Random fact: Jake Sanderson's dad Geoff is the cousin of Sheldon and Wade Brookbank. Everyone knows Sheldon is an assistant coach but Wade is a pro scout within the Hawks organization.
- AEL_Fox

That is very interesting fact .Sanderson seems to be climbing in recent draft boards .I imagine if Sanderson is there the HAWKS would select him .

Congrats Hossa!!! Well deserved!

That is very interesting fact .Sanderson seems to be climbing in recent draft boards .I imagine if Sanderson is there the HAWKS would select him .
- oldduffman

Sanderson is a fine pick after 15. He is not a top 10 pick. I feel there just isn't enough offensive upside to warrant being taken that high.
I don't think the Hawks take him if he is there and they pick at #9. My feeling is they will go center/forward with a high ceiling in that spot.

I am going to ask this simply because I hear a lot about how good this kid is without actually knowing anything about him other than where he was drafted...

Let's assume the Hawks are sitting at #9 with 2-3 forwards with some offensive potential sitting there. Also assuming that EDM would be willing to do it, would you trade the pick for Pujlujarvi? Theoretically, he would be closer to NHL ready, no?

I am going to ask this simply because I hear a lot about how good this kid is without actually knowing anything about him other than where he was drafted...

Let's assume the Hawks are sitting at #9 with 2-3 forwards with some offensive potential sitting there. Also assuming that EDM would be willing to do it, would you trade the pick for Pujlujarvi? Theoretically, he would be closer to NHL ready, no?
- Chunk

I am not doing that. JP has some tools but nowhere to put them. If you get my meaning.

I am not doing that. JP has some tools but nowhere to put them. If you get my meaning.
- Elbows15

That's why I was asking. I've seen lots of trade proposals for him in the past, but I neve knew much about him. There are also a few articles that keep extolling his positives, so I figured I'd ask.

Grazie!

I am going to ask this simply because I hear a lot about how good this kid is without actually knowing anything about him other than where he was drafted...

Let's assume the Hawks are sitting at #9 with 2-3 forwards with some offensive potential sitting there. Also assuming that EDM would be willing to do it, would you trade the pick for Pujlujarvi? Theoretically, he would be closer to NHL ready, no?
- Chunk

I would guess it is more likely a team drops to a lower first round pick, so exchange first round picks. But at #9 I favor drafting someone and not moving down just to acquire Puhljarvi.. I believe there are teams interested, but two of those teams draft way too early (Detroit & Ottawa). You make a good 9bse5vati9n though and I would not be surprised if teams inquire and a trade does happen. One monkey wrench here however is that if Puhljarvi plays well next season in the NHL, his team needs to protect him from expansion draft

Sanderson is a fine pick after 15. He is not a top 10 pick. I feel there just isn't enough offensive upside to warrant being taken that high.
I don't think the Hawks take him if he is there and they pick at #9. My feeling is they will go center/forward with a high ceiling in that spot.
- Elbows15

Well he has good size and say his skating is strong and he did put up points in the 2nd half last year . He not my favorite but some scouts are really getting behind him as the best defenseman in the draft, All that and some family ties could lead to another D man prospect for the HAWKS . We shall see sometime in the future .#Askarov !!

Rare footage of how Hossa would get ready for games:

It’s official, HOSSA IS A HALL OF FAMER!
- DarthKane

You mean Kubalik heavy.

Or how about keeping Leddy, Tuevo, Panarin, Danault. That is $22.5 million in AAV salary. Where does that money come from? Remember you need to at least dress 20 for a game.
- LAHawk

Getting poor return on all 4 of those is probably a bigger problem.

Question for anyone who knows. I thought Hossa was still under contract to Arizona, yes/no?? If he is, how is he able to be elected to the HOF at this time? Doesn't the NHL have a minimum amount of time you must be out of the game?? Thanks
- BobP.

ESPN article says Hossa and Pronger only two to get in while under contract because they have been out for three years.

That's why I was asking. I've seen lots of trade proposals for him in the past, but I neve knew much about him. There are also a few articles that keep extolling his positives, so I figured I'd ask.

Grazie!
- Chunk

I would take a flyer on him for a mid round pick plus a C level prospect like maybe Sikura/Krys type.

JP did have a good season in the KHL. Even when he was highly touted in his draft season, it was Aho doing the heavy lifting.

