Paul, right now I'm paralyzed as to what to do if Michkov is on the board for the Hawks at 4-5-6, or anywhere really outside of the top 3 picks ...... A franchise like the Hawks or SJ just can not miss in this draft.

What I keep looking for is a report that someone spoke to the Michkov camp for an idea what he and his camp are thinking. I'd assume some reporter will try and dig up some scoop.

Today I just can't answer the question what I'd like the Hawks to do if Michkov is available to the Hawks at #4 or later.
- Mr Ricochet

You’re right about the Hawks, they cannot mess this up. And I have no real idea, though I think if they are picking in that area, then they have to take him. If the Hawks have the number two or three pick and choose him, then we can be pretty certain he’s assured them he will play in Chicago. Let’s just hope the hawks win the lottery and let this be someone else’s problem.

Paul, right now I'm paralyzed as to what to do if Michkov is on the board for the Hawks at 4-5-6, or anywhere really outside of the top 3 picks ...... A franchise like the Hawks or SJ just can not miss in this draft.

What I keep looking for is a report that someone spoke to the Michkov camp for an idea what he and his camp are thinking. I'd assume some reporter will try and dig up some scoop.

Today I just can't answer the question what I'd like the Hawks to do if Michkov is available to the Hawks at #4 or later.
- Mr Ricochet

Yes, me too. I wonder does he really want to come over or has he been promised a lovely dacha in Sochi if he stays in the motherland.

You have to think that every NHL team has some scout on the payroll checking in on the Euros and the Cossacks. Some one must know which way the kid is leaning.

Regardless, I don't think the Hawks trade out of the 4th or 5th spot if that's where they end up picking.

Who knows. Maybe someone has an inside track and Michkov goes at #2.

You’re right about the Hawks, they cannot mess this up. And I have no real idea, though I think if they are picking in that area, then they have to take him. If the Hawks have the number two or three pick and choose him, then we can be pretty certain he’s assured them he will play in Chicago. Let’s just hope the hawks win the lottery and let this be someone else’s problem.
- paulr

Agree, if the Hawks, or anyone else, takes Michkov with Fantilli on the board, and Carlsson to a lesser degree, good bet they're relatively sure he's coming to the NHL.

I do think a club like NSH or WSH can and will take a swing on Michkov if available cuz they can absorb the risk easier than a franchise like CHI or SJ. ... I do wonder if Michkov being a winger as opposed to Bedard, Fantilli and Carlsson being centers will have effect on any decisions?

Pretty good read at The Athletic today on how the draft is shaping up using Pronmann's, Wheeler's and Bob McKenzie's rankings.

Agree, if the Hawks, or anyone else, takes Michkov with Fantilli on the board, and Carlsson to a lesser degree, good bet they're relatively sure he's coming to the NHL.

I do think a club like NSH or WSH can and will take a swing on Michkov if available cuz they can absorb the risk easier than a franchise like CHI or SJ. ... I do wonder if Michkov being a winger as opposed to Bedard, Fantilli and Carlsson being centers will have effect on any decisions?

Pretty good read at The Athletic today on how the draft is shaping up using Pronmann's, Wheeler's and Bob McKenzie's rankings.
- Mr Ricochet

Good point. If everything else is close you choose a center over a wing, to build down the middle.

Agree, if the Hawks, or anyone else, takes Michkov with Fantilli on the board, and Carlsson to a lesser degree, good bet they're relatively sure he's coming to the NHL.

I do think a club like NSH or WSH can and will take a swing on Michkov if available cuz they can absorb the risk easier than a franchise like CHI or SJ. ... I do wonder if Michkov being a winger as opposed to Bedard, Fantilli and Carlsson being centers will have effect on any decisions?

Pretty good read at The Athletic today on how the draft is shaping up using Pronmann's, Wheeler's and Bob McKenzie's rankings.
- Mr Ricochet

You can add Detroit and Vancouver to the list of teams who would jump all over Michkov. He won't fall too far in this draft, just too good a player to ignore.

But the Hawks need that big centerman if one is available. And there is still a development and waiting period with those players too.

LR should be able to mould a decent defence group out of what's available in the system now, the GM has to get him some real talent up front.

