Theo Fox: Draft: Sneak Peak An early look at who the Blackhawks should consider in the upcoming NHL Draft based on the drafting profile described by general manager Kyle Davidson and director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey.

Lets get us a fast goalie ,need one that can get to the bench quick on a PP or empty net situation .Very underrated facet of the game .
Speed is great and all ,but size matters in this league you see it in the playoffs every year .If that Geekie kid drops I think he is a big time player ,or if we ever got the 2nd pick Slafkovsky would be my choice over Cooley in a heart beat .

Game processing speed is more important than pure speed. Pure speed chases the puck where processing speed (IQ) vectors in on the puck and controls it. A guy with high IQ plays the game quicker and faster than he might skate. Stahlberg is an example of pure speed, where Patrick Kane is nowhere as fast as Stahlberg. But he keeps getting better as he ages.

Putting too much weight on any one thing (speed, size, vision, iq, stick handling, shooting, compete level) is a poor strategy, especially if they are drafting outside the first 10. Weigh all the players strengths and weaknesses. Now if it is your time to make a selection and you like 3 players you can use speed and compete level to split hairs.

Theo imo if the Hawks can get a top ten pick my choices who they should draft Marco Kasper loogen Cooley conner gauthier.

Putting too much weight on any one thing (speed, size, vision, iq, stick handling, shooting, compete level) is a poor strategy, especially if they are drafting outside the first 10. Weigh all the players strengths and weaknesses. Now if it is your time to make a selection and you like 3 players you can use speed and compete level to split hairs.
- Ztra

Their emphasis is on playing fast. Obviously, being able to skate is a big part of that. I would highly doubt they are putting foot speed notably ahead of all the other attributes they listed. They’ll place an emphasis on it, but the guys they draft will be pluses in more than one of the categories.

Hopefully better speed players than the memories of Ken Yaremchek and Sergei Krivokrasov

Ok, I am ready to play. Ranke din order, Pure skaters (fat agile lateral + processing)

There will be a * behind the guys who the fiercest competitors

There will be a $ behind the guys who have the best hockey sense all around.

Best skaters

Jonathan Lekkermaki $ - a goal scorer who visually looks faster than the rest on the sheet.

Jiri Kulich - smooth with an instant burst of acceleration and even quicker gears after that.

Isaac Howard - this blazer with clean edging and super acceleration. So fast really quick.

Logan Cooley $ - I wouldn't call it speed as in take off and go with him...it is speed and elusiveness and quick cuts that an instant changes in direction that take him through the heavy traffic so well. (My point is hockey speed isn't just Kenny Wharram when he hits the blue line---boy did THAT reference just date me.)

Def. Lane Hutson * $ - After Elbows called him a midget to stay away from, I laughed out loud, because he very well might answer the post playoff question to McKinnon, about what have other teams learned from your team about building a Cupchampion, and he answered, "Find a Cole Makar."
I am neve w/o words, but if you could watch more than a play, a entire game he is in, you will see how fast his involvement on so much of the seconds on each of his shifts. Outmuscled,small in his end, an incredibly deceptive skater as mailman, incredible initial burst, clean breaks in turns and balance on his edges and East West agility, and when you watch he looks like his next stride could be in any one of four directions instantly.

Brad Lambert - everyone has downgraded him because he can effortless blow by but then gets there and doesn't process his next move. (Needs time and development for that speed to be an asset.)

David Goyette - First impression lat too long for me so I have hi downgraded because he is a puck hog (past the openings he saw while carrying) but he is a pure speed guy with slapping ability, who is not only fast, but qruickshort areas and agile.

Def. Pavel Mintyukov $ (Saginaw Gears import) -so fast on retrievals and the fastest transition defenseman in the class. imo.

Alexander Suzdalev - Sweden is a perimeter player who is so fast our there away from contact!

Reese Laubach - I have this high schooler in my 4th round when the Balckhawks do n ot currently have a pick except at #90. I know the competition is different but my eyes see his feet...and it shows a powerful stride smooth and used in a really high tempo.

Cutter Gauthier - Centre or winger, he has this explosive stride and deceptive speed.

Def Vlad Grrudinin - another tiny defenseman with terrific stop-starts, change of direction and four direction agility fast.

Jagger Firkus - High temp always never stops moving his feet.

