No love for Beaudin in Traverse City? I thought he looked like a solid 2 way defender that could spend some time in Chicago this season.
- -Doh-

Beaudin as well as Krys are both doing fine, using Q speak. They are playing decent defense. Not spectacular but not crapping the bed either. A full year of pro experience will do them good.

Both are excellent skaters, use active sticks, pass very well, and have great hockey sense. They are steadily improving at gap control and using their bodies to create separation. Neither are physical so separating with a simple bump or hip check would be good weapons to have in their defensive arsenal.

Besides Boqvist, I would agree with others that Moberg is standing out.

Of the other free agent prospects and ones on AHL deals at the tournament, most of them are just playing to keep up so not going to end up impressing much: Josling, McKay, Purboo, Coughlin, and Ryczek.

Josling scored the Hawks first goal vs. the Leafs but that was lucky on his part as Kurashev did 99% of the work and he just happened to be at the right place at the right time to clean up loose change.

McLaughlin has good defensive awareness and supports his mates. Skates well and has some decent offensive skill. He could be a good middle 6 forward in the AHL but don't really see him as anything more than a career minor leaguer.

Ramsey as the converted forward to D-man is acquitting himself decently in this position transition. But like McLaughlin, I see him as a career minor leaguer as well.

Nurse hasn't played yet.

Extend him now for vet minimum. He might take it.
- Assman22

He reminds me of Kaepernick without the bad drama or Tebow without the good drama. Either way he sucks and doesn't need drama.

Beaudin as well as Krys are both doing fine, using Q speak. They are playing decent defense. Not spectacular but not crapping the bed either. A full year of pro experience will do them good.

Both are excellent skaters, use active sticks, pass very well, and have great hockey sense. They are steadily improving at gap control and using their bodies to create separation. Neither are physical so separating with a simple bump or hip check would be good weapons to have in their defensive arsenal.

Besides Boqvist, I would agree with others that Moberg is standing out.
- AEL_Fox

In game 1, like many others, Beaudin had a really strong game offensively. Fast and clean entries and went in with a purpose (i.e. not just getting in the zone and not knowing how he wanted to attack). He had a number of nice plays breaking up entries as well.

Of the other free agent prospects and ones on AHL deals at the tournament, most of them are just playing to keep up so not going to end up impressing much: Josling, McKay, Purboo, Coughlin, and Ryczek.

Josling scored the Hawks first goal vs. the Leafs but that was lucky on his part as Kurashev did 99% of the work and he just happened to be at the right place at the right time to clean up loose change.

McLaughlin has good defensive awareness and supports his mates. Skates well and has some decent offensive skill. He could be a good middle 6 forward in the AHL but don't really see him as anything more than a career minor leaguer.

Ramsey as the converted forward to D-man is acquitting himself decently in this position transition. But like McLaughlin, I see him as a career minor leaguer as well.

Nurse hasn't played yet.
- AEL_Fox

I'm not discounting your point at all, but some would call the bolded a skill in and of itself.

No love for Beaudin in Traverse City? I thought he looked like a solid 2 way defender that could spend some time in Chicago this season.
- -Doh-

Agreed!

great defensive stick work and positioning and didn't have the possession turnovers that Krys did when he started his carries out of their end.

Ok, good enough for me. Fairies wear boots.
- mohel

or they wear nothing at all

UPDATE:

@BenPopeCST
Dach and Boqvist not playing tonight in Traverse City. Hawks are already mathematically eliminated from championship contention with one group stage game to go (vs. Blues, 4:30pm CT).

--

The Hawks are 1-1 but the Red Wings and Leafs finish with more points than CHI thus eliminating them from a shot at the Championship.

In game 1, like many others, Beaudin had a really strong game offensively. Fast and clean entries and went in with a purpose (i.e. not just getting in the zone and not knowing how he wanted to attack). He had a number of nice plays breaking up entries as well.
- Chunk

Yes, others on Friday commented on how impressive of a game Beaudin had. Between he and Krys, Beaudin is the stronger puck carrier in terms of making clean transitions, zone entries, and simple, smart plays. In the 2nd game, Beaudin was quieter but not less effective.

Krys in comparison, and as Wiz pointed out, sometimes does too much and creates turnovers. At least he attempts to defend, though, so those gaffs can be coached out of him. Boqvist to a similar degree, too, which is better than what we see from Gustafsson.

I'm not discounting your point at all, but some would call the bolded a skill in and of itself.
- Chunk

Great point and would agree. If he can show a consistent nose for the net and skill at generating scoring chances from in close, then that would give him something attractive for coaches to consider.

