I was going to . I still take Cozens , think he could play next year on the 3rd line . Byram would be exciting till we learn he can't play NHL defense ever . I think Turcotte will be the worst pick and only taken because the PR department is running the team . Dach would be a close second to Cozens ,Dach has some great skill , Cozens has the passion and Physicality . It not a tough call in MHO
- oldduffman

How do we know Byram can’t play NHL defense ever?

How do we know Byram can’t play NHL defense ever?
- DarthKane

I don't ,he could go on and be the next Bobby Orr . There is a huge difference for Defense in the NHL . I think Byran has the higher ceiling ,but could also go the bust rout .Cozens seems like a safer pick .We know though Stan a bit of a gambler .

Totally agree. Kakko might be a 40 to 50 goal scorer for the next 15 years. He is unbelievably strong on his skates and would make the Hawks PP one of the best in the NHL, not to mention a perfect fit on 1LW with Toews.
Does Bowman have the nads to put together a package to move up ??
- Hawkytalk

He could have all the nads in the world and brass balls also but, it wouldn't matter if the Devils and Rangers don't want to move down.

I don't ,he could go on and be the next Bobby Orr . There is a huge difference for Defense in the NHL . I think Byran has the higher ceiling ,but could also go the bust rout .Cozens seems like a safer pick .We know though Stan a bit of a gambler .
- oldduffman

Byram has potential to be no 1 defenseman in NHL. No one can deny that. Will he? Well no one knows. He might become next Doughty or Barker? Same goes with those forwards. The potential is there but time will tell.

What Byram did in playoffs as 17 years old kid is pretty something. You can learn to defend just ask Duncan Keith.

I don't ,he could go on and be the next Bobby Orr . There is a huge difference for Defense in the NHL . I think Byran has the higher ceiling ,but could also go the bust rout .Cozens seems like a safer pick .We know though Stan a bit of a gambler .
- oldduffman

The age old question for a first round pick, pick safe or pick for the highest potential? I have no idea who that may be in this draft but I'll go with the highest potential.

Byram has potential to be no 1 defenseman in NHL. No one can deny that. Will he? Well no one knows. He might become next Doughty or Barker? Same goes with those forwards. The potential is there but time will tell.

What Byram did in playoffs as 17 years old kid is pretty something. You can learn to defend just ask Duncan Keith.
- MjulQvist

Yes you can learn to defend or you can choose not to, just ask Nick Leddy or Jake Gardiner.

Has anybody did any research as far as which way the Rangers are looking to go? From what I am hearing sounds like their mind is not made up and they could take the defenseman with the number 2 pick. They are keeping everyone guessing at this point .Then Kappo Kakko would fall right into Bowman’s lap. Personally that is what I am hoping for .
My only fear is that this kid Byrum Turns out to be the next Cam Barker instead of the next Drew Doughty or Brent Seabrook.

Yes you can learn to defend or you can choose not to, just ask Nick Leddy or Jake Gardiner.
- paulr

I’m not close to the situation some of you guys probably are, I have a funny feeling that Bowman is going to go after Jake Gardiner, which I wouldn’t mind at all. Fresh start fresh team plus he still young enough. And by the way the Blackhawks have a Hall of Fame defenseman who is one of their ambassadors, hopefully Jeremy Colleton taps Into Chris Chelios for some help with these young kids.

Has anybody did any research as far as which way the Rangers are looking to go? From what I am hearing sounds like their mind is not made up and they could take the defenseman with the number 2 pick. They are keeping everyone guessing at this point .Then Kappo Kakko would fall right into Bowman’s lap. Personally that is what I am hoping for .
My only fear is that this kid Byrum Turns out to be the next Cam Barker instead of the next Drew Doughty or Brent Seabrook.
- wonthecup10

It would be a shock if they don't take one of Kakko or Hughes.

I’m not close to the situation some of you guys probably are, I have a funny feeling that Bowman is going to go after Jake Gardiner, which I wouldn’t mind at all. Fresh start fresh team plus he still young enough. And by the way the Blackhawks have a Hall of Fame defenseman who is one of their ambassadors, hopefully Jeremy Colleton taps Into Chris Chelios for some help with these young kids.
- wonthecup10

You will mind when you see how weak he is on the puck and his low level of compete then add to that a huge salary cap hit because he puts up very good offensive numbers. Look at it this way, Gardiner is no better than Gus defensively but puts up slightly better numbers. Acquiring Gardiner would be a huge mistake.

Has anybody did any research as far as which way the Rangers are looking to go? From what I am hearing sounds like their mind is not made up and they could take the defenseman with the number 2 pick. They are keeping everyone guessing at this point .Then Kappo Kakko would fall right into Bowman’s lap. Personally that is what I am hoping for .
My only fear is that this kid Byrum Turns out to be the next Cam Barker instead of the next Drew Doughty or Brent Seabrook.
- wonthecup10

The trouble is Byram could be the next Barker but Cozens, Dachs or Turcotte could be the next Beach. That's why Darth is all in for Caufield! He's bound for glory and will be the next Fleury!

Prince Albert eliminates Vancouver in OT tonight. Dante Hannoun (all 5’6” of him) scores the winner. Too bad for the Giants and Byram. The Hawks still have 3 prospects in the Memorial Cup.
- DarthKane

Caufield with the 3rd and then Hannoun with the 43rd. Git 'er done Blowman!