Juraq Slafkovsky - you wanna know why Bobby Maquarita thinks he should go first? It has partially to do with how this long legged big man moves like a puma as his thighs seem to be really powerful activators that et the long legs going.

Noah Ostlund - he can reach his top gear going North - South but also when going East-West


Shane Wright $ - never will be called a burner but there are too many parts & facets to but the puck follows him...

Putting too much weight on any one thing (speed, size, vision, iq, stick handling, shooting, compete level) is a poor strategy, especially if they are drafting outside the first 10. Weigh all the players strengths and weaknesses. Now if it is your time to make a selection and you like 3 players you can use speed and compete level to split hairs.
- Ztra

Yeah although my list below has a few guys not in the first round considerations, if a guy has feet, he can gain confidence in other areas.

I think the KD is just reiterating they need kids that see, act and move fast....but my answer above is basically foot plus...

Hopefully better speed players than the memories of Ken Yaremchek and Sergei Krivokrasov
- MNHawksfan

Bravo---this was well played. and probably says more than any of to encapsulate speed as only one aspect.

Ok, I am ready to play. Ranke din order, Pure skaters (fat agile lateral + processing)

There will be a * behind the guys who the fiercest competitors

There will be a $ behind the guys who have the best hockey sense all around.

Best skaters

Jonathan Lekkermaki $ - a goal scorer who visually looks faster than the rest on the sheet.

Jiri Kulich - smooth with an instant burst of acceleration and even quicker gears after that.

Isaac Howard - this blazes withclewan edging and super acceleration. So fast really quick.

Logan Cooley $ - I wouldn't call it speed as in take off and go with him...it is speed and elusiveness and quick cuts that an instant changes in direction that take him through the heavy traffic so well. (My point is hockey speed isn't just Kenny Wharram when he hits the blue line---boy did THAT reference just date me.)

Def. Lane Hutson * $ - After Elbows called him a midget to stay away from, I laughed out loud, because he very well might answer the post playoff question to McKinnon, about what have other teams learned from your team about building a Cupchampion, and he answered, "Find a Cole Makar."
I am neve w/o words, but if you could watch more than a play, a entire game he is in, you will see how fast his involvement on so much of the seconds on each of his shifts. Outmuscled,small in his end, an incredibly deceptive skater as mailman, incredible initial burst, clean breaks in turns and balance on his edges and East West agility, and when you watch he looks like his next stride could be in any one of four directions instantly.

Brad Lambert 0- everyone has downgraded him because he can effortless blow by but then gets there and doesn't process his next move. (Needs time and development for that speed to be an asset.)

David Goyette - First impression lat too long for me so I have hi downgraded because he is a puck hog (past the openings he saw while carrying) but he is a pure speed guy with slapping ability, who is not only fast, but qruickshort areas and agile.

Def. Pavel Mintyukov $ (Saginaw Gears import) -so fast on retrievals and the fastest transition defenseman in the class. imo.

Alexander Suzdalev - Sweden is a perimeter player who is so fast our there away from contact!

Reese Laubach - I have this high schooler in my 4th round when the Balckhawks do n ot currently have a pick except at #90. I know the competition is different but my eyes see his feet...and it shows a powerful stride smooth and used in a really high tempo.

Cutter Gauthier - Centre or winger, he has this explosive stride and deceptive speed.

Def Vlad Grrudinin - another tiny defenseman with terrific stop-starts, change of direction and four direction agility fast.

Jagger Firkus - High temp always never stops moving his feet.

Juraq Slafkovsky - you wanna know why Bobby Maquarita thinks he should go first? It has partially to do with how this long legged big man moves like a puma as his thighs seem to be really powerful activators that et the long legs going.

Noah Ostlund - he can reach his top gear going North - South but also when going East-West


Shane Wright $ - never will be called a burner but there are too many parts & facets to but the puck follows him...
- wiz1901

Panarin isn't the fastest guy going in a straight line but man is his lateral quickness impressive. Patrick Kane is similar. Probably not going to win any races but that edge work is something else.

Lets get us a fast goalie ,need one that can get to the bench quick on a PP or empty net situation .Very underrated facet of the game .
Speed is great and all ,but size matters in this league you see it in the playoffs every year .If that Geekie kid drops I think he is a big time player ,or if we ever got the 2nd pick Slafkovsky would be my choice over Cooley in a heart beat .
- oldduffman

I dunno if this is the draft fro a "fast" one....Ed Deck can appear dead and Brenna the swede and the Russian have a long way to to wow you...

