5-1-4-1-3
- Angotti

1-4-2-3-1

I would hope Phillips would be ready. Although "only" 22 at the start of next season, he has been a pro for 3 seasons now. He has more pro experience than Ian Mitchell does, that if the Hawks do resign Mitchell will be subject to waivers this year If Phillips is not ready to at least start the season on the club, I don't see how another season in the A is going to make him that much better. The Hawks do not have a very good record of developing any young players on the farm, especially defenseman.
- LAHawk

Question for the board:

Since most of our closest prospects are defensemen, what are the minimum requirements /abilities that a player needs to show to establish that he belongs in the NHL. I would guess that it would depend on the type of defenseman (i.e. Korchinski vs. Allan), but why do we think that Phillips is closer/better than Mitchell? Is it their reads, gap control, effectiveness at breaking out, etc.?

Question for the board:

Since most of our closest prospects are defensemen, what are the minimum requirements /abilities that a player needs to show to establish that he belongs in the NHL. I would guess that it would depend on the type of defenseman (i.e. Korchinski vs. Allan), but why do we think that Phillips is closer/better than Mitchell? Is it their reads, gap control, effectiveness at breaking out, etc.?
- Chunk

To me Phillips is younger, bigger, better skater, better defensively (in your words reads and ability to physically engage his opponent), plays PP for Rockford, and has spent 3 years in the A.

More on the Reichel Injury from the Iowa series:

Charlie Roumeliotis

@CRoumeliotis
·
21h
Sounds like it’s more of a minor injury for Lukas Reichel and nothing to be concerned about long term. Just needs rest. #Blackhawks

Last time I am doing this until Monday night.

I just looked at the MacKenzie ask the scouts to rank the top 12 and their answers varied enough to list SEVENTEEN names in that top 12, including the top two defensemen. (Axel Sandin Pelikka & David Reinbacher who I have less emphasisn on ranked at 18-22 range b/c the there are so many good forwards.
I have Andrew Cristall at 16 Callum Ritchie at 17 and Otto Stenberg at #19.
So if you add my three the list goes to #20, should provides a nice clue that standing pat we are gonna hear one of their names called.

So IF Florida wins 2 more games we go at #19 and you have to wonder what a tiny jumper would cost to jump up 5 slots, or 4 slots or 3 slots....

Or do we simply let the draft comes to us at #20 or #19?

More on the Reichel Injury from the Iowa series:

Charlie Roumeliotis

@CRoumeliotis
·
21h
Sounds like it’s more of a minor injury for Lukas Reichel and nothing to be concerned about long term. Just needs rest. #Blackhawks
- Chunk

So basically, the same as me at the end of the week

Agreed it's almost cruel to play boys against men.
- rpeters01

Ask Matthew Knies, no gone from the Frozen Four, to the Maple leaf playoff roster and a top line to concussed in what doesn't look like anything malicious, just big boys rocking.

Remember the hawks signed Jeff Greenberg as new associate general manager and he was a big stats guru?


Well, my friend said Pittsburgh wants to hire him away from the Blackhawks....it is nice to see whether this is legit.

To me Phillips is younger, bigger, better skater, better defensively (in your words reads and ability to physically engage his opponent), plays PP for Rockford, and has spent 3 years in the A.
- LAHawk

For dmen particularly it is consistency. No weakness or inability which can be exposed. Allen for example has to graduate to descent grom bad with passing. Phillips is not naturally aggressive so he better be pretty good if he wants to hold down a roster spot. Phillips had come a long way but still has to develop more Unless they see noticeable improvement over a segment like 20 gp, he remains most of next season in AHL

My hope is to see Korchinski, Kaiser DelMaestro become top two pairs Phillips vies with Allen for third pair in two years

For dmen particularly it is consistency. No weakness or inability which can be exposed. Allen for example has to graduate to descent grom bad with passing. Phillips is not naturally aggressive so he better be pretty good if he wants to hold down a roster spot. Phillips had come a long way but still has to develop more Unless they see noticeable improvement over a segment like 20 gp, he remains most of next season in AHL

My hope is to see Korchinski, Kaiser DelMaestro become top two pairs Phillips vies with Allen for third pair in two years
- jhawk59

Where are you getting that Allan is bad at passing? Most of what I've read on Allan lately is that he is settling in nicely. Stronger on the puck, getting the puck out of the zone when needed, still a strong skater, and putting up some points. He's a different type than KK, so I think the expectations should be altered a bit. He's more stay-at home type. If he plays smart defensively and adds a little speed from the back-end, that's a plus. I could see him topping out as a Jokiharju with much less aversion to contact.

