Ek's recent post about RFA's that might be offer sheeted:

Meanwhile in Chicago, Dylan Strome, who became the NHLer he was projected to be this season, is another RFA that is turning some heads...

While the description was "interesting", if true, take the picks or whatever compensation. I still think they could package him in a decent trade (he has produced at a 0.77 PPG pace with the Hawks). I just don't like him. There, I said it.
- Chunk

I like big guys, even finesse guys and if they can score, read the ice more better. I don' t care about this slowness idd in NHLers, when they have other parts I like...

I wish someone would offer an offer sheet, because then, their intentions are known, the two team can attempt to make a deal (before resting to the interested team just turning over pick(s)...that team may be willing even more willing to trade.

I just don't think if I was a NHL GM whose job might be on the line, who wants to add talent quick is gonna start with Strome (will all those interesting guys avialbel if they want to leave their present homes), but I bet they would call Bowman first before trying to turn over picks unless they have other additional picks in each round that will replace the NHL team draft picks they must have to even attempt a RFA sining...

I'm not so worried about bangers...I'm like you, Theo...it's more about compete level. But what does worry me is the physical toll smaller players take in the playoffs. Kane is so shifty and quick, he doesn't get hit all that often. But, he's elite. I worry about guys like ADB getting crushed by the likes of Lucic or Oleksiak or Ovechkin.
- CanOCorn

Being elusive is definitely key for smaller players to be effective, especially if they're not the type to play physical and/or are slight of frame.

You still want them to pack some muscle and show pushback, though, as you can't avoid everything.

Playing physical winning board battles going to the front net creating havoc in the offensive zone is not about size and how big your asa player but more about the willingness heart and character to do what ever is needed to win. High compete level players are what the hawks are lacking. Size and heaviness helps but does not help if you are 6 4 220lb and play like a 5 6 160lb midget who is allergic to contact.
- Scott1977

This exactly right and so in the second round. I wonder does Flint RW Evgeni Oxentyuk, who is 5' 7" 160lbs get selected in the first two rounds.
He wasn't last year.
And he is a guy who would play on the PP, a fireball as tough as nails and as Russian transplant has shown he handles BIGGER JUNIOR PLAYERS with no issues.

Being elusive is definitely key for smaller players to be effective, especially if they're not the type to play physical and/or are slight of frame.

You still want them to pack some muscle and show pushback, though, as you can't avoid everything.
- Theo Fox

Read that new PM, T

A bit of a different direction here.

Theo said: Trends from 2008-2019:

* Of the exactly 100 players drafted in the past 12 years, 58 were “big” players while 42 were “small” players.
* Of the 58 “big” players, 10 (17.2%) made it to the NHL; moving Smith and Nordstrom over to the “small” group decreases this statistic down to 13.8%.
* Of the 42 “small” players, 17 (40.5%) made it to the NHL; adding in Smith and Nordstrom increases this statistic up to 45.2%.

I ask:

The Hawks, then, have had 27 out of 100 players selected in the last 12 drafts make it to the Show - obviously, 27%.

Is this good? How does it stack up against other teams?

I think hockey-reference.com kind of shows this information - I may try to look into it later (I do have a life other than hockey, as pathetic as it may be) - just wanted to kind of ask.
- StLBravesFan

Good question, STL. I'd have to take more time to calculate that out or find the answer on the interweb.

From a few articles I perused so far, it seems about 19% of drafted players from a recent 10-year span go on to play at least 200 games in the NHL.

I saw some other percentages but the parameters were different for each data set.

Thanks for the write up Theo.

Unless you analyze the entire draft, you don't know if "small" players are better than "big" or whether Chicago is bad at drafting big players. I would also do an 80% rule, lop off the bottom 10% of the small players, and top 10% of the big players. In other words, eliminate the biggest of the big, probably not mobile enough for the NHL, and smallest of the small which gets trickier with the small because 150 pound player probably has less chance than a 5'7" player who weighs 180?

We got Terrivainen because teams passed on his size. Nordstrom was always good for us 4th line. Stan built some pretty good 4th lines over the years by trade as well as draft. I'm not sure which years it was but the Desjardan line always seemed to tip the ice in our favor.

Overall, I think 6'2" 220 pounds is a sweet spot for size, Forward or Defense, we could use a few guys that size regardless what the odds say. Did we not draft Bufgylien?
- rpeters01

Yes, it's tough to do a true analysis without reviewing a full data set. It's still helpful to see trends from subset of data but always need to do so with a grain of salt.