You will mind when you see how weak he is on the puck and his low level of compete then add to that a huge salary cap hit because he puts up very good offensive numbers. Look at it this way, Gardiner is no better than Gus defensively but outs up slightly better numbers. Acquiring Gardiner would be a huge mistake.
- paulr

Gus had 60 pts in 79 games last year vs Gardiner's 30 in 62. Gus is also a year younger and has a year left on his deal where Gardiner maybe gets a new deal in the $5-$6M range as a UFA this offseason?

Does Gardiner throw the occasional big hit or something? Other than being a bit taller and weighing a tad more than Gus, that's the only reason I would guess why Wonthecup would want him.

Gus had 60 pts in 79 games last year vs Gardiner's 30 in 62. Gus is also a year younger and has a year left on his deal where Gardiner maybe gets a new deal in the $5-$6M range as a UFA this offseason?

Does Gardiner throw the occasional big hit or something? Other than being a bit taller and weighing a tad more than Gus, that's the only reason I would guess why Wonthecup would want him.
- HawkintheD

Wonthecup hates weak players who don't complete. Gardiner is excellent when he has the puck on his stick and there is no forechecking pressure. Moderate to heavy forechecking he becomes a giveaway machine. He may lead the NHL in icing the puck because he panics. I have no idea why any Hawk fan would think Gardiner at $6M a season would be a good signing?

Has anybody did any research as far as which way the Rangers are looking to go? From what I am hearing sounds like their mind is not made up and they could take the defenseman with the number 2 pick. They are keeping everyone guessing at this point .Then Kappo Kakko would fall right into Bowman’s lap. Personally that is what I am hoping for .
My only fear is that this kid Byrum Turns out to be the next Cam Barker instead of the next Drew Doughty or Brent Seabrook.
- wonthecup10

I'm not so sure that Kakko gets past the Devils at #1.

I know that you do not like baseball, Bill, but you just tossed one heck of a big breaking curve ball. Or maybe a change up masterfully disguised because no one had ever mentioned this

Would the board comment upon this especially if you are in authority. I know someone who watches the gluten and is perfectly fine nearly 60 years old. Diabetes can worsen especially if you have it at a youthful age. But an athlete who takes care of himself is at low risk regarding these issues?

Will be curious to see if Kakko moves on draftsite.com rating.
- jhawk59

I’ve had Diabetes since I was 14 and played D1. Max Domi also has diabetes. IMO it’s more of an inconvenience.. as long as you are taking care of your body and mindful of what you eat.

Shouldn’t be a factor at all, but it’s a cool story for the type-1’s out there!

Wonthecup hates weak players who don't complete. Gardiner is excellent when he has the puck on his stick and there is no forechecking pressure. Moderate to heavy forechecking he becomes a giveaway machine. He may lead the NHL in icing the puck because he panics. I have no idea why any Hawk fan would think Gardiner at $6M a season would be a good signing?
- paulr

Also not mentioned is a little health issue - Gardiner has a bad back and missed significant time prior to the playoffs starting. I wouldn't touch him as a free agent if Santa Claus gave me the money.

I'm not so sure that Kakko gets past the Devils at #1.
- Rota's Rooter

Same. The fluff on Hughes has simmered leading up to Draft Day while Kakko continues to beast.

Also not mentioned is a little health issue - Gardiner has a bad back and missed significant time prior to the playoffs starting. I wouldn't touch him as a free agent if Santa Claus gave me the money.
- RickJ

His other health issues are he gets the playoff and Boston Bruin flu.

Not a single player left in the Stanley Cup playoffs makes more than an $8-million cap hit.

Gus had 60 pts in 79 games last year vs Gardiner's 30 in 62. Gus is also a year younger and has a year left on his deal where Gardiner maybe gets a new deal in the $5-$6M range as a UFA this offseason?

Does Gardiner throw the occasional big hit or something? Other than being a bit taller and weighing a tad more than Gus, that's the only reason I would guess why Wonthecup would want him.
- HawkintheD

Did you see the Toronto series with Boston ? Gardiner coughed the puck up so much Ludin's couldn't help him.

Same. The fluff on Hughes has simmered leading up to Draft Day while Kakko continues to beast.
- Assman22

I'm not so dismissive of Hughes. He's real good. This clip from yesterday's game shows why I really like Kakko. Hughes is defending Kakko well here and Kakko still retains possession.

https://twitter.com/aj_ra...tatus/1127957284284272640

I’ve had Diabetes since I was 14 and played D1. Max Domi also has diabetes. IMO it’s more of an inconvenience.. as long as you are taking care of your body and mindful of what you eat.

Shouldn’t be a factor at all, but it’s a cool story for the type-1’s out there!
- Q-stache

Bobby Clarke was a diabetic and hit a lot of opponents.

Not to mention Ron Santo....

Bobby Clarke was a diabetic and hit a lot of opponents.

Not to mention Ron Santo....
- StLBravesFan

Max Domi has type 1 diabetes, so did Nick Boynton

Caufield with the 3rd and then Hannoun with the 43rd. Git 'er done Blowman!
- HawkintheD

Hannoun - Caufield - DeBrincat... I line so small nobody will be able to see and/or catch them. Stan is just that far ahead of the curve.