I loved that you had that adde perspective on the Hawk selections, because between the site issues I had on DraftSite That finally allowed me to get a final version up last night, I haven't read anything about the Hawk Selections from the outside.

I always think the grading the draft isn NHL is kinda spinning your wheels since the teams with a dozen picks and more than one in the first round ALWAYS get A grades.

I posted my opinion on whether they really took best player available, and I am gonna repeat it below since I putted up late last night.

I will sy, I always said "Trust Kelley" and I am gonna defer to that but loved the mid and late p[ic ks for sure, and may be completely ignorant at the high water marks of Reichel and Commesso...

From last night:
I think the Hawks were disappointed they couldn't move up to get Askarov, but I think they were more disappointed they could get Dylan Holloway.
But. in the draft you move on...
Lukas Reichel: I really wasn't able to see many fi=ull game highlight from the German league, but I do have recorded dvd of all the German teams nternational games. Reichel only played with JJ Peterka and Stützle a little but that was much rarer case than Reichel ended up with his own line to carry.
I won't repeat throwing up those lengthly profiles, but there was a conversation about he was Tuevo-like, still slight but a generator.
His next two years of on the job training in the German pro league with see a bigger stronger guy emerging.
Reichel seems a bit of an undisciplined attacj=ker who end up nearer to the other two forwards because he wants to make the play.
He has played all three forward positions. He has a low panic point in his possessions. He is a set up guy at this point. I saw lots of comments today about a middle six high water mark, but I think that it is far too early to determine ANY place on a NHL team right now, that is the fan's worst enemy, early press clipping.
Now this is me talking: I have no way of knowing what Kelley thinks or projects really. but I know what I am getting with defenseman Braden Schneider, and apparently the Rangers thought the same when they traded up, (and the luck of picking first let's them gamble a bit here too...), so that Hawk philosophy of finding bigger defensive defenders later in the draft, selecting Schneider takes care of that.
(Other side-you take Schneider here and guess who plays in a year or two and isn't interested in a bridge deal, right?)
If you really are taking the best player available, maybe want watch this one play out with both Schneider and Dawson Mercer.
You better think that Reichel's over all jump negates the ability Mercer has on zone entries. I'll say no more because non of us can judge until five years or som down the pike.

After hearing about that Hawks/we take the best player available philosophy, I think my eyes role in the second too.
I think they were disappointed that Samuel Colangelo wasn't there, but I think they knew he was going off the board, and probably weren't going to offer both #46 and 78l because morehan likely a goalie run might come (two beside Commesso, nor really a run, but when you haven't been fortunate in drafting and developing them, you don't want to go hit or miss I the mid-rounds, I guess.) Is Drew Commesso gonna grow bigger? Id he from a big tall family, because you just took a guys smaller than Crawford, and believe me Crow was much highly thought in the QMJHL of when he came out.
So I guess I thought that the class of skaters was thinning by slot #46, but if you wanted BIG, jack Finley was there, and Tampa was willing to trade up, right?
and maybe it was early for tough guy Will Cuylle ? He has a shot.
I just think I had Drew going between 41-59 and dropped him as the draft got closer.

I thought Landon Slaggert and Wyatt Kaiser were solid picks where they went off the board. Slaggert was a solid third rounder and I had him in the going off in the late 90's slots, because everyone knows he is going to school where his father is an assistant, and that college route might have had NHL teams looking at bigger Euros around them who they don't have to worry about going the uFA route after 4 college years...

He has a good cycle game against the boards and will be a better player when he gets bigger and stronger. From J. Zucker to TJ Compher, the USA program has been great at developing all around players who never forgot what the best play is. The USA kid all have high hockey IQ sound decision making instincts and good all-around toolbox and skill.

I had Wyatt Kaiser ranked in the 75-80 range on my board. I think he is a really good skater, and at this point isn't outstanding in any areas as a high school, but he is going to a terrific program in Minn-Duluth... his skating and balance are his bread and butter now, and he has really good upside and value for the Blackhawks too.

These were excellent picks at the end of the third, not in anyway reaches, very safe raffle tickets as possible future pros.

I saw a little of Michael Krutil but I am gonna reserve judgement until he progresses and we see how he fits over here.

I don't think defenseman Isaak Phillips is through growing. He is a solid skater, with some grit and finesse and his star is on the rise. He was playing behind some good older defenders there.



Chad Yetman from Erie is 5’ 11” 178 lbs. and scored more 43 goals than assists (31),having 74 points in 61 games. He is also on an upward trajectory although I hardly noticed him when watching but I am not Mark Kelley...

