https://www.nhl.com/news/...-conditioning/c-318992946

Great article about how goalie draft prospect Nicolas Daws has taken control of his off-ice habits to improve his on-ice performance. He trimmed down significantly which has helped him be quicker and more nimble in net. As he says, he feels more explosive in his movements to make saves.

If the Hawks are searching for a goalie to draft after the 1st round, Drew Commesso is one of them and so is Daws.

Daws was one of the roster invitees on the Hawks roster last year for the Traverse City tourney but a front office snafu prevented him from participating. He was also teammates with MacKenzie Entwistle at Guelph in the OHL.

Hello Theo,

Would you care to choose the outcome of The Stanley Cup?

I am more excited the closer we get to The Entry Draft and possible buyouts than whomever takes home The Holy Grail.

I favor an attempt to move from 17th to 15th or a few spots higher in this draft.

The cost to do so may be prohibitive; however, the best way to improve the team is through the addition of quality prospects.

Moving from one tier to a better tier will yield a prospect whom could possibly make our team after one but more likely two seasons.

Unfortunately Bowman is between a rock and a hard place. I mean he ordinarily should desire to draft the best available talent. But there is a big need for a top line talented forward whom plays a bruising style. One whom regularly engaged in board battles. This type of player appears possibly to be plucked with a second round selection than in round one if the criteria is to select the best player available.

My other thought on player movement is twofold

First of all, a big IF we move up is Askarov or Lundell avsilable. Somewhere sometime we need to bring in a top younger goaltender. Without trading our valuable first round pick or top prospects, gambling on Askarov sure sounds like a good idea.

Lundell is attractive since he could very well be close if not NHL ready. A fairly smooth transition to NHL next season is possible. In a move with implication to reduce the amount set aside for salary cap, by trading Saad you could hope Lundell is the type wing to replace his service.

Of course the overriding gamble is that both Askarov and Lundell are somewhat wild cards in terms of where they are drafted. Some scouts really like them. Some teams might draft more for need than best player available. Just how does a team address a need, be it current or more a long term proposition. The obvious best case solution is with a quality draft selection.

The second thought occurs as to whether our best third line center eventually is among Barret, Kurashev, or Wise. Complicating this is that both R Johnson and Entwhistle look like 4th line centers. They could replace Kampf. Of course Entwhistle, Barret, Kurashev and Kampf could be destined to play on the wing position. Just where each is most effective is something I am unsure how it could turn out.

I do strongly feel R Johnson, Barret, and Entwhistle could become especially valuable for their specific type of game they bring. I would really love to see Soderlund develop. Both Fortin and Sikura are interesting prospects whom should not be underrated. Where they turn up is something to keep an eye upon

Ruth Bader Ginsberg, dead at 87 from metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Second woman appointed to the Supreme Court - the Notorious RBG.

Alef ha-shalom.

(Corrected thanks to PE.)

Ruth Bader Ginsberg, dead at 87 from metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Second woman appointed to the Supreme Court - the Notorious RBB.

Alef ha-shalom.
- StLBravesFan

I think that was a rapper, wasn't she called RBG?

I think that was a rapper, wasn't she called RBG?
- powerenforcer

Yes - thanks - fat fingers. Thanks.

I have heard that Sanderson continues as a fast riser. Might he go before Drysdale?
- jhawk59

Drysdale's position as the top guy was based on his consistent play at a undersized player in league and international play. He was able in many instances show his prowess as an attacker and a pretty decent defender for a small guy because ehe gets it and uses his feet and stick to get there an engage.
I am yet again going to blame Corey Pronman for creating the large artificial gap in Sanderson and Drysdale, when the only gap is really the large amount of attractive forwards and the Russian goalie that create it.
I think the league has embraced the Drysdale-type defender, but it is naive to think the teams don't understand these players in most cases are less able to handle the big boy forwards or even anchor against the pusher forwards who barrage to spots and disrupt them. (Make sense?)
I had Sanderson in slot ten only because I am thinking there are cannot pass forwards, but I think Sanderson could go at slot six, and Drysdale or Sanderson might be an areas Ottawa wants to go with with the that second luxury selection they can fortify with more forwards in their choices at 28 & 33...
If you pick either earliy a team must feel they play early where the kids at the end of the first at dee are gonna have to take time, of course.
I can't tell you what the REed Wings will do at slot four!
remember Stevie Yzeramn drafted a Russian goalie in Tampa already.
and New Jersey might feel waiting until slots #18 & #20 might be a great spot for wingers and a defenseman is not a luxury at slot seven.