For dmen particularly it is consistency. No weakness or inability which can be exposed. Allen for example has to graduate to descent grom bad with passing. Phillips is not naturally aggressive so he better be pretty good if he wants to hold down a roster spot. Phillips had come a long way but still has to develop more Unless they see noticeable improvement over a segment like 20 gp, he remains most of next season in AHL

My hope is to see Korchinski, Kaiser DelMaestro become top two pairs Phillips vies with Allen for third pair in two years
- jhawk59

This analysis by LBR seems to counteract your claim about Phillips:

https://www.secondcityhoc...ports-updates-commentary/

And here is Sorenson on Phillips:

"With his size and his mobility and his range to defend, he's got some of that," Sorensen said. "The biggest thing for him, we challenged him to take more control, take more charge of the puck, do things more with the puck, skate to puck. He's a strong skater."

The same thing goes for Phillips. He and Vlasic are great skaters for their size, and their ability to impact the game in several different ways is an appealing trait.

Chicago's fifth-round pick in 2020 has steadily improved each season. If Phillips continues to progress the way he has been and turns in a strong showing at training camp next season, he could establish himself as a full-time NHL player with the Blackhawks.

"Physically, he's just a specimen," Sorensen said. "Just learning how to control himself, learning how to manage his game, manage his emotion, understanding when to pick his spot to be up in the rush and when to be predictable and play solid defense, that was the big thing for him, and he's done a great job with it."

Question for the board:

Since most of our closest prospects are defensemen, what are the minimum requirements /abilities that a player needs to show to establish that he belongs in the NHL. I would guess that it would depend on the type of defenseman (i.e. Korchinski vs. Allan), but why do we think that Phillips is closer/better than Mitchell? Is it their reads, gap control, effectiveness at breaking out, etc.?
- Chunk

Good question, Chunk. For me the #1 requirement is what's between his ears, especially Dmen. Will he handle failure without it stunting his development? Is he a fast learner if he's on the younger side without having the benefit of a lot of AHL reps?

IMO no reason to rush anyone and the most important thing is do no harm which can happen if a prospect is mentally fragile.

After that are they physically able to handle the physical part of the bigs and then of course the usual, are they skilled enough (hands/feet) in their development?

That's for young prospects, 20/21/22 yr olds, especially Dmen. After they're 23/24 with a few AHL seasons time to throw them into the deep end (the NHL) and see what they have. But IMO the golden rule for 19-22 yr olds is do no harm especially during a rebuild where it's harder to shelter them..

Good question, Chunk. For me the #1 requirement is what's between his ears, especially Dmen. Will he handle failure without it stunting his development? Is he a fast learner if he's on the younger side without having the benefit of a lot of AHL reps?

IMO no reason to rush anyone and the most important thing is do no harm which can happen if a prospect is mentally fragile.

After that are they physically able to handle the physical part of the bigs and then of course the usual, are they skilled enough (hands/feet) in their development?

That's for young prospects, 20/21/22 yr olds, especially Dmen. After they're 23/24 with a few AHL seasons time to throw them into the deep end (the NHL) and see what they have. But IMO the golden rule for 19-22 yr olds is do no harm especially during a rebuild where it's harder to shelter them..
- Mr Ricochet

Whatever you think of their abilities, the Hawks have 3 veteran right handed D, and one veteran left handed D who i hope is no more than a 6/7 defenseman with the club. I agree, leave Kaiser/Allen/Del Mastro in the A to get big minutes and learn the pro game. But other than their age, why shouldn't Phillips and Vlasic be on the big squad. To me it is time for them to put on their big boy pants and make the mistakes and learn in the NHL.