I simply love that Habs Bergevin let the Hawks trade for the pick.

Before day one of the draft, I was reminiscing with an old friend how when we saw the draft many moons ago included a big 6 ' 8" defenseman and we said, "What if he can skate? And Zdeno Chára could.
What if this kid can?
Louis Crevier Chicoutimi. 6’ 8” 209lbs.
At 6'8, Crevier can stand a few feet from you and still poke check the puck and prevent plays with ease. He's an "unnatural" presence on the ice; players think they've escaped his grip, but they often haven't moved far and quickly enough. He's a decent skater for his size. He recognizes assignments and anticipates passes reasonably well in the defensive zone.

I am gonna watch close now...

Oh, I am going start filling in the profiles for 2021, so Corey and Wheeler can start copying them
https://www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2021/

Great write up by Lazerus in the Athletic on Crow the other day. Here's an excerpt...

I’ll remember the first round of the 2015 playoffs. Pulled for Scott Darling after one period in an eventual overtime win in Game 1 against Nashville. Benched after giving up six goals in a Game 2 loss. Redeemed after returning the favor for Darling in an eventual overtime win in Game 6.

In between, Crawford could have sulked. Could have caused problems in the locker room. Could have derailed the whole thing. After all, he was the proven champion. He was the All-Star that season. That was his net. But not only did Crawford not whine, he shined. He was the first guy in line to congratulate Darling after his spectacular relief performance in Game 1, greeting him with a huge smile on his face and a bear hug. He said all the right things in front of the cameras, but more importantly, he said all the right things away from the cameras.

He and Darling had grown close over the course of the season, bonding over their nerdiness over goaltending minutiae, and their similarly long but wildly different journeys to the NHL. He was in Darling’s ear from the moment Darling was named the Game 3 starter, supporting the man who supplanted him. Mentally weak, indeed.

“It’s funny, everyone kept asking me if it was awkward, and it wasn’t awkward at all,” Darling once told me. “He was happy for me. And he was huge for me, being a guy I could talk to because obviously that was a situation I had never been in before. The only thing that made it awkward was all the media questions that we had. But between us, behind the scenes, we’re all about the team. We just want to win, and whoever’s winning, that’s what it takes.”

Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger

Pending a trade call, the VGK have traded Paul Statsny to Wpg for a 4th in 2022 and Carl Dahlstrom

Just wanted to take a 5 minute break from focusing on social issues far more important than hockey to thank Corey Crawford for his time in Chicago. An all-time battler who will always remain a favorite. One of those "without him" players - without him 2010 would be a one-off aberration.

I wonder how Kane will enjoy sharing a line with Nylander all season. Stan is determined to show what a great move that was, despite all evidence to the contrary.
- jrsamu

Kane should quickly forget that displeasure and remember the reason why he is lining up with the likes of Nylander when he cashes his pay cheque.

The question that should be asked is: How will supporting players feel when the guy they line up with is receiving 15 to 20 times the pay they get but does not contribute the same proportionate results on the ice.

This is not a good blog, it's an exceptional one. You've entered must read territory for any Hawks fan, Theo.

Just wanna add two things. How many yrs now could we have said, "Stan pick a lane and stick to it"? IMO every yr since getting swept by NSH. Stan, or the "decision by committee group", has straddled the fence every yr since. Sure they put Boqvist and Dach in the lineup last yr but also added DeHaan, Maata, Smith and Shaw. ....... Classic straddle the fence with no coherent organIzational plan (pick a lane).

What would make anyone think this yr is any different? One could point to letting Crow walk and trading Maata but they are in a cap hell kinda situation with those moves not necessarily a youth movement (what youthful goalie with a legit shot at being an NHL #1 is up to take Crow's spot?). Just like the cup yrs they had to let a Hammer, and on and on, go to keep under the cap and keep the run going. Now they have to let a Crow go to keep players on a team ranked 30th in defense. Big difference.

Again what makes this yr different, if it is, as far as picking a lane. I had forgotten, and you pointed this out Theo, no McD! Indeed, this might be the yr they pick a lane if only because McD and his 100 ft shadow is removed from the equation. We'll see but maybe, just maybe they have an organIzational plan with all of management on deck with a plan (lane) minus McD.

One more thing. Basse and Commesso may never play NHL hockey but I love the fact they are using resources on the position (a 2nd rounder on Commesso) and drafting a goalie every yr regardless of round. Take enough swings and something might go over the fence. ........ 3 rs in a row they took a goalie and IIRC first time they used as high as a 2nd rounder on the position since Crow.

