JC would have to be high on crack to value Alex “Underachiever of the year, every year” Nylander over Pius Suter.

Dach should start out on the 3rd line until he gets his legs, with Strome and Kurashev ahead of him. If Toews does make it back, eventually it should be Toews, Dach, Strome, Kurashev in that order. Unless Philip can play wing.

Where do you see Drew Commesso in his development? Is he a viable goalie of the future type? I know he was a high pick.
- Benfromgary

Thanks for what seems to be your first post! If you're comfortable, please post more. Would love to hear your thoughts and enrich our conversations here.

To answer your question, Commesso is likely in the NCAA for at least two seasons (this year and next) before signing an ELC. After that, play in the AHL for a season or two before graduating to NHL backup.

Consider this ideal scenario: Lankinen is the real deal giving the Hawks 5-7 years of top-shelf, dependable starts. This would allow Commesso to develop at a reasonable pace.

It's still early but I wouldn't sleep on Basse. He could surprise as at least a decent backup.

So you basically think every draft pick they make is gonna be on the team? Yeah, good luck with that.
- GPHawksfan

I had a preface and caveats to that projected future roster so there's that. It may or may not have been a serious exercise. Totally fine to be in column B. As a cautious optimist, I'm in both.

No. Obviously not. Some will fail, some will play for another team. Someone like Kyrs makes it maybe after a few years in the AHL.
- jhawk59

Exactly. Every team has more prospects in the pipeline than will ever make it in the NHL or at least in their own system.

Prospects are lottery tickets. Stock up on them and do your best to develop them. Keep the ones that pan out and trade some with good to great potential for needed assets to fill organizational holes.

And some will never make it past the minors.

I don’t understand all the love for Johnson on this board. Yes he hits, but he put up 8 points in 52 games in the AHL, what exactly are the expectations and why all the love? Sorry but I’d rather play Entwistle or Wallmark for that matter. Just my $0.02...
- Angotti

I’d like all three to get similar playing time under similar conditions for us to see who earns the position.

Various reports:

Lankinen starts tonight.

Bowey assigned to the taxi squad.

Boqvist moved to the active roster but still not ready to play games.

Johnson slots in.

Starting lineup will be 12F/6D.

I’d like all three to get similar playing time under similar conditions for us to see who earns the position.
- paulr

I thought he earned another chance in his 1st game. The good thing about depth is that guys have to keep earning it.

Thanks for what seems to be your first post! If you're comfortable, please post more. Would love to hear your thoughts and enrich our conversations here.

To answer your question, Commesso is likely in the NCAA for at least two seasons (this year and next) before signing an ELC. After that, play in the AHL for a season or two before graduating to NHL backup.

Consider this as a scenario: Lankinen is the real deal giving the Hawks 5-7 years of top-shelf, dependable starts. This would allow Commesso to develop at a reasonable pace.

It's still early but I wouldn't sleep on Basse. He could surprise as at least a decent backup.
- Theo Fox

Theo, it was about this far in Delia's NHL career Stan decided he was worth a multi year $1M+ contract. I'm not sold yet on Lankinen. I will say "he looks promising."

Various reports:

Lankinen starts tonight.

Bowey assigned to the taxi squad.

Boqvist moved to the active roster but still not ready to play games.

Johnson slots in.

Starting lineup will be 12F/6D.
- Theo Fox

With another rookie in for Shaw they need to be 12/6.

With another rookie in for Shaw they need to be 12/6.
- rpeters01

Would be suprised if Entwhistle in place of Johnson.

No. The announcers will be saying, you can call me [him] Johnson.

Theo, it was about this far in Delia's NHL career Stan decided he was worth a multi year $1M+ contract. I'm not sold yet on Lankinen. I will say "he looks promising."
- rpeters01

My comment about Lankinen "being the real deal" was conjecture, not fact, as I was proposing an ideal scenario. Sorry, I should have been more clear in verbiage.

He's on a good trajectory but still a while to go to see if he really is the real deal. We'll see how he is at season's end.

CAR and OTT with a trade. Dzingel going north for Paquette and Galyenchuk.

CAR and OTT with a trade. Dzingel going north for Paquette and Galyenchuk.
- boilermaker100

How many teams is that for Galchenyuk? There’s talent there, just not a brain.

Its a holiday weekend?

CAR and OTT with a trade. Dzingel going north for Paquette and Galyenchuk.
- boilermaker100

Remember when half the board wanted Dzingel?

How many teams is that for Galchenyuk? There’s talent there, just not a brain.
- Angotti

6

6
- Elbows15

I guess top three picks get many opportunities. Another Stan fail, he should have grabbed him.

Its a holiday weekend?
- Elbows15

Family Day up here in the Great White North . Needed a Monday off in February

So far MAF is having a better year than Lehner, small sample size, but wondering if they regret signing Lehner.

So far MAF is having a better year than Lehner, small sample size, but wondering if they regret signing Lehner.
- Angotti

It was a little sketchy the other night when he did not play heard he was suppose to start then showed up said he could not go and left in his car .Now saying upper body hope he ok never know with that guy .

Family Day up here in the Great White North . Needed a Monday off in February
- oldduffman

yeah, but Rockford isn't the Great White North.

I guess top three picks get many opportunities. Another Stan fail, he should have grabbed him.
- Angotti

Shhh. Let's not risk giving Stan any ideas.

It was a little sketchy the other night when he did not play heard he was suppose to start then showed up said he could not go and left in his car .Now saying upper body hope he ok never know with that guy .
- oldduffman

Once a putz, always a putz

I’d like all three to get similar playing time under similar conditions for us to see who earns the position.
- paulr

Well that's just dumb. What about redass?

Well that's just dumb. What about redass?
- HawkintheD

Some get the redass from too much spicy food.

Hawks will win 5-3 after falling behind 2-0 in the first 10 minutes.

That's my wacky prediction for the day.