To me, Gus is a little bit of a poor mans Karlsson, but will never be as dominant or hit that same peak or have so many seasons putting up production since he is already 26. I think that is all obvious and there is no way Gus commands money that matches what Karlsson is going to get.

That said, Gus proved a fair bit last season. He was 22nd in total Even Strength ice time for skaters in the league last year and 27th in average EVEN TOI per game. Keith was 9th and 16th in those same categories. Love him or hate him, Gus was our #2 guy on D last year overall. He won't be a shutdown guy, but if he is on the team when the season starts I don't see his usage changing unless something changes.
A youngster stepping up and earning more time or a trade happening. With Keith's age climbing, it is entirely possible that Gus will play more even strength minutes than Keith and lead the team in that regard. Once JC took over the team, Keith was 20:03 minutes even strength TOI and Gus was 19:33, with the next closest being Murphy at 17:22. I know quality of competition, deployment and special teams all factor into some arguments on who might be considered what on the blueline, but just saying for regular shifts that is how it played out.
- breadbag

I am not disagreeing with you..... But does anyone ever consider that Gus could get better offensively and defensively. He is 27. But he only has 155 games in the NHL. 41 games in 15/16. 35 games in 17/18. 79 games last year. His ATOI has gone from 15 min, to 18min, to 22 min in those 3 seasons. If he gets to 25 min his offensive numbers almost certainly could go up. Of course he does not get to 25 min unless his defense gets dramatically better. At the end of the year playing with Keith his D did look better. You never know.

Amen. At the end of the day, they know better than we do, and either way we are adding a very talented player to the pipeline. We’re fortunate to be picking where we are, so whoever is picked will have my blessing - which as we all know, Stan and Co. need

I’m fully on the Byram train though, and have been since it was made unlikely that the team takes Podkolzin.
- TommyHawk

Correct.

And it is not just Stan that is touting Turcotte. Read any other experienced and knowledgeable Draft Expert. Turcotte is almost always mentioned as the 3rd to 8th pick and an excellent NHL prospect. He would not be my preference. Kakko and Hughes not being available I would go with Byram, then Cozens or (dare I say) Podkolzin. But I would not flip out if Turcotte is the pick.

I don't think you are going to get a "blockbuster" signing unless they are able to move out some high salary player for picks/prospects. They have a bit of money available, but they need to make sure they don't overcommit to anything with ADB and Strome (and Kahun to a lesser extent) coming soon.

I think if anything is going to be in the "major" category, it will be via trade. There is a FAR outside chance that Seabrook or Keith might waive, but they have not given any indication that way thus far.

Running with that theme though, would anyone do a Seabrook for Eriksson swap with Vancouver? About the same cap hit and a few less years. Can probably hide LE easier than 7 as they age...
- Chunk

No because I don't see Vancouver doing that trade unless hawks add a something else.

Correct.

And it is not just Stan that is touting Turcotte. Read any other experienced and knowledgeable Draft Expert. Turcotte is almost always mentioned as the 3rd to 8th pick and an excellent NHL prospect. He would not be my preference. Kakko and Hughes not being available I would go with Byram, then Cozens or (dare I say) Podkolzin. But I would not flip out if Turcotte is the pick.
- -Doh-

Interesting that they released the resumes in alphabetical order.

Interesting that they released the resumes in alphabetical order.
- walleyeb1

I figured that was the plan once it was Byram and then Cozens...they didn't want anyone to read into it.

I am not disagreeing with you..... But does anyone ever consider that Gus could get better offensively and defensively. He is 27. But he only has 155 games in the NHL. 41 games in 15/16. 35 games in 17/18. 79 games last year. His ATOI has gone from 15 min, to 18min, to 22 min in those 3 seasons. If he gets to 25 min his offensive numbers almost certainly could go up. Of course he does not get to 25 min unless his defense gets dramatically better. At the end of the year playing with Keith his D did look better. You never know.
- -Doh-

It definitely isn't impossible, depending on his work ethic IMO. He can improve his game. Another area where I feel like it is shared responsibility with the player and the coaches. The player needs to have the commitment to do what he needs to do and the coaches have to give him the right direction/advice/support to make it happen. Some folks will come here and claim that Gus can't improve because of his age, but you hear some of the same people talk about Patrick Kane working hard and improving his game all the time. The experience Gus gained might help him solidify his spot.