Paul, right now I'm paralyzed as to what to do if Michkov is on the board for the Hawks at 4-5-6, or anywhere really outside of the top 3 picks ...... A franchise like the Hawks or SJ just can not miss in this draft.

What I keep looking for is a report that someone spoke to the Michkov camp for an idea what he and his camp are thinking. I'd assume some reporter will try and dig up some scoop.

Today I just can't answer the question what I'd like the Hawks to do if Michkov is available to the Hawks at #4 or later.
- Mr Ricochet

I wonder, considering they have TB's 1st, their own 2nd, Ottawa's (which will be relatively high), Tampa's and potentially NYR's this year, if they just say screw it, we'll take the risk with Michkov, and take a bunch of other players from a loaded draft.

Except you have in the pipeline (under contract) now:

Korchinski, Vlasic, del Maestro, Allan, Kaiser, Roos. That is not including Phillips, Regula, Galvas. All except for Roos are younger.
- LAHawk

Agree. So between the Hawks and the Hogs you probably need 7 in the NHL and up to 10 in the AHL. It could be interesting.

Signed (11)
S. Jones
Zaitsev
Murphy
Kaiser
Korchinski
Roos
Vlasic
Del Mastro
Phillips
Crevier
Nolan

RFA's (4)
C. Jones
Mitchell
Galvas
Regula

UFA's (3)
Tinordi
Englund
Wellinski

For those who subscribe to The Athletic this is an interesting read. https://theathletic.com/4...-bedard-fantilli-michkov/
Kind of scary how "expert's" opinions can differ. It would be interesting to add another data set (Wiz?).

Maybe we should give Kaiser at least one more game before coming to a conclusion, eh?

I mean, the BOD (in a strange non-BOD POV) was pretty sure Mitchell was gonna be a real player, too.

Edit - looks like I copied off Lou! Sorry, mi amigo.
- mohel

Since when have we wait 1 full game to judge a prospect here? Long before a prospect plays his first game in Chicago or Rockford he's already been deemed a bust. Get with it!

Yes, me too. I wonder does he really want to come over or has he been promised a lovely dacha in Sochi if he stays in the motherland.

- Rota's Rooter

The kid has already said his dream is to play in the NHL, but it will have to wait until his contract is over.

Fantilli & Bedard will get to play right away, but you wait for the Swede and everyone else about the same length as his Russian Michkov contract.

Ovi was a year, and Malkin - not really the biggest issue, if it is two with Hawk team there "unestatblished."

If they were lucky enough to win Bedard, I cannot realistically think nk that they don't sign UFA's so he has a complimentary higher end line mates/teammates/protectors.

Michkov has more natural ability than everyone but Bedard.
I cannot chang that, as it is in front of our noses.
Fantilli might be Toews some day, but he won't be Kane.
and if he wins the Hobey Baker trophy, that doesn't change that.

I wonder, considering they have TB's 1st, their own 2nd, Ottawa's (which will be relatively high), Tampa's and potentially NYR's this year, if they just say screw it, we'll take the risk with Michkov, and take a bunch of other players from a loaded draft.
- Chunk

Hadn't thought of that, but you make a very interesting point, Chunk. With the Hawks flush in picks this yr, 2 1sts and 4 2nds, they also have 2 1sts and 2 2nds in 2024/2025, the Hawks just might feel they have enough solid draft capital to absorb the risk of drafting Michkov at 3 or 4 or maybe even 2!!

Good point, Chunk. ..... I still think Fantilli is everyone's #2 with his vast tool kit size/skill/skating/hands/compete and he's a centerman.

The kid has already said his dream is to play in the NHL, but it will have to wait until his contract is over.

Fantilli & Bedard will get to play right away, but you wait for the Swede and everyone else about the same length as his Russian Michkov contract.

Ovi was a year, and Malkin - not really the biggest issue, if it is two with Hawk team there "unestatblished."

If they were lucky enough to win Bedard, I cannot realistically think nk that they don't sign UFA's so he has a complimentary higher end line mates/teammates/protectors.