I will say it again, I have never felt as little confidence in what happens after the top three than I ever have...Nobody ever gets confident they can guess correct from slot four on, but never in years has there been such a good group in the top part f the first, and although it will be wait and see after then names are called, there is really no reason to start the same kind of mess and moaning on who "they" should have picked.
Like when "they" didn't take Oliver Wahlstrom? Or Evan Bouchard?
although Islanders choosing Noah Dobson and bringing him along slow was a very excellent move...
I think smart NHL organizations are going to look at the available and choose the safer guys. no matter if they end up as simply Cap relief NHLers...the shoot for the home run will happen after the picks in 20's, with teams that have lots of picks.

I just finished writing preview on each NHL team next to what my board say could be there when the select.
Go to DraftSite, click on the team name.
Find the typos and IM me here, so I can fix, them, lol !
(Good thing none of you took up my offer, I just proof -read them and they sucked with m ore than my usual errors...better now)

Hello Theo,

Would you care to choose the outcome of The Stanley Cup?


- jhawk59

I will say, Dallas has an edge to win game one...then you can predict from there...

Not sure how many of you saw this article, kind of buried within the Website.

https://dawindycity.com/2...wks-ed-olczyk-not-return/

Interesting read in that both Foley and Eddie were cast as some of the best announcers in the NHL.
- glennjpawlak22

They are.
They are pretty non-homer and the descriptions are more what you actually see, and not a description that uses words to explain the a actions as results to home team good and smarts or enemy team not good, or erroring because our to the home teams actions. Someone flubs a puck, and it is because "we" frightened him with home team pressure. Or "yeah, he saw big hometeam guy barreling in, and that did it."

I dunno ... maybe because I have watched so many games year, etc. I am to the point were I see the all around skill of everybody, and realize entire Cup Series are so close, and everything form a lucky bounce deflection, broken skate blade are more than anomalies in determining outcomes...that is just super skilled hockey matches...

I extremely am bothered on the NBC national games when they grade one of the teams feeds, and those announcers dont clean up their biased reality descriptions that are unhelpful to any newer fans learning while watching...

They are.
They are pretty non-homer and the descriptions are more what you actually see, and not a description that uses words to explain the a actions as results to home team good and smarts or enemy team not good, or erroring because our to the home teams actions. Someone flubs a puck, and it is because "we" frightened him with home team pressure. Or "yeah, he saw big hometeam guy barreling in, and that did it."

I extremely am bothered on the NBC national games when they grade one of the teams feeds, and those announcers dont clean up their biased reality descriptions that are unhelpful to any newer fans learning while watching...
- wiz1901

Was that article based on sources - or even rumor - or just an opinion by the author?

I’m ready for splitting up the duo - too much schtick - too little description of the action - I would hope Foley would move on - an excellent announcer once, much less so now - not likely, I guess.

Bring in John Forslund, late of Carolina, to work with Olczyk.

But then - Wiz, we both go back to Lloyd Petit - no one better. Too bad he married so well - financially, if not politically....

I feel a trade in the air today!