Just noticed this on Friedman's feed regarding rules changes for next year:


Elliotte Friedman

The tiebreaker change as recommended by the Competition Committee is very interesting. It is likely the first tiebreaker will be wins in regulation, as opposed to Regulation and overtime.

Step in the right direction I think.
- Chunk

Agreed!

It sure does. No surprises really.

On Monday, I will have my Dylan Cozens article.

Then, I will have my final selection on Tuesday/Wednesday.

I am starting to hear a couple things on my end - I just want to validate the source before I say anything.

You guys and gals can expect a blog a day next week. My content calendar was already jammed... now there are some rumours trickling in.

This could get really fun.
- Tyler Cameron

Hey Tyler, thanks for doing all you do in running this blog. We as Hawks fans are fortunate to have you putting in the work day-in, day-out so the rest of us can stop by and commiserate with our 2 cents.

Your work is appreciated.

Hey Tyler, thanks for doing all you do in running this blog. We as Hawks fans are fortunate to have you putting in the work day-in, day-out so the rest of us can stop by and commiserate with our 2 cents.

Your work is appreciated.
- Chief4Feathers

Ill second that!!!!

I am not disagreeing with you..... But does anyone ever consider that Gus could get better offensively and defensively. He is 27. But he only has 155 games in the NHL. 41 games in 15/16. 35 games in 17/18. 79 games last year. His ATOI has gone from 15 min, to 18min, to 22 min in those 3 seasons. If he gets to 25 min his offensive numbers almost certainly could go up. Of course he does not get to 25 min unless his defense gets dramatically better. At the end of the year playing with Keith his D did look better. You never know.
- -Doh-

I believe there is more room for him to become more competent defensively - reaching a level of “average” as opposed to “deficient.” Offensively, I believe we’ve seen his level which is “good.”

No because I don't see Vancouver doing that trade unless hawks add a something else.
- Scott1977

Like swapping the 10th and 3rd pick and adding something still.

Now that trade probably doesn't entertain you as much but i'm not sure what would make the Canucks want to take on an anchor contract when they'll have a pile of young talent coming off of their ELC's over the next several seasons.

you guys see this one:
The Washington Capitals traded defenseman Matt Niskanen to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman Radko Gudas. The Flyers also retained 30 percent of Gudas' $3.35-million annual cap hit. He has one year remaining on his contract.

A lot of fans seem to think the islanders got a great deal on Eberle at $5.5 AAV yet suggest Saad is a cap dump at $6 AAV. This is why I would like Stan to not go crazy in the FA market... the overvaluing and overpaying of players is ridiculous.

you guys see this one:
The Washington Capitals traded defenseman Matt Niskanen to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman Radko Gudas. The Flyers also retained 30 percent of Gudas' $3.35-million annual cap hit. He has one year remaining on his contract.
- wiz1901

Caps are amassing quite a collection of Grade-A d-bags with Wilson and now Gudas.

Caps are amassing quite a collection of Grade-A d-bags with Wilson and now Gudas.
- Chief4Feathers

but think of all of their glorious cap space

It"s been a long time.
The waiting is the hardest part
I won't back down
Else i'll be free fallin'

Re: the #3 choice is so good; we are so fortunate to have it so please do not blow it Stan

The lines above refer to songs:
Line one abbreviation BOSTON
The other lines: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

One of the all time great albums Boston
Tom Petty had some good music too

Less than two weeks away is draft day.
Comes the point of no return (Kansas)
Cozens, Turcotte, Byram the flavors on this board

Just thinking of some dmen might be available
Hickey: NYI; think Billy Joel "Piano Man"
Wishful thinking would be a Carolina dman
Comes to mind
High Tides and Green Grass "Outlaws"

I like many kinds of music but '70's was my growing up years and music was.....music before it started to change. That is some of the popular top hits back then. Maybe Outlaws were '80's.