At this rate, the BOD will think we should keep our prospects "marinating" until they can sign an over 35 contract. Then they need to be held down for lack of NHL experience.

How many games (not years/games) did 3rd round draft pick Pesce and 4th round draft pick Slavin play in the minors? Did the lack of "marination" hurt their careers?

Question for the board:

Since most of our closest prospects are defensemen, what are the minimum requirements /abilities that a player needs to show to establish that he belongs in the NHL. I would guess that it would depend on the type of defenseman (i.e. Korchinski vs. Allan), but why do we think that Phillips is closer/better than Mitchell? Is it their reads, gap control, effectiveness at breaking out, etc.?
- Chunk

6'6" and can punch people in the face.

Powers' ranking of top 5 prospects-

5 Kaiser
4 Soderblom
3 Nazar
2 Reichel
1 Korchinski

This analysis by LBR seems to counteract your claim about Phillips:

https://www.secondcityhoc...ports-updates-commentary/

And here is Sorenson on Phillips:

"With his size and his mobility and his range to defend, he's got some of that," Sorensen said. "The biggest thing for him, we challenged him to take more control, take more charge of the puck, do things more with the puck, skate to puck. He's a strong skater."

The same thing goes for Phillips. He and Vlasic are great skaters for their size, and their ability to impact the game in several different ways is an appealing trait.

Chicago's fifth-round pick in 2020 has steadily improved each season. If Phillips continues to progress the way he has been and turns in a strong showing at training camp next season, he could establish himself as a full-time NHL player with the Blackhawks.

"Physically, he's just a specimen," Sorensen said. "Just learning how to control himself, learning how to manage his game, manage his emotion, understanding when to pick his spot to be up in the rush and when to be predictable and play solid defense, that was the big thing for him, and he's done a great job with it."
- LAHawk

My response here addresses Chuck as well as LA Hawk

There are reports on this site that Phillips is inconsistent in physical play. Someone on this current dated blog saw the last Rockford playoff game and commented how the dmen group as a while were not physical but more stick checkers. Words to that effect anyway. Then too our old friend, Theo - who has not been aboard for a couple months or so - has called or reported both Regula and Phillips for not being naturally aggressive

Now I could be wrong. I did not see for myself. I would be glad if I am wrong. I do firmly believe that Phillips needs more AHL seasoning. That Phillips arrival? would not be surprised if he comes up and sticks next year. Would be great he comes, both C Jones and Murphy go

As for Allen, was passing his scouting report weakness? If he has progressed, that is great news

I would love to see Phillips and Allen make it in Chicago. Their mobility and physicality would be welcome

6'6" and can punch people in the face.
- DarthKane

I do miss John Scott.

6'6" and can punch people in the face.
- DarthKane

I just saw your guy Raty recently got himself an extension.

4,4,1,1,4

I just saw your guy Raty recently got himself an extension.
- Chunk

He did? I saw that his brother got a contract with the Yotes, but I haven't seen anything about Aatu.

He did? I saw that his brother got a contract with the Yotes, but I haven't seen anything about Aatu.
- DarthKane

Huh... Turns out I can't read. Damn Finns and their similar names!

Whatever you think of their abilities, the Hawks have 3 veteran right handed D, and one veteran left handed D who i hope is no more than a 6/7 defenseman with the club. I agree, leave Kaiser/Allen/Del Mastro in the A to get big minutes and learn the pro game. But other than their age, why shouldn't Phillips and Vlasic be on the big squad. To me it is time for them to put on their big boy pants and make the mistakes and learn in the NHL.

At this rate, the BOD will think we should keep our prospects "marinating" until they can sign an over 35 contract. Then they need to be held down for lack of NHL experience.