And just a reminder how this organIzation evaluates goalies. Look at the 5 goalies that tried to replace an injured Crow in 17/18. Shameful, a firing offense. https://www.hockeydb.com/...ons/teams/0000352018.html

Sad day to see Crow go . He was a true warrior and great teammate . Always up for a ruckus he was a beaut .

THEO: I agree with you about the Hawks laying low at the beginning. They have players coming off injury that I do believe you cannot just cut an injured player loose. Plus who will trade for a Shaw or Smith, higher cap hit, both coming off injury ? Nobody most likely. We have to see what Delia and Lankinen have, after all Delia is 25 and Lankinen is 24. Right around the same age Crawford was when he became the starter

I might be in the minority here but im all for a full rebuild. I knew as soon as the wonder twins signed there deals the hawks wouldn't make it to the cup again till those contracts were gone. Just no way to build depth with 21 million tied up in 2 players. embrace the tank and rebuild with youth.
- SaskHawkFan

I was truly skeptical about their deals at $10 5 and crying banging my head on the table when Stamkos failed to raise the cap bar at $8.5. I knew we were toast a lot more good players would have to go and we would be unable to keep anyone who developed. That said, Toews and Kane's agent held a gun to Stan's head and Tallon would have been happy to swoop in and pull the trigger by signing them. Don't feel sorry for Kane and Toews for one second going complete rebuild if they could carry a team commensurate with their salaries we wouldn't have too. And their salaries are too big to buy out.

Just wanted to take a 5 minute break from focusing on social issues far more important than hockey to thank Corey Crawford for his time in Chicago. An all-time battler who will always remain a favorite. One of those "without him" players - without him 2010 would be a one-off aberration.
- mohel

Truer words...

Hey Mo! Lazerus alluded to that in his article too. I remember the feeling after two first round exits and the thought around these parts was the team was "one and done" and trades were being discussed about sending Kane back to Buffalo for Miller because Crow wasn't "elite" or even good at that point.

Glad others are in charge.

One more thing. Basse and Commesso may never play NHL hockey but I love the fact they are using resources on the position (a 2nd rounder on Commesso) and drafting a goalie every yr regardless of round. Take enough swings and something might go over the fence. ........ 3 rs in a row they took a goalie and IIRC first time they used as high as a 2nd rounder on the position since Crow.

And just a reminder how this organIzation evaluates goalies. Look at the 5 goalies that tried to replace an injured Crow in 17/18. Shameful, a firing offense. https://www.hockeydb.com/...ons/teams/0000352018.html
- Mr Ricochet

True dat, boyfriend!

I'd love to have some enterprising reporter get in touch with Toews, Kane or Keith and find out what they think about going with youth and a goaltending group of Subban, Delia & Lankinen.

The lineup Theo posted is not good. While some younger players (Dach, Boqvist, maybe even Nylander) may improve, all the vets are a year older, and the goaltending is significantly worse than the Lehner/CC tandem.

My prediction is the Hawks are well beneath the playoff Mendoza line at the trade deadline, and Keith, de Haan & Saad are moved to SC contenders for picks and prospects.
- scottak

To get picks and prospects those teams will need players on IR.

Just wanted to take a 5 minute break from focusing on social issues far more important than hockey to thank Corey Crawford for his time in Chicago. An all-time battler who will always remain a favorite. One of those "without him" players - without him 2010 would be a one-off aberration.
- mohel

And think about that...the yer we won the first cup, they still had hime percolate in the minors and he played ONE NHL game that year...
You talk about giving him a hunger via disrespect, maybe that was IT.

Great write up by Lazerus in the Athletic on Crow the other day. Here's an excerpt...

I’ll remember the first round of the 2015 playoffs. Pulled for Scott Darling after one period in an eventual overtime win in Game 1 against Nashville. Benched after giving up six goals in a Game 2 loss. Redeemed after returning the favor for Darling in an eventual overtime win in Game 6.

In between, Crawford could have sulked. Could have caused problems in the locker room. Could have derailed the whole thing. After all, he was the proven champion. He was the All-Star that season. That was his net. But not only did Crawford not whine, he shined. He was the first guy in line to congratulate Darling after his spectacular relief performance in Game 1, greeting him with a huge smile on his face and a bear hug. He said all the right things in front of the cameras, but more importantly, he said all the right things away from the cameras.

He and Darling had grown close over the course of the season, bonding over their nerdiness over goaltending minutiae, and their similarly long but wildly different journeys to the NHL. He was in Darling’s ear from the moment Darling was named the Game 3 starter, supporting the man who supplanted him. Mentally weak, indeed.

