Lundell just doesn't strike me as a Kelley type of pick in that spot. I think they go with someone with a higher ceiling,
- Elbows15

This kid plays like a man now. He is strong enough for the NHL now. He reportedly is good in the dot. Their scouts determine if he is too slow. He might benefit from professional skating tips and practice in the summer months..Overall he is safe pick and no surprise iif taken even before 9th

But reality is that SOME teams go with what Elbows says and some go with my aforementioned

The $64,000 question from a bygone era is now the $6.4 mill question today due inflation. Maybe St Louis Brave fan can propose the best dollar figurre for big decisions mulled over nowadays

Lundell just doesn't strike me as a Kelley type of pick in that spot. I think they go with someone with a higher ceiling,
- Elbows15

No, he isn't. I personally he is just the GUY that right now is #9 if team Wiz selected every time.

But as I said before there are teams that might take him earlier because he is so safe by way of his strong positioning...you look at the tabs reaching for the Finn Kotkaniemi...no one is begrudging a team that feels they need a safe guy no matter if he doesn't has big time flash... teams alway take centres...Barrett Hayton...and for that matter you COULD have argues that Jonathan Toews was that too until he won a Cup at 22 and was the youngest captain and the like...

If you really want me to go out on the line this early with what my opinion of what they need/do, I would say they will see FAST, strong legs, and elite attacking skills in that order.

I think they will focus on forward and that they like Holloway because he is leg driver with upside playing any position up and down the lineup eventually, , wouldn't flinch if the top 9 teams let a centre like Byfield drop to them at 9,and Byfield wants to BE a centre, just saying,
that they would take
Tim Stützle in a heartbeat because etc kid simply plays fast and will be a wing and not cry about it if you have no room at C,
and anyone of the winger prospects but I just am nit so sure how they view them.
I love Rossi because he pays attention in Junior to detail defensively but he looks like a centre to me, and I just dont think they would look past his goals totals to someone else because he would have to have to fit as a winger too, but he might!
The Swedes cooled to me, and I really think Cole Perfetti IS a no fail selection who succeeds because he so freaking smart with the puck like Kane was in junior.
and back to the Swedes - they have elite gifts too, but the one is Marner size, and that isn't bad except I am not so sure he is as Kane like as Cole is, and thatis based on all the games were Perfetti WAS the man most shifts...And ...
Connoir Zary might could be a winger, but he was the engine that made his team go at Centre...(hawk logjam)
Mavrik Bourque projets as a centre only imo too
And the Russian kid Rodion Amirov, he could get picked before the Russian goalie too...
I think he is better than Jack Quinn the newest flavor of the month based on his point totals, but I heard from a friend a team ahead of the Hawks likes him too (how true I dunno)
You can see why a have Quinn where he is after reading what I wrote...Mercer is no slouch either...

This kid plays like a man now. He is strong enough for the NHL now. He reportedly is good in the dot. Their scouts determine if he is too slow. He might benefit from professional skating tips and practice in the summer months..Overall he is safe pick and no surprise iif taken even before 9th

But reality is that SOME teams go with what Elbows says and some go with my aforementioned

The $64,000 question from a bygone era is now the $6.4 mill question today due inflation. Maybe St Louis Brave fan can propose the best dollar figurre for big decisions mulled over nowadays
- jhawk59

Agree with Wiz in that a few draftees currently projected in the teens or even 20s will go top 10 and vice versa. I could see Sanderson, Holloway, and/or Mercer taken top 10.

Lundell could possibly be one of those in the latter group, projected in the 5-10 range but could go in the teens instead as an almost sure-fire 3C with question marks as 2C.

While not the worst thing if the Hawks took Lundell at 9th, he may not necessarily be BPA at that spot.

Would love for Raymond to be passed over for the Hawks to nab. Or take Mercer if he does prove to be top 10 material.

I DID fix that Lundell birthday...I dunno what happened...I fixed it aagin now...oh and Tyler sorry I hijacked the board yet again.

But at least this time I kinda sounded in someways intelligent...

Live
From Russia
The NHL Entry Draft
It is Chicago Blackhawks turn
Stan Bowman in a head to knee length furry parka suitable for The cold tundra in Russia, hands the microphone over to the grillmaster 'Rocky Witz- ov'
Rocky was grilling burgers and is similarly attired
"The Chicago Blackhawks are.pround to select Askarov"

Back home Trump.tweets." BTW that Chicago pick could have been a made in America or even Canada
Saturday night live skit would feature the Trump.impersonator actor mimicing the selection with "Living in America" by James Brown glaring in the background

Seriously I am fine with Askarov or Lundell because I trust Kelly has thoroughly done his homework for this glamourous pick.