I am going backward a blog now on Askarov
Nashville is talking about keeping his as. aback up.

So many teams shy away from the reverse glove handed gaolsie because the guys in front of him have been programmed for most of their life with left hand catchers so they anticipate rebounds and goalie moves based on the past reactions/

I love the kid, but hockey ain't easy.

Panarin isn't the fastest guy going in a straight line but man is his lateral quickness impressive. Patrick Kane is similar. Probably not going to win any races but that edge work is something else.
- fattybeef

and that is why my list only really sites pure skaters (and Kane and Panarin ) are excellent skaters too, but lots of speed on my list in many forms.

Oh, I saw one of the two hawks jamokes on Athletic suggest the draft defenseman Sam Rinzel ...
He is a straight line skater, and once he has to pivot and go lateral, he slows a whole lot...like a senior citizen pulling off a four lane highway into their driveway...

Ok, I am ready to play. Ranke din order, Pure skaters (fat agile lateral + processing)



Def. Lane Hutson * $ - After Elbows called him a midget to stay away from, I laughed out loud, because he very well might answer the post playoff question to McKinnon, about what have other teams learned from your team about building a Cupchampion, and he answered, "Find a Cole Makar."
I am neve w/o words, but if you could watch more than a play, a entire game he is in, you will see how fast his involvement on so much of the seconds on each of his shifts. Outmuscled,small in his end, an incredibly deceptive skater as mailman, incredible initial burst, clean breaks in turns and balance on his edges and East West agility, and when you watch he looks like his next stride could be in any one of four directions instant
- wiz1901

How big was Duncan Keith when they drafted him?

If he falls far enough on draft day sometimes you just have to take a chance on a player like this. After all we've been watching Erik Gustaffson all these years, could this kid be worse. If nothing else he can probably run an NHL powerplay.

Chychrun and Canes and Av's 1sts for the Cat!

I think we see new buzz words or mantra being pushed by the FO types this time of year, but it often boils down to the same thing. They will be looking for players that can handle the speed and pace of the NHL. I think the proof will be in the execution of what they are saying, not just in drafting, but who gets longer looks at camp, who gets minutes, who makes the team, who gets traded, etc. The Hawks need to rebuild the culture and identity of their team.

This team had to clean house, due to performance, scandal, etc.. I really hope they continue this message of what they want the team to be and follow through top to bottom.

This includes Kane/Toews and their ability do their part as they pass the torch, because honestly neither one is the x-factor that can take over the game anymore. Toews has struggled with the pace and his endurance with his condition. Kane, while effective at playmaking, he has to pick his spots more and hasn't shown the same 1x1 speed getting on top of defenders. It's natural progression given where they are in their careers.

Not saying they won't be effective players, but the identity of the team has to change and they need Dach, Debrincat, whomever will be here next year to start to take on more on and off the ice. The old stars and the young stars both need to strive to be the example of what the team wants to be.

I hope Richardson is willing to bench anyone (even if for a shift or two) if they aren't buying in and supporting the team and I hope the Hawks can get past their egos from past wins to move forward.

They need that "One Goal" mentality and hunger back as the build the team back up.

How big was Duncan Keith when they drafted him?

If he falls far enough on draft day sometimes you just have to take a chance on a player like this. After all we've been watching Erik Gustaffson all these years, could this kid be worse. If nothing else he can probably run an NHL powerplay.
- RickJ

Whe I was writing this I thought of that first impressions of Duncan Keith sort ,but figured you already heard it two time too many.

Lane is not going tom get drafted in the top 5, and teams project his growth to possibly 5' 11...if he grows.

I think Keith was under 5' 11" and really skinny but smart and fast.

This part of the draft is always the most fun to look at later ----remember when the draft talk was Ryan Murphy who Carolina picked and he is 29 in the Red Wings farm I believe...he was gonna be the mini Bobby Orr..."Murphy's offensive game drawing comparisons to a young Bobby Orr..."

but struggles both offensively and defensively

How big was Duncan Keith when they drafted him?