I will say, Dallas has an edge to win game one...then you can predict from there...
- wiz1901

Tampa in 6 hedman conn Smyth winner

Drysdale's position as the top guy was based on his consistent play at a undersized player in league and international play. He was able in many instances show his prowess as an attacker and a pretty decent defender for a small guy because ehe gets it and uses his feet and stick to get there an engage.
I am yet again going to blame Corey Pronman for creating the large artificial gap in Sanderson and Drysdale, when the only gap is really the large amount of attractive forwards and the Russian goalie that create it.
I think the league has embraced the Drysdale-type defender, but it is naive to think the teams don't understand these players in most cases are less able to handle the big boy forwards or even anchor against the pusher forwards who barrage to spots and disrupt them. (Make sense?)
I had Sanderson in slot ten only because I am thinking there are cannot pass forwards, but I think Sanderson could go at slot six, and Drysdale or Sanderson might be an areas Ottawa wants to go with with the that second luxury selection they can fortify with more forwards in their choices at 28 & 33...
If you pick either earliy a team must feel they play early where the kids at the end of the first at dee are gonna have to take time, of course.
I can't tell you what the REed Wings will do at slot four!
remember Stevie Yzeramn drafted a Russian goalie in Tampa already.
and New Jersey might feel waiting until slots #18 & #20 might be a great spot for wingers and a defenseman is not a luxury at slot seven.

I will say it again, I have never felt as little confidence in what happens after the top three than I ever have...Nobody ever gets confident they can guess correct from slot four on, but never in years has there been such a good group in the top part f the first, and although it will be wait and see after then names are called, there is really no reason to start the same kind of mess and moaning on who "they" should have picked.
Like when "they" didn't take Oliver Wahlstrom? Or Evan Bouchard?
although Islanders choosing Noah Dobson and bringing him along slow was a very excellent move...
I think smart NHL organizations are going to look at the available and choose the safer guys. no matter if they end up as simply Cap relief NHLers...the shoot for the home run will happen after the picks in 20's, with teams that have lots of picks.

I just finished writing preview on each NHL team next to what my board say could be there when the select.
Go to DraftSite, click on the team name.
Find the typos and IM me here, so I can fix, them, lol !
- wiz1901

I’m a big fan of Sanderson from watching a Team USA game on ESPN a few months ago. His size & skating ability stood out and he also had a few good O-zone rushes that he made nice primary assists on goals. Also like Wallinder as a LHD prospect for the same size & speed/agility combo. You mentioned Noah Dobson, and I was wondering your thoughts on Bode Wilde who’s a RHD sort of stuck in minors, as there are no opening on Islanders (right now anyways). I liked him as a prospect a few years back, especially when he slipped down in the draft. The Hawks don’t seem to have too many RHD in the minors...maybe Mitchell & Regula this year.

I agree that with the deep draft the 2nd round is going to have some gems in it that normally would be 1st round graded. I remember when StanBo got a late 1st for Troy Brouwer.... which they drafted Danault with. Maybe this year StanBo can have some magic and get some picks for a few assets.

Hello Theo,

Would you care to choose the outcome of The Stanley Cup?

I am more excited the closer we get to The Entry Draft and possible buyouts than whomever takes home The Holy Grail.

I favor an attempt to move from 17th to 15th or a few spots higher in this draft.

The cost to do so may be prohibitive; however, the best way to improve the team is through the addition of quality prospects.

Moving from one tier to a better tier will yield a prospect whom could possibly make our team after one but more likely two seasons.

Unfortunately Bowman is between a rock and a hard place. I mean he ordinarily should desire to draft the best available talent. But there is a big need for a top line talented forward whom plays a bruising style. One whom regularly engaged in board battles. This type of player appears possibly to be plucked with a second round selection than in round one if the criteria is to select the best player available.

My other thought on player movement is twofold

First of all, a big IF we move up is Askarov or Lundell avsilable. Somewhere sometime we need to bring in a top younger goaltender. Without trading our valuable first round pick or top prospects, gambling on Askarov sure sounds like a good idea.

Lundell is attractive since he could very well be close if not NHL ready. A fairly smooth transition to NHL next season is possible. In a move with implication to reduce the amount set aside for salary cap, by trading Saad you could hope Lundell is the type wing to replace his service.