Correct.

And it is not just Stan that is touting Turcotte. Read any other experienced and knowledgeable Draft Expert. Turcotte is almost always mentioned as the 3rd to 8th pick and an excellent NHL prospect. He would not be my preference. Kakko and Hughes not being available I would go with Byram, then Cozens or (dare I say) Podkolzin. But I would not flip out if Turcotte is the pick.
- -Doh-

That is exactly how I rate them. I hesitate though if i go Zegras before Podlolzin. I believe that Dach and Broberg would be excellent value picks around #10. From what everyone says i guess Boldy too around #10. Take a goaltender before pick #15 might pay off too

I personally think it is Kelly and Bowman decided between: Cozens, Turcotte, Byram. And initially a couple months ago i bet that Dach and Podlolzin were under consideration. This omits Zegras; he is not the type forward the team is in dire need to add

That is exactly how I rate them. I hesitate though if i go Zegras before Podlolzin. I believe that Dach and Broberg would be excellent value picks around #10. From what everyone says i guess Boldy too around #10. Take a goaltender before pick #15 might pay off too

I personally think it is Kelly and Bowman decided between: Cozens, Turcotte, Byram. And initially a couple months ago i bet that Dach and Podlolzin were under consideration. This omits Zegras; he is not the type forward the team is in dire need to add
- jhawk59

I have them ranked below but Byram and Cozens is a coin toss for me.

1. Bowen Byram
2. Dylan Cozens
3. Kirby Dach
4. Alex Turcotte
5. Trevor Zegras

It"s been a long time.
The waiting is the hardest part
I won't back down
Else i'll be free fallin'

Re: the #3 choice is so good; we are so fortunate to have it so please do not blow it Stan

The lines above refer to songs:
Line one abbreviation BOSTON
The other lines: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

One of the all time great albums Boston
Tom Petty had some good music

Less than two weeks away is draft day.
Comes the point of no return (Kansas)
Cozens, Turcotte, Byram the flavors on this board

Just thinking of some dmen might be available
Hickey: NYI; think Billy Joel "Piano Man"
Wishful thinking would be a Carolina dman
Comes to mind
High Tides and Green Grass "Outlaws"

I like many kinds of music but '70's was my growing up years and music was.....music before it started to change. That is some of the popular top hits back then. Maybe Outlaws were '80's.
- jhawk59

You have Too Much Time On Your Hands (Styx -Illinois band)

You have Too Much Time On Your Hands (Styx -Illinois band)

- LAHawk

Good call
No more music references likely
I had that one song The Waiting is the Hardest part stuck with me today when i thought about who Bowman selects

Good call
No more music references likely
I had that one song The Waiting is the Hardest part stuck with me today when i thought about who Bowman selects
- jhawk59

Petty was one of my favorites, The Waiting the way they did it live was Epic.

Good call
No more music references likely
I had that one song The Waiting is the Hardest part stuck with me today when i thought about who Bowman selects
- jhawk59

And Styx played at my high school and some members and long time roadie lived in town: their earliest days.

And Styx played at my high school and some members and long time roadie lived in town: their earliest days.
- jhawk59

Use to watch them practice in their garage when they were still TW4. All time favorite is Earl of Roseland for obvious reasons.

Good call
No more music references likely
I had that one song The Waiting is the Hardest part stuck with me today when i thought about who Bowman selects
- jhawk59

When I think of Blowman, I think of even the losers get lucky sometimes.

Use to watch them practice in their garage when they were still TW4. All time favorite is Earl of Roseland for obvious reasons.
- walleyeb1

The era when Rock and Roll part 2 was used as a goal song until Gary Glitter was convicted of child sex abuse