“It’s funny, everyone kept asking me if it was awkward, and it wasn’t awkward at all,” Darling once told me. “He was happy for me. And he was huge for me, being a guy I could talk to because obviously that was a situation I had never been in before. The only thing that made it awkward was all the media questions that we had. But between us, behind the scenes, we’re all about the team. We just want to win, and whoever’s winning, that’s what it takes.”
- HawkintheD

It was clear Corey wasn't right at the start of that series and he knew it and just wanted to win.

iF THE HAWKS ARE SERIOUS ABOUT A REBUILD. LETS LOOK INTO MOVING PATRICK KANE, THE ASSET WE WILL GET THE MOST RETURN FOR . GET A GOOD PROSPECT AND NUMBER ONE PICK AND MORE . IT WILL OPEN SOME CAP SPACE, SO MAYBE TAKE ON SOMEBODY ELSE DEAD WEIGHT FOR PICKS. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF TEAMS OUT THERE THAT COULD USE SOME CAP RELIEF

iF THE HAWKS ARE SERIOUS ABOUT A REBUILD. LETS LOOK INTO MOVING PATRICK KANE, THE ASSET WE WILL GET THE MOST RETURN FOR . GET A GOOD PROSPECT AND NUMBER ONE PICK AND MORE . IT WILL OPEN SOME CAP SPACE, SO MAYBE TAKE ON SOMEBODY ELSE DEAD WEIGHT FOR PICKS. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF TEAMS OUT THERE THAT COULD USE SOME CAP RELIEF
- Ging72

No

Read where Vegas was able to clear Stasny's whole 6.5M off the books with no money coming pick. A couple of picks going back and forth. Fixes WPG's 2C position for a season.
- boilermaker100

Couple points;

1. Stasny isn't a 2C and longer

2. WTH would anyone let Vegas off the hook for that. Chevy has lost his mind.

Just wanted to take a 5 minute break from focusing on social issues far more important than hockey to thank Corey Crawford for his time in Chicago. An all-time battler who will always remain a favorite. One of those "without him" players - without him 2010 would be a one-off aberration.
- mohel

I did the same thing. I get it. Glad to see you back, Mo.

Couple points;

1. Stasny isn't a 2C and longer

2. WTH would anyone let Vegas off the hook for that. Chevy has lost his mind.
- vabeachbear

No doubt how the hell does anyone help Vegas after the league wide arsepounding they gave everyone?

Couple points;

1. Stasny isn't a 2C and longer

2. WTH would anyone let Vegas off the hook for that. Chevy has lost his mind.
- vabeachbear

To your second point, I wonder if there is something under the table that WPG will get a deal in the Seattle expansion draft. Like you said, logically nothing adds up.

Even though CHI did not qualify goaltender Malcolm Subban, expect the Hawks to sign him today to a two-year deal with an AAV just south of $900K. CHI expects Subban, Collin Delia and Kevin Lankinen to compete for the starter and back-up job in 20-21.

Isn't that what the AHL is for?
- scottak

There is a step up from the AHL to the NHL. NHL level experience is required for young players to become good NHL players. It must be done judiciously on each individual basis and the team situation isn't always conducive to "let the kids play" - but in the current Hawks situation it is my believe that it's the best thing to do - even with the almost certainty that the Hawks will suck for a year or two.

Couple points;

1. Stasny isn't a 2C and longer

2. WTH would anyone let Vegas off the hook for that. Chevy has lost his mind.
- vabeachbear

That's where he will be probably be penciled in by the Jets. Not my problem.

I guess the Jets figured this move will help their team and were not concerned about holding Vegas' feet to the fire.

To your second point, I wonder if there is something under the table that WPG will get a deal in the Seattle expansion draft. Like you said, logically nothing adds up.
- powerenforcer

Not everything is a conspiracy for (frank) sake

Maybe the same reporter could ask them their thoughts on how their two deals specifically impact the makeup of the team.

If the last part of your post pans out then Stan should be a seller at the deadline and accumulate draft capital.

With 2 yrs left on his deal, I doubt Keith goes anywhere at the deadline but never say never.
- HawkintheD

They signed their new deals in July, 2014, effective for the 2015-16 season.

When they signed, the cap for 2014-15 was $69 million. Now, 5
years later, the cap is $81.5 million. That's an 18% increase over the 5 years - 3.6% per year (not considering compounding).

I'm sure everyone thought that the cap would be much higher by the 2019-20 (and 2020-21) season.

Had the cap gone up by 5% per year, the cap would be $88 million today; a 7% increase per year would have gotten it to over $96 million.

Everyone got it wrong.