Does Seth Jones want play for him is better question imo.
- Scott1977

https://www.nhl.com/bluej...ture-columbus/c-324540302

One last draft thought before I get working. (ha, Work? -Maynard G Krebs

IF
no draft picks are added bt KD before the #38 I am thiiking they zero in at forward, and unless the board shows a head over heels better defenseman prospect, they go forward out of almost necessity, but.....
Since this is goalie prospect desert with only three goals looking promising to take in the early mid-rounds, what happens if the take a goalie at #38?

I know all the facts of taking one early but, in the past, they really have waited and reached at possibles later, and were frightened by the wasting of a early selection due to all the "factors."

I know Pat Boyle on NBCSports Chicago has already named Drew comes the future hawk starter and they only need transition goalies, but why not elect another early?
If Davidon has enough cahomes committed to taking the heat for each and every drop and sell off, taking a goalie here is mild heat.

and besides, reality says we are getting ten first rounders as teams like NJ Buffalo, and Arizona bow to submission and hand over their picks to us...
- wiz1901

I know Russians are nobody favorite right now ,but there are of course some very talented ones out there that may slip out of the 1st round due to uncertainty of their availability .Should the Hawks be willing to take a chance on one of those players ,may get a great player in the 2nd .Just wondering I am still big on taking the best Canadian kid available at the time . That just me, and I am Don Cherry bias type lol

Thanks for posting, BM.......... One thing I'm really grateful for last season was King giving Borgstrom a real 20ish game look at center. I hoped they would and they did. Perfect chance to see what they had in the kid.

And the fancies in article as it does so many times backs up the eye test. Zeroing in on Borgstrom shifts you could see a Euro trained nicely balanced skater with multiple gears, good hands that is really positionally sound with his weight leaning to the D side of the puck in the Ozone. He always wants to be high in the attack zone (Dach is this way too to a lesser extent though).

But he just didn't put up points even when given looks in the top 6. And like Dach he just can't cheat positionally to add offense. It's either driven into these players thru coaching, is in their DNA or both to not cheat for offense.

If a Borgstrom could put up 30 pts he'd be a very useful NHL player as he has excellent size, skating and is a natural centerman. With his back class who knows maybe the switch goes off and the 24 yr old becomes a 45ish pt player but he's a sound player with good size and a fine defensive IQ today. ...... If he can do a Strome and get his lifetime FO above 41% that would help.
- Mr Ricochet

Was hoping and cheering for Borgstrom to do well, as I think he was really putting in the effort on the ice. The Blackhawks need that defense first mentality, but can't afford to have defense "only" players. Need to find a way to chip in and pick the right spots to cheat or get a bit more offense. Right now, in recent seasons not enough guys who play a two way game and that is a problem.

https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/john-tortorella-winning-culture-columbus/c-324540302
- LAHawk

Well that answers that question. So say torts goes fletcher and says I want Seth Jones here in Philly just wondering what the trade would be. Most likely bad contracts coming back but who?

Well that answers that question. So say torts goes fletcher and says I want Seth Jones here in Philly just wondering what the trade would be. Most likely bad contracts coming back but who?
- Scott1977

Interesting question. As was mentioned previously would probably have to take back VanReimsdyk (TDL flip) and Routsalanin. Don't know about Flyers prospects, and would the trade bring back any (or high draft picks). This could be a trade to just get out of Jones contract as opposed to aiding in the rebuild. If that is the case, would KD do it? (or should he, the BOD is so fixated on the number and term, and that Jones is not Makar as to what he brings to the team)

Hawks are in such a curious position. Already had one of the youngest and least experienced teams (in terms of NHL experience) and starting another rebuild on top of their rebuild. There is just very little of value that they can trade right now that makes sense.

The only real "vets" are Kane, Toews, Jones, Murphy, McCabe.

Unlikely we see Kane/Toews/Jones moved. Murphy/McCabe won't fetch much.

Trading guys like Debrincat, Dach, only makes sense if you get a NHL player back, like maybe you take on a bad contract on someone who can still contribute and get some picks for the trouble, but the return probably won't be what many fans hope for.

Sad thing, the Hawks don't have much trade value. The Blackhawks have a lot of guys who are in that 22-26 year age bracket who just aren't meeting expectations and that's not an easy one to fix.

I know Russians are nobody favorite right now ,but there are of course some very talented ones out there that may slip out of the 1st round due to uncertainty of their availability .Should the Hawks be willing to take a chance on one of those players ,may get a great player in the 2nd .Just wondering I am still big on taking the best Canadian kid available at the time . That just me, and I am Don Cherry bias type lol
- oldduffman

For a team that needs young guys to be present and in camp for evaluation, I would hope they draft players who are sure to be in camp.