Of course the overriding gamble is that both Askarov and Lundell are somewhat wild cards in terms of where they are drafted. Some scouts really like them. Some teams might draft more for need than best player available. Just how does a team address a need, be it current or more a long term proposition. The obvious best case solution is with a quality draft selection.

The second thought occurs as to whether our best third line center eventually is among Barret, Kurashev, or Wise. Complicating this is that both R Johnson and Entwhistle look like 4th line centers. They could replace Kampf. Of course Entwhistle, Barret, Kurashev and Kampf could be destined to play on the wing position. Just where each is most effective is something I am unsure how it could turn out.

I do strongly feel R Johnson, Barret, and Entwhistle could become especially valuable for their specific type of game they bring. I would really love to see Soderlund develop. Both Fortin and Sikura are interesting prospects whom should not be underrated. Where they turn up is something to keep an eye upon
- jhawk59

I predict the Lightning in 6 games.

Lundell has fluctuated a lot in the draft rankings but he's been a fast riser lately. Some draft boards have him going mid-teens but I can see him going anywhere from 8-12.

He's a center, too, not a winger and possibly one of the very few draftees who could jump to the NHL right away as he can lock it down defensively and not really hurt you as he gains his offensive confidence.

Askarov is attractive but I personally go with a forward still at 17th. For goalie, draft either Commesso or Daws in a later round instead.

I feel a trade in the air today!
- zm333

That’s not a trade you’re feeling, it’s just gas.

I predict the Lightning in 6 games.

Lundell has fluctuated a lot in the draft rankings but he's been a fast riser lately. Some draft boards have him going mid-teens but I can see him going anywhere from 8-12.

He's a center, too, not a winger and possibly one of the very few draftees who could jump to the NHL right away as he can lock it down defensively and not really hurt you as he gains his offensive confidence.

Askarov is attractive but I personally go with a forward still at 17th. For goalie, draft either Commesso or Daws in a later round instead.
- Theo Fox

I know Commesso has received a lot of love lately, but I’d go with Bednar or Blomqvist.

The idea of picking Calle Clang has a nice ring to it.

Tampa in 6 hedman conn Smyth winner
- Scott1977

I didn't think much of Dallas so I picked Colorado over Dallas and then Vegas over Dallas and we all know how those turned out. Not any more.

Dallas in 6. Jamie Benn wins the Connie.

Hello Theo,

Would you care to choose the outcome of The Stanley Cup?

I am more excited the closer we get to The Entry Draft and possible buyouts than whomever takes home The Holy Grail.

I favor an attempt to move from 17th to 15th or a few spots higher in this draft.

The cost to do so may be prohibitive; however, the best way to improve the team is through the addition of quality prospects.

Moving from one tier to a better tier will yield a prospect whom could possibly make our team after one but more likely two seasons.

Unfortunately Bowman is between a rock and a hard place. I mean he ordinarily should desire to draft the best available talent. But there is a big need for a top line talented forward whom plays a bruising style. One whom regularly engaged in board battles. This type of player appears possibly to be plucked with a second round selection than in round one if the criteria is to select the best player available.

My other thought on player movement is twofold

First of all, a big IF we move up is Askarov or Lundell avsilable. Somewhere sometime we need to bring in a top younger goaltender. Without trading our valuable first round pick or top prospects, gambling on Askarov sure sounds like a good idea.

Lundell is attractive since he could very well be close if not NHL ready. A fairly smooth transition to NHL next season is possible. In a move with implication to reduce the amount set aside for salary cap, by trading Saad you could hope Lundell is the type wing to replace his service.

Of course the overriding gamble is that both Askarov and Lundell are somewhat wild cards in terms of where they are drafted. Some scouts really like them. Some teams might draft more for need than best player available. Just how does a team address a need, be it current or more a long term proposition. The obvious best case solution is with a quality draft selection.

The second thought occurs as to whether our best third line center eventually is among Barret, Kurashev, or Wise. Complicating this is that both R Johnson and Entwhistle look like 4th line centers. They could replace Kampf. Of course Entwhistle, Barret, Kurashev and Kampf could be destined to play on the wing position. Just where each is most effective is something I am unsure how it could turn out.