UPDATE:

@BenPopeCST
Dach and Boqvist not playing tonight in Traverse City. Hawks are already mathematically eliminated from championship contention with one group stage game to go (vs. Blues, 4:30pm CT).

--

The Hawks are 1-1 but the Red Wings and Leafs finish with more points than CHI thus eliminating them from a shot at the Championship.
- Tyler Cameron

Pffff... another Bowman fail.

Pffff... another Bowman fail.
- Chief4Feathers

Colliton, too.

Colliton, too.
- mohel

But Colliton is a Bowman fail....

I like Highmore's game, too. Endless motor, fast, defensively aware, some offensive skills. Not physical but can bring an agitating style. Could be a great 4th liner, maybe even more skilled than Kampf, IMO.

In a few years, Reese Johnson could be the heir apparent to replace Kampf if he continues to trend up. Not as fast as Highmore but really strong defensively as well as on faceoffs and the forecheck. Agitating and physical game as well.
- AEL_Fox

In a few years??? What is with the Kampf love? Johnson (and anyone else) is ready to replace the amazing David Kampf's 4 goals, 15 assists, -6 and significant time on the league's worst PK right now!

So I assume that the stream for today's game is blocked out in Canada.

After reading Tyler's post and the comments, Ima go out on a limb and say, "Damn, the Central Division is gonna be a (rhymes with 'witch')!!

In a few years??? What is with the Kampf love? Johnson (and anyone else) is ready to replace the amazing David Kampf's 4 goals, 15 assists, -6 and significant time on the league's worst PK right now!
- BMWChiFan

Kampf makes more than Perlini for his 4 goals he must be good.

In a few years??? What is with the Kampf love? Johnson (and anyone else) is ready to replace the amazing David Kampf's 4 goals, 15 assists, -6 and significant time on the league's worst PK right now!
- BMWChiFan

I wouldn't mind that at all if Johnson or even Highmore supplanted Kampf in the next year. Don't hate Kampf but he does have limited upside offensively. Whoever can play a shutdown role and tilt the ice effectively has my vote so we shall see.

Fight between McKay and a Blues prospect. Whoever that Blues player was should have stopped throwing 3 more punches after McKay hit the deck.

They're also playing Chelsea Dagger after Blackhawk goals (don't recall that in the other games). I believe Teply scored the 1st goal.

Teply scores again with a rebound goal after a breakaway attempt by Hakkarainen.

Fight between McKay and a Blues prospect. Whoever that Blues player was should have stopped throwing 3 more punches after McKay hit the deck.

They're also playing Chelsea Dagger after Blackhawk goals (don't recall that in the other games). I believe Teply scored the 1st goal.

Teply scores again with a rebound goal after a breakaway attempt by Hakkarainen.
- AEL_Fox

just tuned in...how we looking? score?

just tuned in...how we looking? score?
- glennjpawlak22

2-0 Hawks over Blues, I think (I missed the first few minutes and haven't seen the scoreboard). 1st just ended.

Soderlund really strong on the puck again today. Always buzzing wherever the puck is, protects it well when carrying it, and never backs down from physicality. He's not a passive player, loves to be involved in the action.

Teply has some decent vision making crisp passes and a few in tight spaces or quickly with pressing coverage.

Gilbert and Moberg are a D pair. That's a duo with considerable size and strength. By no means fast but some agility.

Moberg reminds me of Sopel or Rozsival with his lanky frame and awkward skating.

Why is how many goals scored a defining characteristic of a 4th line center? Kampf is a better player than Perlini, in my book. If Perlini can put it all together for a full season, I'll eat my words. I won't hold my breath though. Johnson, I have no clue how he will be, so I'll reserve any judgment on him.

Why is how many goals scored a defining characteristic of a 4th line center? Kampf is a better player than Perlini, in my book. If Perlini can put it all together for a full season, I'll eat my words. I won't hold my breath though. Johnson, I have no clue how he will be, so I'll reserve any judgment on him.
- I Am The Breadman

You're wrong, Breadman! Points are the only thing that matters! (Red font)

Hagel and Soderlund are the best forwards today, IMO.

Nice play by Hagel early in the 2nd to split the D with a drive up the middle for a scoring chance. Not a clean breakaway but showed considerable poise and skill. He's been noticeable every shift busting his tail off to create chances.

An example of Soderlund's hustle and fearlessness: he chased his own dump-in then threw a hit against the end boards to take a Blues defender out of the play and immediately jumped back in to the play.

I like Hakkarainen's skating and agility. He's got some offensive skills but don't think that necessarily translates to middle 6 forward potential (definitely not top 6). Instead I see bottom 6 this year as he starts his pro career in Rockford.