Interesting question. As was mentioned previously would probably have to take back VanReimsdyk (TDL flip) and Routsalanin. Don't know about Flyers prospects, and would the trade bring back any (or high draft picks). This could be a trade to just get out of Jones contract as opposed to aiding in the rebuild. If that is the case, would KD do it? (or should he, the BOD is so fixated on the number and term, and that Jones is not Makar as to what he brings to the team)
- LAHawk

imo if Jones is traded, unlikely, then hawks would have to keep McCabe and Murphy being they are vets have stay. Especially if young d man are going to play significant minutes. And if dcat strong kubalik are all traded. then Kane and towes at the tdl possibly. Need some veterans to help young players. LA do you think they trade dach? If they keep him I think he should be a power forward whether he likes it or not.

imo if Jones is traded, unlikely, then hawks would have to keep McCabe and Murphy being they are vets have stay. Especially if young d man are going to play significant minutes. And if dcat strong kubalik are all traded. then Kane and towes at the tdl possibly. Need some veterans to help young players. LA do you think they trade dach? If they keep him I think he should be a power forward whether he likes it or not.
- Scott1977

I think Dach stays, only reason I would think that GM's are calling about him is if they think they could buy him low. KD says he wants to acquire players like Dach who are big and fast. Don't think he is going to trade one unless he is bowled over with the return.

I think Dach stays, only reason I would think that GM's are calling about him is if they think they could buy him low. KD says he wants to acquire players like Dach who are big and fast. Don't think he is going to trade one unless he is bowled over with the return.
- LAHawk

I think Dach stays, but I wouldn’t be opposed to trading him for the right price.

Dach for Caufield would be a no-brainer.

KD should try to pry Kakko out of New York. I’m not sure what it would take, but it’s worth a try.

I think Dach stays, but I wouldn’t be opposed to trading him for the right price.

Dach for Caufield would be a no-brainer.

KD should try to pry Kakko out of New York. I’m not sure what it would take, but it’s work a try.
- DarthKane

For a measly return like Kakko, KD might have to gulp hard and offer the Rangers the great Dylan Strome.

I know Russians are nobody favorite right now ,but there are of course some very talented ones out there that may slip out of the 1st round due to uncertainty of their availability .Should the Hawks be willing to take a chance on one of those players ,may get a great player in the 2nd .Just wondering I am still big on taking the best Canadian kid available at the time . That just me, and I am Don Cherry bias type lol
- oldduffman

As long as they hold Brittany Griner there should be a moratorium on Russian players.

Well that answers that question. So say torts goes fletcher and says I want Seth Jones here in Philly just wondering what the trade would be. Most likely bad contracts coming back but who?
- Scott1977

Do you think that S Jones wants to play for Torts and Torts style he would make Jones play?

Well it isn't JC's system. But his offensive puck carrying would be modified to less free wheeling

1). Will Francour weak goaltending cost Colorado a game? And is Kuemper in rythmn/ top game shape? Perhaps Byram gets victimized due to his inexperience. Add: B Point (s) to their offense and Kucherov + Stamkos prosper with a major talented forward hooked up to the attack.

I still see Colorado as deeper. But might the above factor into even one more Tampa win?

2). I wonder if LA would not trade their #1 2923 if both Clarke and Byfuekd were part of the trade. The #1 2022 no problem.. I also feel that LA might.try to peddle Turcotte if they can get a 2023 #2.....the idea about Tyrcotte is more to do with whether they had to surrender a #1 2023.


And adding another young dman? When we have its of promising dmen in the system but a. Crying need for forwards and. Centers

If LA trade does KD feel he really wants Ckarke, then turn pro and learn from the start in Chucago rather than LA?

I think Dach stays, but I wouldn’t be opposed to trading him for the right price.

Dach for Caufield would be a no-brainer.

KD should try to pry Kakko out of New York. I’m not sure what it would take, but it’s worth a try.
- DarthKane

KD wants size and speed, Kakko only brings one of those elements, size. The Rangers board was disappointed with Kakko’s speed when he first joined the team. Although I’ve watched a few Ranger games, I’ve never focused on Kakko much to determine that assessment.

1). Will Francour weak goaltending cost Colorado a game? And is Kuemper in rythmn/ top game shape? Perhaps Byram gets victimized due to his inexperience. Add: B Point (s) to their offense and Kucherov + Stamkos prosper with a major talented forward hooked up to the attack.

I still see Colorado as deeper. But might the above factor into even one more Tampa win?