Being elusive is definitely key for smaller players to be effective, especially if they're not the type to play physical and/or are slight of frame.

You still want them to pack some muscle and show pushback, though, as you can't avoid everything.
- Theo Fox

Smaller players on D are great for the transition game, but todays defenseman have come full circle to the 50's and early 60's and are expected to be shot blockers also. Jammer was great at it, so was Seabrook, Keith was never a shot blocker. Generally need a bigger guy to shot block/fill the lane (Murphy, Matta being the best on the Hawks.

Cannot have a #1 unit of Bovquist and Keith, just too small in the D zone. You got to get the puck to move the puck.

(Sounding like I am one of your parents) I will just say this one last time:

When you select 17th, what should your organizational goal be?

To simply add a solid, 'safe" kid who makes your team at some point, or

do you look at the available and start saying,

"He gives us a possible scorer..."

"He gives us size and some upside."

He add size to our defenseman stable."

He has REALLY high upside to be here at 17, we shouldn't even think about t and get to the virtual microphone..."

I think that getting an NHLer is now becoming more important than attempting to project guys past hat there are already...
- wiz1901

Great posts today, Wiz.

To me, a "safe pick" is one who plays consistently, is reliable in all zones, and competes every shift.

You can take risks in the later rounds to find prospects with sheer skill or sheer size then work on rounding out their games.

ADB for Tuch straight up. Get it done Stan lol
- Assman22

Tuch would be a great add, but I'm not ready to give up on DeBrincat. ADB may be small, but he doesn't play that way, he has some snarl in his game. I believe he can be a consistent 35-40 goal scorer.

Great posts today, Wiz.

To me, a "safe pick" is one who plays consistently, is reliable in all zones, and competes every shift.

You can take risks in the later rounds to find prospects with sheer skill or sheer size then work on rounding out their games.
- Theo Fox

I think the Hawks will go with the safe pick in the first round and take a risk with their second round pick. If he's available, I think the Hawks take Amirov at #17.

Take this with a grain of salt since Ek is reporting it. NHL contemplating double headers next sesson. A day game and a night game against the same team on the same day. These games may be shortened to 2 20 minute or 3 15 minute periods.

Take this with a grain of salt since Ek is reporting it. NHL contemplating double headers next sesson. A day game and a night game against the same team on the same day. These games may be shortened to 2 20 minute or 3 15 minute periods.
- boilermaker100

Aside from being a stupid and terrible idea, it just leads to the question:

WHY???

Take this with a grain of salt since Ek is reporting it. NHL contemplating double headers next sesson. A day game and a night game against the same team on the same day. These games may be shortened to 2 20 minute or 3 15 minute periods.
- boilermaker100

Thank you for reporting that. Personally, I see that as worse than playing 4-5 games per week. In the AHL, they play baseball-like series with lots of back-to-backs or even 3-game sets versus the same team.

That may be a model that is being considered as an alternative, or at least I hope it is. Something has to give to still play 82 games between say December/January and April so the playoffs can still happen and end before July.

Thank you for reporting that. Personally, I see that as worse than playing 4-5 games per week. In the AHL, they play baseball-like series with lots of back-to-backs or even 3-game sets versus the same team.

That may be a model that is being considered as an alternative, or at least I hope it is. Something has to give to still play 82 games between say December/January and April so the playoffs can still happen and end before July.
- Theo Fox

If they condense the schedule I could see them expanding the roster sizes and allowing the cap hit to be based on the salaries of the players on the ice for the given night.

Maybe max 15 forwards, 8 dmen an 3 goalies.

So in effect it would be increasing the cap without increasing the cap. Teams could carry a bad contract (or two) in the "Did not play- Coaches Decision" category.

It would also allow younger players to practice and come into and out of the lineup night to night.

But the overall main benefit would be giving players that log heavy minutes an occasional night off on the 2nd game of back to backs.

Aside from being a stupid and terrible idea, it just leads to the question:

WHY???
- StLBravesFan

Cram a full schedule into a condensed time frame.

Smaller players on D are great for the transition game, but todays defenseman have come full circle to the 50's and early 60's and are expected to be shot blockers also. Jammer was great at it, so was Seabrook, Keith was never a shot blocker. Generally need a bigger guy to shot block/fill the lane (Murphy, Matta being the best on the Hawks.