But there will need to be a new advertising from the McDonough replacement

No, he isn't. I personally he is just the GUY that right now is #9 if team Wiz selected every time.

But as I said before there are teams that might take him earlier because he is so safe by way of his strong positioning...you look at the tabs reaching for the Finn Kotkaniemi...no one is begrudging a team that feels they need a safe guy no matter if he doesn't has big time flash... teams alway take centres...Barrett Hayton...and for that matter you COULD have argues that Jonathan Toews was that too until he won a Cup at 22 and was the youngest captain and the like...

If you really want me to go out on the line this early with what my opinion of what they need/do, I would say they will see FAST, strong legs, and elite attacking skills in that order.

I think they will focus on forward and that they like Holloway because he is leg driver with upside playing any position up and down the lineup eventually, , wouldn't flinch if the top 9 teams let a centre like Byfield drop to them at 9,and Byfield wants to BE a centre, just saying,
that they would take
Tim Stützle in a heartbeat because etc kid simply plays fast and will be a wing and not cry about it if you have no room at C,
and anyone of the winger prospects but I just am nit so sure how they view them.
I love Rossi because he pays attention in Junior to detail defensively but he looks like a centre to me, and I just dont think they would look past his goals totals to someone else because he would have to have to fit as a winger too, but he might!
The Swedes cooled to me, and I really think Cole Perfetti IS a no fail selection who succeeds because he so freaking smart with the puck like Kane was in junior.
and back to the Swedes - they have elite gifts too, but the one is Marner size, and that isn't bad except I am not so sure he is as Kane like as Cole is, and thatis based on all the games were Perfetti WAS the man most shifts...And ...
Connoir Zary might could be a winger, but he was the engine that made his team go at Centre...(hawk logjam)
Mavrik Bourque projets as a centre only imo too
And the Russian kid Rodion Amirov, he could get picked before the Russian goalie too...
I think he is better than Jack Quinn the newest flavor of the month based on his point totals, but I heard from a friend a team ahead of the Hawks likes him too (how true I dunno)
You can see why a have Quinn where he is after reading what I wrote...Mercer is no slouch either...
- wiz1901

Great stuff, Wiz.

Wouldn't mind Perfetti at all at 9th. Strong for his size and not shy of the rough go of things. Is he more of a playmaker like Zegras or a finisher like Cozens?

I like Zary and Bourque with great middle 6 potential, maybe 3rd line more so than 2nd. Strong, smart 200-foot games with offensive skill, too.

The Russian wingers Amirov and Ponomaryov are intriguing with their relentless energy to get after the puck in all zones. Skill and tenacity without slouching on defense are inticing.

As for Quinn versus Mercer, I take Mercer hands down. Just my interpretation but Quinn reminds me too much of Skille and Morin: great goal scorer but benefits from the work of others.

Mercer works for every inch of ice, drives the net hard, and elevates his teammates.

ESPN had the cherry pit spitting championship on the other day....
- Chunk

And I missed it? Dammit

No, he isn't. I personally he is just the GUY that right now is #9 if team Wiz selected every time.

But as I said before there are teams that might take him earlier because he is so safe by way of his strong positioning...you look at the tabs reaching for the Finn Kotkaniemi...no one is begrudging a team that feels they need a safe guy no matter if he doesn't has big time flash... teams alway take centres...Barrett Hayton...and for that matter you COULD have argues that Jonathan Toews was that too until he won a Cup at 22 and was the youngest captain and the like...

If you really want me to go out on the line this early with what my opinion of what they need/do, I would say they will see FAST, strong legs, and elite attacking skills in that order.

I think they will focus on forward and that they like Holloway because he is leg driver with upside playing any position up and down the lineup eventually, , wouldn't flinch if the top 9 teams let a centre like Byfield drop to them at 9,and Byfield wants to BE a centre, just saying,
that they would take
Tim Stützle in a heartbeat because etc kid simply plays fast and will be a wing and not cry about it if you have no room at C,
and anyone of the winger prospects but I just am nit so sure how they view them.
I love Rossi because he pays attention in Junior to detail defensively but he looks like a centre to me, and I just dont think they would look past his goals totals to someone else because he would have to have to fit as a winger too, but he might!
The Swedes cooled to me, and I really think Cole Perfetti IS a no fail selection who succeeds because he so freaking smart with the puck like Kane was in junior.
and back to the Swedes - they have elite gifts too, but the one is Marner size, and that isn't bad except I am not so sure he is as Kane like as Cole is, and thatis based on all the games were Perfetti WAS the man most shifts...And ...
Connoir Zary might could be a winger, but he was the engine that made his team go at Centre...(hawk logjam)
Mavrik Bourque projets as a centre only imo too
And the Russian kid Rodion Amirov, he could get picked before the Russian goalie too...
I think he is better than Jack Quinn the newest flavor of the month based on his point totals, but I heard from a friend a team ahead of the Hawks likes him too (how true I dunno)
You can see why a have Quinn where he is after reading what I wrote...Mercer is no slouch either...
- wiz1901