2). I wonder if LA would not trade their #1 2923 if both Clarke and Byfuekd were part of the trade. The #1 2022 no problem.. I also feel that LA might.try to peddle Turcotte if they can get a 2023 #2.....the idea about Tyrcotte is more to do with whether they had to surrender a #1 2023.


And adding another young dman? When we have its of promising dmen in the system but a. Crying need for forwards and. Centers

If LA trade does KD feel he really wants Ckarke, then turn pro and learn from the start in Chucago rather than LA?
- jhawk59

Because none of our plethora of D prospects the Hawks have project to a #1 which Clarke does. Hawks have a crying need for talent, no matter the position.

Interesting question. As was mentioned previously would probably have to take back VanReimsdyk (TDL flip) and Routsalanin. Don't know about Flyers prospects, and would the trade bring back any (or high draft picks). This could be a trade to just get out of Jones contract as opposed to aiding in the rebuild. If that is the case, would KD do it? (or should he, the BOD is so fixated on the number and term, and that Jones is not Makar as to what he brings to the team)
- LAHawk

In addition to Ristolainen,  Flyers have a bunch of expensive contracts with guys near or on the wrong side of 30.

Coutrier 8 x7.75M, 29 years old
Hayes 4 x 7.1M, 30 yo
Ellis 6 x 6.25M, 31 yo
Atkinson 3x 5.875M, 33yo

Pick your poison. 1 or 2 of those contracts plus something for Jones plus something.

I know Russians are nobody favorite right now ,but there are of course some very talented ones out there that may slip out of the 1st round due to uncertainty of their availability .Should the Hawks be willing to take a chance on one of those players ,may get a great player in the 2nd .Just wondering I am still big on taking the best Canadian kid available at the time . That just me, and I am Don Cherry bias type lol
- oldduffman

Agreed.
I had to laugh though, when I cruised over to Tankathon.com who seem to get their mocks from someone but I dunno where...and when I looked at the Chicago mock selections, at first, I saw the names and was ready to send Ogi a note that they had
two Russian slated for the Hawks in their mock
Alexander Perevalov
and
Alexander Suzdalev
but then remembered Suzdalev was a Sweded with a Russian sir name...

anyway I see two guys I like better available on their list who I am sure already speak English.

Since we have been in hypothetical mode for a few blogs about everything, but here's one for ya....


What if big Conor Geekie is available by the 38th pick ?

By passed by out of the first and the start of the second b/c his feet might not make him a top six NHL centre. (Junior centre can play with his boots if they are high end hockey smart.)
Is he destined to being a bottom six player or a long term developmental guy who you hopes works his bags off to improve his galoshes.

And the hawks declare speed is what they want...does his shockingly being on the board change you mouther "philosophy?


I doubt it happens, but I like thinking about a JD backpedal....
More on Conor Geekie:
A Winnipeg fan favorite who just doesn't seem to slot well in the top part of the first round, and like little brother of Morgan, he has excelled in many parts of the game as a strong two-way junior competitor, but his jenky skating weak stride with little knee-bend makes him an average in the junior leagues. His cement feet affect his works in transition, in the carries in the middle zone and with zone entires. Usually he is the last player back and does lots of puck chasing and he losses his man when he cheats up. He has to make wide runs to get going in transition.

So where does that leave him as a prospect? Is he destined to being a bottom six player or a long term developmental guy who you hopes works his bags off to improve his galoshes. 

If you watch him with the Winnipeg Ice, you can’t help but be a fan and hope for the best. So let’s look at his best points. He is a highly co-ordinated big man who can beat you with his skilled stick-handling, shot, hockey IQ, or by using his massive frame. He acts as a power-play quarterback, has soft hands for big man, passes really well, and has shifty body jukes when he is one-on-one. He protects the puck well, and he is outstanding in plays away from the puck. He has a toolbox! So ,it really becomes a matter of him eventually being able to be an impact top six player (and probably not a centre). His upside is huge. (<---Me) and this is the Athletic link to their recent story:
https://theathletic.com/3...or-geekie-2022-nhl-draft/

Agreed.
I had to laugh though, when I cruised over to Tankathon.com who seem to get their mocks from someone but I dunno where...and when I looked at the Chicago mock selections, at first, I saw the names and was ready to send Ogi a note that they had
two Russian slated for the Hawks in their mock
Alexander Perevalov
and
Alexander Suzdalev
but then remembered Suzdalev was a Sweded with a Russian sir name...

anyway I see two guys I like better available on their list who I am sure already speak English.
- wiz1901

Many, if not all, Russians are going to fall in the draft. A guy like Ivan Miroshnichenko has tried to get a visa twice and never got one.