I do strongly feel R Johnson, Barret, and Entwhistle could become especially valuable for their specific type of game they bring. I would really love to see Soderlund develop. Both Fortin and Sikura are interesting prospects whom should not be underrated. Where they turn up is something to keep an eye upon
- jhawk59

To answer your question about the center prospects, I think Kurashev is the best bet for 3C right now. Wise has a better skillset and I like him longer term as he's become a project due to injuries.

We'll see about Barratt on whether he can play center at the pro level or if wing may be better given his skating deficiencies. They're not as bad as Strome but still may not be what you want in a 3C.

Entwistle is the ideal 4C with ability to play up if needed. Either way, he'll be leaned on in key pressure situations defensively but could also possibly play that bumper role on the PP as a big body who is also very strong.

Johnson is a candidate, too, as a 4th liner or 13th forward. Scrappy, strong on the puck, great support of teammates. Think Adam Burish but better.

I’m a big fan of Sanderson from watching a Team USA game on ESPN a few months ago. His size & skating ability stood out and he also had a few good O-zone rushes that he made nice primary assists on goals. Also like Wallinder as a LHD prospect for the same size & speed/agility combo. You mentioned Noah Dobson, and I was wondering your thoughts on Bode Wilde who’s a RHD sort of stuck in minors, as there are no opening on Islanders (right now anyways). I liked him as a prospect a few years back, especially when he slipped down in the draft. The Hawks don’t seem to have too many RHD in the minors...maybe Mitchell & Regula this year.

I agree that with the deep draft the 2nd round is going to have some gems in it that normally would be 1st round graded. I remember when StanBo got a late 1st for Troy Brouwer.... which they drafted Danault with. Maybe this year StanBo can have some magic and get some picks for a few assets.
- DrewDawg

To answer your question, yes, Mitchell and Regula are the only RHD in the minors. Moberg is the only other one in the entire system.

To answer your question, yes, Mitchell and Regula are the only RHD in the minors. Moberg is the only other one in the entire system.
- Theo Fox

What kind trade offer could hawks propose to Colorado for zadorov? Big physical d man paired with boqvist would be good pairing. He gives the hawks a dimension hawks don't have on the backend he is a rfa though.

To answer your question about the center prospects, I think Kurashev is the best bet for 3C right now. Wise has a better skillset and I like him longer term as he's become a project due to injuries.

We'll see about Barratt on whether he can play center at the pro level or if wing may be better given his skating deficiencies. They're not as bad as Strome but still may not be what you want in a 3C.

Entwistle is the ideal 4C with ability to play up if needed. Either way, he'll be leaned on in key pressure situations defensively but could also possibly play that bumper role on the PP as a big body who is also very strong.

Johnson is a candidate, too, as a 4th liner or 13th forward. Scrappy, strong on the puck, great support of teammates. Think Adam Burish but better.
- Theo Fox

Johnson has a long way to go to be better than Burish. I think we forget the speed of Burish. I don't see that with Johnson.
Entwhistle is nowhere close to Kampf as a skater. Wing may be a better fit for him.

Not sure how many of you saw this article, kind of buried within the Website.

https://dawindycity.com/2...wks-ed-olczyk-not-return/

Interesting read in that both Foley and Eddie were cast as some of the best announcers in the NHL.
- glennjpawlak22

That may be one of the most poorly written articles in sports writing history. Almost as if the writer’s native language isn’t English.

Yeah, after he says Crow is the first piece, crap or get off the pot...buy KUEMPER...or

send the easy to swallow Murphy contract to Vancouver for Jacob Marksrtöm if they are silly enough to think their Thatcher Demko, sign Markström for market value and dont look back.

You have a goalie , you bring in the youth IN YOUR SYSTEM, and don't look back if the 3-time Cup Winners get their feelings hurt and want to move on.
- wiz1901

What’s wrong with Demko? I thought he was the heir apparent. Plus he looked pretty good against Vegas. .985 save percentage in his 3 playoff games.