Well he has good size and say his skating is strong and he did put up points in the 2nd half last year . He not my favorite but some scouts are really getting behind him as the best defenseman in the draft, All that and some family ties could lead to another D man prospect for the HAWKS . We shall see sometime in the future .#Askarov !!
- oldduffman

Drysdale is the best D-man in this draft by far. IMO, Sanderson is getting a push because it is not really a good draft for D-men.

Keith Gretzky has some family ties too.lol

Drysdale is the best D-man in this draft by far. IMO, Sanderson is getting a push because it is not really a good draft for D-men.

Keith Gretzky has some family ties too.lol
- Elbows15

I believe that wiz explained how Sanderson can make plays at speed Which is highly desired in the trend conscious NHL. Just need to develop more than Forsling whom had the skill at speed too

Sanderson improvement last season has maybe convinced some scouts he is a rising star to be. Does he play either side on defense?

Anyway I have always hated the non prototypical offensive quarterback that Keith is. I see Drysdale strong skating strong all around game and especially that he projects as a descent not sucks defensively. He is close to NHL ready

If you fret about Boqvist concussions and lack of enough grittiness team -wide. when play is rough and tumble, then Drysdale Boqvist & Mitchell sounds like your three big horses. If Boqvist is out 8njured and you don't draft Drysdale, then hopefully a Beaudin helps pick up the offensive puck moving.

Yeo, so add Carlsson. Add Murphy If he stays. As I was saying Beaudin of course is heir apparent if they do not surprisingly draft Drysdale.

You have a couple prospects in the system besides those aforementioned so there is depth in the line of prospects

Most folks project a forward is taken if we draft ninth. It is difficult to pass on Askarov if he is there. But I would ask AEL_FOX to chime in how he would be liking and ranking Drysdale if he was available. How about the order of whom you prefer we draft with five names of including whom you think could be available at 9th. But add Drysdale even if you think as first dman taken he will be gone. I want to see how much you like this kid. You have a close eye on our dmen prospects but is Drysdale worth taking?

I believe that wiz explained how Sanderson can make plays at speed Which is highly desired in the trend conscious NHL. Just need to develop more than Forsling whom had the skill at speed too

Sanderson improvement last season has maybe convinced some scouts he is a rising star to be. Does he play either side on defense?

Anyway I have always hated the non prototypical offensive quarterback that Keith is. I see Drysdale strong skating strong all around game and especially that he projects as a descent not sucks defensively. He is close to NHL ready

If you fret about Bowvist concussions and lack of enough grittiness overall when play is rough and tumble, then Drysdale Bowvist & Mitchell sounds like your three big horses. Add Carlsson. Add Murphy If he stays. Braiding of course is heir apparent if they do not surprisingly draft Drysdale.

You have a couple prospects in the system besides those aforementioned so there is depth in the line of prospects

Most folks project a forward is taken if we draft ninth. It is difficult to pass on Askarov if he is there. But I would ask AEL_FOX to chime in how he would be liking and ranking Drysdale if he was available. How about the order of whom you prefer we draft with five names of including whom you think could be available at 9th. But add Drysdale even if you think as first dman taken he will be gone. I want to see how much you like this kid. You have a close eye on our dmen prospects but is Drysdale worth taking?
- jhawk59

Hate Keith? The legend has far outgrown the fact of how much Keith influenced every guy that stepped on the ice with him offensively. The shin pad narrative is played out.

Drysdale will not be there when the Hawks pick.

Hate Keith? The legend has far outgrown the fact of how much Keith influenced every guy that stepped on the ice with him offensively. The shin pad narrative is played out.

Drysdale will not be there when the Hawks pick.
- Elbows15

Careful reading please. I did not say hate Keith period. You did not say exactly that I did. But I mentioned how I detest his lack of true quarterback skill on pp He is a key as the leader for a young defense for one probably two more seasons as a top pair. But gradually he will get less pp time.

Doug Wilson is a HoF'er. Guess they let anyone in.
- Elbows15

Larmer before Wilson for sure never thought Wilson was hof material.

I believe that wiz explained how Sanderson can make plays at speed Which is highly desired in the trend conscious NHL. Just need to develop more than Forsling whom had the skill at speed too

Sanderson improvement last season has maybe convinced some scouts he is a rising star to be. Does he play either side on defense?