Cannot have a #1 unit of Bovquist and Keith, just too small in the D zone. You got to get the puck to move the puck.
- LAHawk

Keith is good at blocking shots with his teeth...

Thank you for reporting that. Personally, I see that as worse than playing 4-5 games per week. In the AHL, they play baseball-like series with lots of back-to-backs or even 3-game sets versus the same team.

That may be a model that is being considered as an alternative, or at least I hope it is. Something has to give to still play 82 games between say December/January and April so the playoffs can still happen and end before July.
- Theo Fox

Why not just schedule 48 games (like in 2013 and, I think, the other lost-game lockouts) or some othe number short of 82?

In 2013, they started on January 19, and the Hawks were parading the Cup around the ice by June 24. Then - almost a normal summer off.

I’d look toward a normal start for 2021-22, and back it off from there. Forty-eight game starting basically after the NFL ended would probably be acceptable to the national networks, I doubt fans in the stands will be an issue until April or later anyways so the loss of revenue there would be minimal, and starting in January (early or late) would give everyone more time to understand the situation - including border crossings.

Play all regular season games within the conference, most within the division, two or three game series, long cross border swings - to reduce travel.

And keep the integrity of the on-ice game - unlike baseball,which (with 7 inning games and extra innings starting with a runner on second) seems to have sold it’s soul to TV.

Say hello to Corey Pronman's influence in Power's choices....

Last night, I thought, "Hey, the hockey News hasn't been coming in the mail and I know I still have a subscription, so I called, asking where my Draft issue was. (Not that I have ever bought into Ryan Kennedy's lists...lioke everyone else, my head thinks they are wrong, but I like to look at what they "thin" to balance my unbalanced thoughts, after I have formed opinions.

The told me that with Covid-19 they stopped printing paper issues but where about to go back to printing them, and gave me the link to viewing the Draft Issue (hat has been there since MAY 2020!).

It did follow form and in my eyes was very incorrect...but the players in the 3rd round sorta lined up with ones I had int the hawk range.

I suggest you go to the DraftSite NHL mock and click on a team an see the possible wants I stated there, as I have pounded my head on where Yaroslav Askarov could go from high to dropping to slot #17...each possible team.

The thing that is difficult is balancing NHL TEAM "NOW" NEEDS with kids that are not gonna be there now, like Askarov. Anybody here think Askarov will play for the 'canes in two years?
So that is the rub. (I too have him in slot 13, but...)

I havven't gone through that Power's draft list if it is new.

I just know in my head Mercer is gone earlier than we pick...
- wiz1901

Mercer holloway or boruque any one of those 3 would ne great imo.

Aside from being a stupid and terrible idea, it just leads to the question:

WHY???
- StLBravesFan

It is stupid with a capital STU. And double headers would have to all be weekend or else why play them? TV is not going to pay for a weekday early game.

I know it's not a big deal, but I'm surprised the Flames/Oilers haven't officially announced the completion of the Neal/Lucic trade, specifically the 3rd round pick that goes to the Hawks (possibly).

Mercer holloway or boruque any one of those 3 would ne great imo.
- Scott1977

I like Lapierre

I know it's not a big deal, but I'm surprised the Flames/Oilers haven't officially announced the completion of the Neal/Lucic trade, specifically the 3rd round pick that goes to the Hawks (possibly).
- DarthKane

I think that is the Oiler's decision right up to the day of the draft probably because although there was s ruling, it states:
Result: Due to a shortened season, NHL ruled that Edmonton will transfer a 3rd round pick in either 2020 or 2021..

So, if Edmonton keeps it, that makes sense since they only presently select in the 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th., and would keep that 3rd in 2020.
If they wait until next year 's 3rd round to throw it to Calgary, they select in the 1st, 4th, 6th, 6th, and 7th. that 4th comes a bit quicker than the 2020 5th rounder.

Since the trade was made with Calgary, their ONE selection is the Blackhawks, IF they no longer get the Oilers 3rd rounder....I am sure Calgary doesn't care maybe even prefer the OILERS "decide to wait" then the in 2021 have a 1st, 2nd, and two 3rds....