If he falls far enough on draft day sometimes you just have to take a chance on a player like this. After all we've been watching Erik Gustaffson all these years, could this kid be worse. If nothing else he can probably run an NHL powerplay.
- RickJ

Keith is kind of the exception more than the rule, no? I mean, for every Duncan Keith, there are way way more who fail to make the cut. Not saying they can't take a chance on a player who falls in the draft, but I think they have to really see something they like about the player to justify the risk.

I dunno if this is the draft fro a "fast" one....Ed Deck can appear dead and Brenna the swede and the Russian have a long way to to wow you...

I am going backward a blog now on Askarov
Nashville is talking about keeping his as. aback up.

So many teams shy away from the reverse glove handed gaolsie because the guys in front of him have been programmed for most of their life with left hand catchers so they anticipate rebounds and goalie moves based on the past reactions/

I love the kid, but hockey ain't easy.
- wiz1901

I would not be surprised to see Askarov break camp with the Preds. ,he will be ready .I think he is made for this league when he gets in a solid structured format like the preds play he will do very well . When he played in the Jr tournaments with the Russian teams he seemed to be trying to do to much .I think he may be a thorn in our side for years to come .Hope I am wrong.

How big was Duncan Keith when they drafted him?

If he falls far enough on draft day sometimes you just have to take a chance on a player like this. After all we've been watching Erik Gustaffson all these years, could this kid be worse. If nothing else he can probably run an NHL powerplay.
- RickJ

Whoever the Hawks select, I hope some can contribute in a few years. 2nd round picks and lower are so much of a crapshoot. For every Keith or Hammer drafted there are a dozen or more Chad Krys's.

Keith is kind of the exception more than the rule, no? I mean, for every Duncan Keith, there are way way more who fail to make the cut. Not saying they can't take a chance on a player who falls in the draft, but I think they have to really see something they like about the player to justify the risk.
- breadbag

When a team like Chicago is drafting 38, 57, 81, 90, 94 there isn't one pick that isn't a risk. In fact, every selection they make will be a bet on a longshot.

I'm not at all advocating drafting this mini defenceman, but if his skill set exceeds everybody else's when #57 rolls around, would it be a big deal if they took a flyer on him?

They have wasted picks before on the likes of Krys, Gilbert, Clendening, Paliotta and probably Beaudin.

When a team like Chicago is drafting 38, 57, 81, 90, 94 there isn't one pick that isn't a risk. In fact, every selection they make will be a bet on a longshot.

I'm not at all advocating drafting this mini defenceman, but if his skill set exceeds everybody else's when #57 rolls around, would it be a big deal if they took a flyer on him?

They have wasted picks before on the likes of Krys, Gilbert, Clendening, Paliotta and probably Beaudin.
- RickJ

I agree, they can tell the media and fans whatever they want, and this may sound dumb but they really need to draft the most talented hockey player first.

When a team like Chicago is drafting 38, 57, 81, 90, 94 there isn't one pick that isn't a risk. In fact, every selection they make will be a bet on a longshot.

I'm not at all advocating drafting this mini defenceman, but if his skill set exceeds everybody else's when #57 rolls around, would it be a big deal if they took a flyer on him?

They have wasted picks before on the likes of Krys, Gilbert, Clendening, Paliotta and probably Beaudin.
- RickJ

Hutson falls into the 5ft 9in 185lb Torey Krug mold except he's much much more dynamic, much better pedigree as the top points Dman for the NTDP and played two WJC's (Krug was undrafted) and has a slighter build..... I'd add only Tyler Duke had a better +- on the NTDP with a +60 and Hutson was a +59 last yr for those wondering if he's a train wreck in his zone. Remember that much of the NTDP schedule had the 17 yr olds playing U of ND, U of MI, U of MN, Boston College and on and on.

I'm not real good at slotting players for the draft but I'd guess Hutson doesn't last until the 57th pick. Unless they add a pick I'm guessing the Hawks gotta grab him at 38 if they want him.

Interesting player IMO.

So it's been rumored Philly has sent a trade proposal to Chicago for Debrincat ,but details have not been released.
To Chicago Philly 5th overall 2023 1st 2022 2nd 38th jvr cam york farabee and forester
To Philly Debrincat 3rd 2022 Beaudin To me this would be a solid return and what Davidson be looking for. This just my opinion