Anyway I have always hated the non prototypical offensive quarterback that Keith is. I see Drysdale strong skating strong all around game and especially that he projects as a descent not sucks defensively. He is close to NHL ready

If you fret about Boqvist concussions and lack of enough grittiness team -wide. when play is rough and tumble, then Drysdale Boqvist & Mitchell sounds like your three big horses. If Boqvist is out 8njured and you don't draft Drysdale, then hopefully a Beaudin helps pick up the offensive puck moving.

Yeo, so add Carlsson. Add Murphy If he stays. As I was saying Beaudin of course is heir apparent if they do not surprisingly draft Drysdale.

You have a couple prospects in the system besides those aforementioned so there is depth in the line of prospects

Most folks project a forward is taken if we draft ninth. It is difficult to pass on Askarov if he is there. But I would ask AEL_FOX to chime in how he would be liking and ranking Drysdale if he was available. How about the order of whom you prefer we draft with five names of including whom you think could be available at 9th. But add Drysdale even if you think as first dman taken he will be gone. I want to see how much you like this kid. You have a close eye on our dmen prospects but is Drysdale worth taking?
- jhawk59

I don't think Drysdale will be available once the Hawks select even if they stay at 9th. If he is still on the board, then I would highy consider taking him depending on who else is there when it's Chicago's turn. Take best player available.

I don't think Drysdale will be available once the Hawks select even if they stay at 9th. If he is still on the board, then I would highy consider taking him depending on who else is there when it's Chicago's turn. Take best player available.
- AEL_Fox

I would be surprised if Drysdale was there at 9th ,I would put Drysdale in the same category as Lafreniere Stutzle Byfield Perfetti Askarov as players who could be Super Stars at their position
I think the only one of them that will be there at 9th is Askarov . Quinn is my dark horse pick . And Lundell would be the safe one . HAWKS are desperate for some talent in the goalie pipeline
I hope Stan swings for the fences with Askarov

I would be surprised if Drysdale was there at 9th ,I would put Drysdale in the same category as Lafreniere Stutzle Byfield Perfetti Askarov as players who could be Super Stars at their position
I think the only one of them that will be there at 9th is Askarov . Quinn is my dark horse pick . And Lundell would be the safe one . HAWKS are desperate for some talent in the goalie pipeline
I hope Stan swings for the fences with Askarov
- oldduffman

Drysdale is a top 5 pick, IMO. Guessing something like:

Lafreniere
Byfield
Stutzle
Drysdale
Rossi

Holtz, Raymond, or Perfetti could still be there at 9th if the Hawks stay at that spot.

Agree, Lundell is a safe pick as a sure-fire middle 6 center with the potential for 2C if he pushes the pace more offensively. Otherwise, a solid defensive gem who can be around 0.50 PPG offensively.

My dark horse at 9th is Mercer but I know a lot of people prefer Quinn over Mercer.

I like Zary, too, just not at 9th. Mid-teens or later seems more reasonable.

I am not doing that. JP has some tools but nowhere to put them. If you get my meaning.
- Elbows15

That is the most accurate description of him I´ve seen. I guess he could be a serviceable top9-guy...who knows...but not worth a draft pick higher than 3rd at this point. He did have a good season in the Finnish League but the circumstances were very optimal for him. I dont think he ever makes it in the show big time.

Drysdale is a top 5 pick, IMO. Guessing something like:

Lafreniere
Byfield
Stutzle
Drysdale
Rossi

Holtz, Raymond, or Perfetti could still be there at 9th if the Hawks stay at that spot.

Agree, Lundell is a safe pick as a sure-fire middle 6 center with the potential for 2C if he pushes the pace more offensively. Otherwise, a solid defensive gem who can be around 0.50 PPG offensively.

My dark horse at 9th is Mercer but I know a lot of people prefer Quinn over Mercer.

I like Zary, too, just not at 9th. Mid-teens or later seems more reasonable.
- AEL_Fox

Theo, Amazing job as always not only chiming in the blog with superior analysis! So happy we have you on top on these kids and now bringing a blog or three!!! Maybe you're next in line ?!?!?!

*NEW* blog up: https://bit.ly/2CHiZfR

Part 2 of Theo's Youth and Innovation is a great article. I know you'll enjoy it.