I can't see Byfield falling that far. Stranger things have happened. Hard to argue with Perfitti's hands and vision. His speed is okay-ish but he does have nice short area quickness and decent lateral movements.

I would be thrilled with Holloway, Quinn or even Sanderson(he has grown on me of late). Mercer has Panarin hands in tight. My issue with with Mercer is he tends to not find his mates enough.

If Holtz, Raymond or Rossi are there at 9, you make that pick and don't overthink it,

If the pick for the Hawks were between 12-20, I would take Lundell all day in those spots.

I want more upside in a Top 10 pick, Comes with a higher bust factor but in the Top 10, I am trying for game changers.

It wouldn't shock me if Quinn ends up being a Top 5 talent in a re-draft a few seasons from now. I think he gets undervalued because he played with Rossi.

It wouldn't shock me if Quinn ends up being a Top 5 talent in a re-draft a few seasons from now. I think he gets undervalued because he played with Rossi.
- Elbows15

Please, just because I see Quinn not cracking that top ten doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

Jack Quinn basically basically grew up, and blew up his game this season, and just because I say it had a lot to to with Rossi being big part of the that success, it isn't Rossi who played so. such bigger when he got filled out and taller.
That is the thing, 18 year old draftees are incredibly difficult to judge since the pro game is so demanding and lots is tied to what the kid makes of himself...look at saner...sure, he had these gifts and of course they were brought to light by practice practice practice in junior but then he gets here, could easily been satisfied with his abilities, but you see him STILL working like pro to her a pro...Marc Giordano's are the results you hope the 18 yr kid you draft becomes in effort and work ethic...so who is to sy the upward track Jack Quinn is riding isn't one that he works him into a future top five 2020 NHL reDraft?

Please, just because I see Quinn not cracking that top ten doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

Jack Quinn basically basically grew up, and blew up his game this season, and just because I say it had a lot to to with Rossi being big part of the that success, it isn't Rossi who played so. such bigger when he got filled out and taller.
That is the thing, 18 year old draftees are incredibly difficult to judge since the pro game is so demanding and lots is tied to what the kid makes of himself...look at saner...sure, he had these gifts and of course they were brought to light by practice practice practice in junior but then he gets here, could easily been satisfied with his abilities, but you see him STILL working like pro to her a pro...Marc Giordano's are the results you hope the 18 yr kid you draft becomes in effort and work ethic...so who is to sy the upward track Jack Quinn is riding isn't one that he works him into a future top five 2020 NHL reDraft?
- wiz1901

I wasn't referring to anything you have mentioned regarding Quinn benefiting from playing with Rossi, I have seen it mentioned in a few other places. Is it a legitimate concern? Probably. My opinion of Quinn comes from me watching vids of his games.

You could say that about every kid to be drafted. They are 18, Kids mature at different rates. At the end of the day, it is an inexact process. Except for the rare cases.

I think you are agreeing with me in your last sentence. IDK. I just see a lot to like.

I wasn't referring to anything you have mentioned regarding Quinn benefiting from playing with Rossi, I have seen it mentioned in a few other places. Is it a legitimate concern? Probably. My opinion of Quinn comes from me watching vids of his games.

You could say that about every kid to be drafted. They are 18, Kids mature at different rates. At the end of the day, it is an inexact process. Except for the rare cases.

I think you are agreeing with me in your last sentence. IDK. I just see a lot to like.
- Elbows15

yes agreeing with ya'...

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there, especially Breadman's 35 year old girlfriend!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there, I'll leave out Breadman's 21 year old girlfriend!
- tvetter

Fixed, you mother ...

This kid plays like a man now. He is strong enough for the NHL now. He reportedly is good in the dot. Their scouts determine if he is too slow. He might benefit from professional skating tips and practice in the summer months..Overall he is safe pick and no surprise iif taken even before 9th
- jhawk59

The guy has played nearly two full seasons with mens in the FEL and he has been VERY GOOD at 16 and 17. I quite dont understand where people get that his roof is 2C...and that he would somehow be a safe bet instead of great...he is a big talent and his roof is very much undetermined at this point, IMO.