IMO this is where the most value in the draft will be. Good chance late 1st rd or early 2nd rd talent is on the board late in the 2nd or early 3rd. You take a chance on a kid like that? Especially a franchise like CHI devoid of talent throughout the system?

IMO PHI is gonna be fun to watch. Their prospect pool is about as bad as the Hawks', tons of bad contracts, refusal to acknowledge the obvious, wanna tweak to be in the playoff conversation and a new coach coming where they will look to change personnel in the belief that a cultural change is problem #1. ....... Good chance this organIzation is really active.

Since we have been in hypothetical mode for a few blogs about everything, but here's one for ya....


What if big Conor Geekie is available by the 38th pick ?

By passed by out of the first and the start of the second b/c his feet might not make him a top six NHL centre. (Junior centre can play with his boots if they are high end hockey smart.)
Is he destined to being a bottom six player or a long term developmental guy who you hopes works his bags off to improve his galoshes.

And the hawks declare speed is what they want...does his shockingly being on the board change you mouther "philosophy?


I doubt it happens, but I like thinking about a JD backpedal....
More on Conor Geekie:
A Winnipeg fan favorite who just doesn't seem to slot well in the top part of the first round, and like little brother of Morgan, he has excelled in many parts of the game as a strong two-way junior competitor, but his jenky skating weak stride with little knee-bend makes him an average in the junior leagues. His cement feet affect his works in transition, in the carries in the middle zone and with zone entires. Usually he is the last player back and does lots of puck chasing and he losses his man when he cheats up. He has to make wide runs to get going in transition.

So where does that leave him as a prospect? Is he destined to being a bottom six player or a long term developmental guy who you hopes works his bags off to improve his galoshes. 

If you watch him with the Winnipeg Ice, you can’t help but be a fan and hope for the best. So let’s look at his best points. He is a highly co-ordinated big man who can beat you with his skilled stick-handling, shot, hockey IQ, or by using his massive frame. He acts as a power-play quarterback, has soft hands for big man, passes really well, and has shifty body jukes when he is one-on-one. He protects the puck well, and he is outstanding in plays away from the puck. He has a toolbox! So ,it really becomes a matter of him eventually being able to be an impact top six player (and probably not a centre). His upside is huge. (<---Me) and this is the Athletic link to their recent story:
https:/I /theathletic.com/3310650/2022/06/15/conor-geekie-2022-nhl-draft/
- wiz1901

I was looking at that kid in he hockey news they had him ranked 7 or 8 and said he may go higher . I was thinking if the Hawks traded for the 2nd pick they may pull a big surprise and grab
Geekie they did not much about his skating.

Hawks are in such a curious position. Already had one of the youngest and least experienced teams (in terms of NHL experience) and starting another rebuild on top of their rebuild. There is just very little of value that they can trade right now that makes sense.

The only real "vets" are Kane, Toews, Jones, Murphy, McCabe.

Unlikely we see Kane/Toews/Jones moved. Murphy/McCabe won't fetch much.

Trading guys like Debrincat, Dach, only makes sense if you get a NHL player back, like maybe you take on a bad contract on someone who can still contribute and get some picks for the trouble, but the return probably won't be what many fans hope for.

Sad thing, the Hawks don't have much trade value. The Blackhawks have a lot of guys who are in that 22-26 year age bracket who just aren't meeting expectations and that's not an easy one to fix.
- breadbag

I agree, that's why you just keep playing them and just maybe if you keep Cat and these other guys around the more experience these kids get you increase their trade value like Hagel who was a 22 year old when he started showing signs of being a pro hockey player.

I know Russians are nobody favorite right now ,but there are of course some very talented ones out there that may slip out of the 1st round due to uncertainty of their availability .Should the Hawks be willing to take a chance on one of those players ,may get a great player in the 2nd .Just wondering I am still big on taking the best Canadian kid available at the time . That just me, and I am Don Cherry bias type lol
- oldduffman

Something to keep in mind is that some Russian draftees are already in North America so drafting them may not have the same "when will they come over from Russia" concern.

One that pops out is D-man Pavel Mintyukov who is a reliable all-around defender with a possible 2nd pair ceiling on the blueline.

Another is center Danny Zhilkin who is an excellent skater and playmaker who could top out as a 2nd liner if he hits full potential.

Huh... apparently speed beats defensive structure (for now).

Huh... apparently speed beats defensive structure (for now).
- Chunk

Avs just continuing to tilt the ice in their favor. It doesn't hurt that they are quick and talented