I an against writing line combinations and trying to pull one attribute out oof a junior player but someone here asked for this.
Remember, this based on junior vs. junior , so don't be bunting me down at my birthday in 2024 telling me I said Kasper Simontaival was better than the de'cat....


Best scorers
Holtz
Quinn
Pachen
J.J. Peterka
Simontaival
Perreault
Savoie
Guschin = wussy
Foerster but very little speed when pedal is finally to the metal.
Mercer
Ambrosio


Lead by example
Lafreniere
Perfeti
Mercer
Wisdom
Byfield
Slaggert


Overrated in reagards to where I think they go off the board:
Poirier
Reichel
Brisson
Andrae
Cormier
Torgersson
Quinn <---mau=uybe I just want him to drop and be a star in Chicago....
Francis

Best Skaters for playing hockey

Stützle- it is why he is in the top 3

Drysdale -it is why Drysdale is on the top end of HIS position isn the class.

Poirier - all I can say is I have NO confidence he can be a defenseman in a pro game

Sanderson - feet and upside was why I never separated him from Drydale by much

Brisson - Sure ,there is upside based on this, but will he be edgy as babpro whence does get stronger & quicker? Maybe.

Jean-Luc Foudy - and he seems to use his skating to stay away from: a) the boards, b) contact and c) getting back to the perimeter

Oxentyuk - I am so prejudiced- midget / Russian / everybody passed on him last year, so I guess they are prejudice also.

Pashin- See J-L Foudy above; runs from a hit.

Guhle - has been said to be a faster glider than most guy move after full stride.

Konercy - You wonder how his chicken legs start/start and go lateral as thin as the look.
Zary - This guy gets the biggest knock about his feet…I took an extra hour to watch and it is simply untrue.

Raymond - not necessarily when accelerating in straight bursts, but is all other read/ react/ change of direction/pace/ and has Hughes-like giddy-up after the he gets bursts out of a turn.

Khusnutdinov - Tiny but the engine is always on high revolution, and ready to go to his overdrive extra burst.

Ryder Rolston - Brian’s son is a 2nd year eligible who never is anywhere but the perimeter and has “perimetered” to my 5th round.

Defensive defenders in junior

(This only lets YOU recognize who knows what their job is and has had success against juniors doing it-This is so important to understand, and that you cannot separate their upside from the reason they all play to game-the team scoring and you helping in some areas for that to happen)

Schneider - He plays in his end, who cares if he is has the greatest high water make as an attacker?
Ryan O’Rourke - I just think he has edge and that is why I cannot drop him anymore on my board
Sanderson - if and when the light turns on, he could be the best all around player at his position in the draft.
Guhle- Sure, he doesn’t always see the full ice, or has shown high end creativity, he has an edgy strong game in the neutral and defensive zone, and do you really care if he ends up somewhere in your second pair?
Barron - I think there is lots to like in his positional play in his end, and, again, does a team need more assurance that they are getting an attacker, if they can add a solid defender?
Kleven - So tired of hearing about his "bad" feet …Rugged and solid. That is where he starts.
Kuznetov - He showed in college he can handle stronger bigger attackers…a good start.
Villeneuve - this is based on him needing tons of muscle but his feet are already good, band he is a smart player in his end.

Smaller players on D are great for the transition game, but todays defenseman have come full circle to the 50's and early 60's and are expected to be shot blockers also. Jammer was great at it, so was Seabrook, Keith was never a shot blocker. Generally need a bigger guy to shot block/fill the lane (Murphy, Matta being the best on the Hawks.

Cannot have a #1 unit of Bovquist and Keith, just too small in the D zone. You got to get the puck to move the puck.
- LAHawk

Shot blocking is still key in defending as you said. This is where well rounded defense prospects like Carlsson are much needed to complement the mail carriers. Perhaps Vlasic, Demin, or even Moberg as a dark horse could fulfill that quotient.

All of them should be able to defend in different ways but some will be better at certain things than others. Having defense partners complement each other is something for the team to strive for.

I think the Hawks will go with the safe pick in the first round and take a risk with their second round pick. If he's available, I think the Hawks take Amirov at #17.
- DarthKane

I like Amirov, too. He may take longer to reach potential but could be the type where patience could pay off.

But that's the trade off: are the best 1st rounders the one with the shortest path to the NHL to be impact players or the ones with the highest ceiling even if the path is longer.

These aren't necessarily mutually exclusive either so a hybrid answer perhaps.