Lundell just doesn't strike me as a Kelley type of pick in that spot. I think they go with someone with a higher ceiling,
- Elbows15

Holtz if he drops to the hawks would be my pick.

Holtz if he drops to the hawks would be my pick.
- Scott1977

You misspelled Askarov.

I DID fix that Lundell birthday...I dunno what happened...I fixed it aagin now...oh and Tyler sorry I hijacked the board yet again.

But at least this time I kinda sounded in someways intelligent...
- wiz1901

Haha. It's all good Wiz.

Hijacks are welcome anytime!!

You misspelled Askarov.
- DarthKane

- oldduffman

All I know is that there seems to be a lot of talented kids available this draft. We should be able to get a good one to add to our rebuild, but sorry guys, not a fan of drafting a goalie with a top ten pick.

All I know is that there seems to be a lot of talented kids available this draft. We should be able to get a good one to add to our rebuild, but sorry guys, not a fan of drafting a goalie with a top ten pick.
- Angotti

It nice to get a good player ,but I want them to get a Great player .Askarov has that potential .

You misspelled Askarov.
- DarthKane

Dam spell check

You misspelled Askarov.
- DarthKane

He’d be a great late second/early third round pickup!

Holtz if he drops to the hawks would be my pick.
- Scott1977

Let me tell you what a Kelly type of pick is. And how to maybe tune in on his brain wave insofar as drafting a Lundell. But first I segue to the Kelly type of thing he continues to look for.

First of all, with a (hopefully) top ten pick you should be drafting skill player.

Now you saw what coaching staff tried to extract out of Forsling. Remember him..Best among dmen on the team in fast or quick reaction/decisions when playing at a high speed or say a speed game. This doesn't mean he will always make the best decisions but he is capable. Certainly lots goes into being a quality good dman. We saw that Forsling was not yet ready for the NHL but from Bowman to Q they hoped his overall game would improve. It was trial under fire so to speak. They had a special talent. But he did not work out.

Whether you can blame U Samuelson, ast coach, for any of the failed experiment is sort of pointless. The team needed better coaching and more of the correct players on defense and at forward willing to be responsible. And the talent level wasn't good enough , deep enough.

Even if everything was in place insofar as the talent and responsibility surrounding Forsling, he was too often hesitant with checking and lacked confidance. He should have been placed with proper coaching in the AHL for one or two years. See if he develops, even gains an breath of confidance. Who knows how he had fared since his departure from Chicago

So all of that just to point out how the idea with Kelly continues to be to drafting skill players whom you would hope have the ability to play at a fast pace. If they have size all the better because that is what they ideally can select - skill size and btw great if they have an edge to their game but really want them to be able to execute skill in a speed game.

That is what the league continues to trend towards. Not that your entire defense had to be that way. St Louis had a great balance on defense last two seasons. But more and more - you shall see with Chicago if Bowman is still around - majority of dmen are mobile puck movers and some have top end skill.

So if you draft a forward, you cannot pass on a great talent whom falls into your lap. But you want to select players with size edginess/willing to throw a check and some grittiness + you desire that playing at high speed: it is not like this combination exists in spades BUT with a top ten you want to grab someone who is going to have the qualities trending in the game. This is going to be a core player. Your expectations should be such

Now does Lundell possess all of that. Well the scouts see he does a number of things well. Skating may be a tad exaggerated - not a bad skater, could improve his skating? This debate over a #2 or #3 center is blown out of proportion. His success for two years playing against men is an indication that he is close to NHL ready.

Lundell will make his line much better. Does Chicago NEED a player who can willingly play physical, complete a pass or score and btw reportedly is a good face off man. In the top nine. Of course yes he could be a big impact given what we have. Especially if the large size churning down the wing Saad does leave.

Now either your scouts are really sold on him as a permanent top 6 or a tweener.. Either way he could really help Chicago

He may not exactly have this playing at speed thing in spades. But he excites MOST of the scouts. I have heard that he could easily go top 5 from a trusted anonymous source. Not that it is guaranteed...But do not discount him too much because he is a value pick wherever he goes.

And I missed it? Dammit
- Elbows15

S'ok. You can catch the Johnsonville Cornhole Championships-Cornhole Mania Singles Championship on ESPNews right now.

Holtz if he drops to the hawks would be my pick.
- Scott1977

I covered that in previous post. If he or Raymond are there at 9, you take them and don't look back. Rossi, too.

I don't think any of them will be there at 9