Michkov has more natural ability than everyone but Bedard.
I cannot chang that, as it is in front of our noses.
Fantilli might be Toews some day, but he won't be Kane.
and if he wins the Hobey Baker trophy, that doesn't change that.
- wiz1901

And that's the general consensus. Something important for fans to understand. Michkov is generally thought to be a super skilled/super high IQ player that doesn't become available too often.

That said Fantilli is setting records as a true freshman and checks every box a scout would look for, and he's a centerman.

It ain't easy GMing.

Since when have we wait 1 full game to judge a prospect here? Long before a prospect plays his first game in Chicago or Rockford he's already been deemed a bust. Get with it!
- DarthKane

I thought we go by how the guy looks in warm-ups?

You’re right about the Hawks, they cannot mess this up. And I have no real idea, though I think if they are picking in that area, then they have to take him. If the Hawks have the number two or three pick and choose him, then we can be pretty certain he’s assured them he will play in Chicago. Let’s just hope the hawks win the lottery and let this be someone else’s problem.
- paulr

My hope is the Hawks at least draft #4. Carlsson, a big 2 way centerman, is not a bad consolation prize, or Michkov, if he falls to #4.

You think if they draft Michkov they bring in another Russian or two to make him feel more comfortable?

You can add Detroit and Vancouver to the list of teams who would jump all over Michkov. He won't fall too far in this draft, just too good a player to ignore.

But the Hawks need that big centerman if one is available. And there is still a development and waiting period with those players too.

LR should be able to mould a decent defence group out of what's available in the system now, the GM has to get him some real talent up front.
- RickJ

Detroit would love to draft the next Federov.

Yes, me too. I wonder does he really want to come over or has he been promised a lovely dacha in Sochi if he stays in the motherland.

You have to think that every NHL team has some scout on the payroll checking in on the Euros and the Cossacks. Some one must know which way the kid is leaning.

Regardless, I don't think the Hawks trade out of the 4th or 5th spot if that's where they end up picking.

Who knows. Maybe someone has an inside track and Michkov goes at #2.
- Rota's Rooter

Some very good points, Rota. All drafts are fascinating but for Hawk fans especially so this yr and add the Michkov "dilemma" to the equation. I wonder if hindsight shows that there never really was a Michkov "dilemma? The kid plays thru the 2024/25 season in Russia, comes to the NHL and has a dominating career living up to expectations?

If your stomach can handle it and the Hawks draft 2 or 3 this is a fascinating time in the rebuild process for a fan.

My hope is the Hawks at least draft #4. Carlsson, a big 2 way centerman, is not a bad consolation prize, or Michkov, if he falls to #4.

You think if they draft Michkov they bring in another Russian or two to make him feel more comfortable?
- Mr Ricochet

The Hawks will draft Michkov at #4, I thought we covered this already?

Some real beauties tonight. CAR @ NYR, MN @ NJ. Even OTT @ BOS and SEA @ DAL. .....

The Hawks will draft Michkov at #4, I thought we covered this already?
- DarthKane

I'm not at the head of the line to go against your prognostications, Kaner. .... Michkov at 4 then cross your fingers might end up being like Makar going 4th!

The Hawks will draft Michkov at #4, I thought we covered this already?
- DarthKane

Would you be happy with that .I am not sure .Your call on Caufield was right on .

1-0 Wash. Strome with a tap in. Wash outshooting Columbus 8-1 6 minutes in.

Columbus looks like the Hawks during the JC days.

1-0 Wash. Strome with a tap in. Wash outshooting Columbus 8-1 6 minutes in.

Columbus looks like the Hawks during the JC days.

Edit:2-0 9 minutes in

The Hawks will draft Michkov at #4, I thought we covered this already?
- DarthKane

Has he completed his military obligation yet?

Has he completed his military obligation yet?
- LAHawk

When these young guys in Russian play in the KHl, they get a special miliary gym service for doing so.
Not every Russian kid is allowed to do this so many on the my draft board for 2023 has lots of Russian who will be obligated to serve - or never return.

Good point, Chunk. ..... I still think Fantilli is everyone's #2 with his vast tool kit size/skill/skating/hands/compete and he's a centerman.
- Mr Ricochet

I think that isn't really the case.

I talk to a lot of people and I think everyone sees upside, but not the type that Michkov level will be reached by him.