Johnson has a long way to go to be better than Burish. I think we forget the speed of Burish. I don't see that with Johnson.
Entwhistle is nowhere close to Kampf as a skater. Wing may be a better fit for him.
- Elbows15

Would trade saad not saying it happens but for 2 2nd rounder 47 and 48 and poehling
Strome and matta to Detroit for berttuzi
Sikrua rights to koko and 5th fot howden

Tampa in 6 hedman conn Smyth winner
- Scott1977

yeah I just told me neighbor the same...but, I think Dallas wins the first oner, and Tampa has taken beatens, we are not sure what Point has in the tank,

later one, will Steven Still Stamkos be handed a spot based on the cannon, and some sits and that throws TB off

and tell you what sometimes it is that perfect combo of things that wins it for you like when the Hawks won in 1961-62..tgey weren't close to the b best team, but the. best team when it count and despite what I want to say about that dirty Duck winger Perry or Little Joe they wanna win...so that and Benn and Tyler steers and queers, and that middle line up they have kept around for awhile with confidence, and the new last yr Finn and the this yr Finn...and a really mobile bigger Dee ... the have the makings of an upset.

I am a Hawk fans would like my local team to win, but not crying if Dallas wins this and if they do, it means a hell of as series!

What cracked me up was Sirius had a goalie expert on, and I had to laugh...he was so high in his praise for Khudobin the ay he sees stuff and moves and then he "kinda compares him toe there TB Russian, and he is picking apart Andrei Vasilevskiy, saying he doesn't necessarily move from up to down when the play goes to side to side, etc.

I know I know it becomes bandwagon, what I have done recently, but not seeing anything as a deficit for Khudobin was funny to me....only because if he was really a goalie who you praise, I think maybe he would be a starter...and I am not hating I love the guy, but just like the kid in St. Louis who was basically called the new God after the Cup, or how Jake Allen suddenly could be a starter in the league talk (...then why the frank didn't he take the starting job back form the kid)

I am just too old to be suckered into how Buff was suddenly considered an all-star or into feeling ALL Starting NHL GOALIES (matter) are REALLY GOOD PLAYERS and the job comes with guys in front if you...

yeah I just told me neighbor the same...but, I think Dallas wins the first oner, and Tampa has taken beatens, we are not sure what Point has in the tank,

later one, will Steven Still Stamkos be handed a spot based on the cannon, and some sits and that throws TB off

and tell you what sometimes it is that perfect combo of things that wins it for you like when the Hawks won in 1961-62..tgey weren't close to the b best team, but the. best team when it count and despite what I want to say about that dirty Duck winger Perry or Little Joe they wanna win...so that and Benn and Tyler steers and queers, and that middle line up they have kept around for awhile with confidence, and the new last yr Finn and the this yr Finn...and a really mobile bigger Dee ... the have the makings of an upset.

I am a Hawk fans would like my local team to win, but not crying if Dallas wins this and if they do, it means a hell of as series!

What cracked me up was Sirius had a goalie expert on, and I had to laugh...he was so high in his praise for Khudobin the ay he sees stuff and moves and then he "kinda compares him toe there TB Russian, and he is picking apart Andrei Vasilevskiy, saying he doesn't necessarily move from up to down when the play goes to side to side, etc.

I know I know it becomes bandwagon, what I have done recently, but not seeing anything as a deficit for Khudobin was funny to me....only because if he was really a goalie who you praise, I think maybe he would be a starter...and I am not hating I love the guy, but just like the kid in St. Louis who was basically called the new God after the Cup, or how Jake Allen suddenly could be a starter in the league talk (...then why the frank didn't he take the starting job back form the kid)

I am just too old to be suckered into how Buff was suddenly considered an all-star or into feeling ALL Starting NHL GOALIES (matter) are REALLY GOOD PLAYERS and the job comes with guys in front if you...
- wiz1901

I don't play stamkos why mess with chemistry now. Plus how much is he game shape and healthy?