviously another guy the Hawks could take is Dylan Cozens, and don't get me wrong he's a talented player too and what I have to say about him is that he's a "poor mans" Connor McDavid - and I know - if you can get a "poor mans McDavid" you take it, because a "poor mans McDavid" would still be a hell of a player, however out of all of these players I think outside of skating Cozens has the most work ahead of him to be the player that he can be.. I mean he has the size, but he also needs to put some weight on to fill out that frame of his, but this kid has one thing going for him - his speed. Without question this kid is up there with Connor McDavid as far as speed, not only that but they have similar frames which is why I called him a "poor mans McDavid", also the kid tries moves only McDavid would attempt but he's not Connor McDavid so when he attempts these flashy moves he's not as successful as McDavid... He has that Kris Versteeg issue where he tries to dangle something ridiculous then ends up losing the puck.. Don't get me wrong, the kid isn't imposter, he has skills and great hockey IQ he just needs to work on them.

So it will be interesting to see who Bowman takes, but this draft is really interesting and I really could see Hughes end up with the Hawks considering the Rangers are drafting 2nd overall, and I really cant see the Rangers taking Hughes. The Rangers have always been a team that values size and grit so if Kakko goes first overall to New Jersey, I see the Rangers taking Podkolzin and Hughes falling into the Hawks lap. And I would be fine with that, because if any team can round out Hughes' deficiencies it's the Hawks.. The only thing about Hughes tho regardless of how offensively talented he is, his size bugs me. And I know in this NHL size really doesn't matter but the Hawks have drafted a TON of smaller skilled players and I would really like to see them take a bigger complete player in this draft in Kakko or Podkolzin, however if Hughes does land with the Hawks you will hear ZERO complaint from me.

Regardless of who the Hawks draft - this team is going to be absolutely sick in the near future... I mean with the right off-season moves on defense this team could contend again as soon as this fall... And to be honest - I don't think many Hawks fans realize just how much young talent this team has, even right now from an offensive perspective.. Yea I know our defense is a mess but that's going to change in a couple of seasons when Joker, Boqvist, Beaudin, Mitchell and the rest of our highly touted defensive prospects are ready to make the jump into the NHL, and with the likes of DeBrincat, Strome, one of Hughes, Kakko or Podkolzin and guys like Wise, Nordgren, Kurashev, Entwhistle (just to name a few) not only is time on the Hawks side, but the future of this team is very bright.. I mean if you haven't noticed compared to most other teams the Hawks have one of the best scouting staffs in the league - they know talent when they see it. Not only that but the can look at a prospect and see what they can become in 2-3 years, instead of what they can do now...

So yes Hawks fans, you shouldn't be angry the Hawks missed the playoffs, nor should you be worried about this teams future.. The issues the Hawks presently have can be fixed this summer with a few UFA signings or trade. Bowman is well aware of what this teams issues are - I mean this teams issues are obvious, but they're not difficult issues to fix...

And yes, I have the Hawks winning another Cup within 3-5 years because they have the talent to be a contender for the next decade... Not only that but Tazer found his game, Kane only gets better with age and these guys are only 30. I mean Kane is going to be an offensive dynamo for another 10 years, guys that play his style of game play into their late-late 30's if not into their 40's.. So Kane is very much a part of this teams future despite the fact he's 30. Kane is an elite player and he makes hockey look effortless in the greatest league in the world..

So yea, to those negative Hawk fans out there that complain and talk nonsense about "rebuilding" and blowing up the team - you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about .. Look at all the great young players the Hawks have, now factor that the ones presently in the NHL haven't even hit their prime or reached potential yet and they're already damn good players, and Perlini is one of them - he has potential to be a damn good power forward and agitator.. Not only that but the Hawks have Entwhistle who has potential to be an absolute beast.. I mean if you go watch these players and imagine if they can do what they're doing in junior or across the pond in the NHL then the Hawks without question will be an excellent team for a very long time... And let me add, our scouting staff will give these kids the time it takes for them to be the best players they can be and when they're ready to take that step into the NHL they will indeed be assets and will indeed improve this team.

But yea, to say I'm psyched about this team would be an understatement and the fact that the Hawks moved from 12th overall up to 3rd has me ecstatic, and I'm sure Bowman feels the same way - the grin on his face yesterday speaks volumes. He knows what happened yesterday was an absolute game changer and he knows the Hawks now have the opportunity to draft potentially elite or franchise player.

Sorry about the long post but I like to be thorough with my ideas and elaborate as much as possible.