How many games (not years/games) did 3rd round draft pick Pesce and 4th round draft pick Slavin play in the minors? Did the lack of "marination" hurt their careers?
- LAHawk

I've posted many times IMO the Hawks can safely bring up Vlasic, Phillips and Kaiser next yr. They fit my first "requirement" that it will do their development no harm and in Vlasic and Phillips case they have plenty of AHL games and it's time.

Of all D prospects I was most excited for Phillips and compared him to K'Andre Phillips. Big athletic kid that can skate and has explosive feet in his small area game, especially his first couple steps... As LBR pointed out with her fancies they support the eye test for me. Kid is aware and has the physical attributes to be effective.

That was until I saw Kaiser who quite frankly I was damn near blown away by. Going off of memory he has 100+ NCAA games vs 19-26 yr olds, not like your 20-21 yr old outa jrs. His path/coaching showed up in his late season look with the Hawks. Kid was aware and not overwhelmed at all either mentally or physically. And as each game went on you saw him more and more making plays in the Ozone either from the blueline or joining the rush.

I zeroed in on every one of his shifts and said over and over nice play, nice play. You almost had to nitpick to find errors and this is a kid playing his first NHL games. Great gaps, smart pinches or not, head up, great wall work, always got leverage/body position in the crease, along the walls or small area game, filled lanes, quick smart stick excellent reads, was not thinking just playing (shows coaching/development/video work) and again as a 20 yr old in his first NHL games

Until Korchinski shows me something in the pros Kaiser is my #1 D prospect followed by Phillips and Vlasic who all 3 I'd like to see them up with the Hawks next yr and have posted so many times.

Each player is different though. You mention Pesce and Slavin, who I saw come thru Chicago with the Steel. Great skater with a simple game even back then. But for every Slavin or Pesce you have a Boqvuist. Each player is different as is developing them. .......... But what doesn't change for me is it all starts between the ears, especially Dmen.

To simplify it how many times do you say nice play, nice play, nice play in a game with a young player? If it's often that's a big clue they're not overwhelmed, and the fancies will support what your eyes see, and will develop just fine in the bigs.

I've posted many times IMO the Hawks can safely bring up Vlasic, Phillips and Kaiser next yr. They fit my first "requirement" that it will do their development no harm and in Vlasic and Phillips case they have plenty of AHL games and it's time.

Of all D prospects I was most excited for Phillips and compared him to K'Andre Phillips. Big athletic kid that can skate and has explosive feet in his small area game, especially his first couple steps... As LBR pointed out with her fancies they support the eye test for me. Kid is aware and has the physical attributes to be effective.

That was until I saw Kaiser who quite frankly I was damn near blown away by. Going off of memory he has 100+ NCAA games vs 19-26 yr olds, not like your 20-21 yr old outa jrs. His path/coaching showed up in his late season look with the Hawks. Kid was aware and not overwhelmed at all either mentally or physically. And as each game went on you saw him more and more making plays in the Ozone either from the blueline or joining the rush.

I zeroed in on every one of his shifts and said over and over nice play, nice play. You almost had to nitpick to find errors and this is a kid playing his first NHL games. Great gaps, smart pinches or not, head up, great wall work, always got leverage/body position in the crease, along the walls or small area game, filled lanes, quick smart stick excellent reads, was not thinking just playing (shows coaching/development/video work) and again as a 20 yr old in his first NHL games

Until Korchinski shows me something in the pros Kaiser is my #1 D prospect followed by Phillips and Vlasic who all 3 I'd like to see them up with the Hawks next yr and have posted so many times.

Each player is different though. You mention Pesce and Slavin, who I saw come thru Chicago with the Steel. Great skater with a simple game even back then. But for every Slavin or Pesce you have a Boqvuist. Each player is different as is developing them. .......... But what doesn't change for me is it all starts between the ears, especially Dmen.

To simplify it how many times do you say nice play, nice play, nice play in a game with a young player? If it's often that's a big clue they're not overwhelmed, and the fancies will support what your eyes see, and will develop just fine in the bigs.
- Mr Ricochet

We are on the same page Ricco, you know where I am coming from in my semi-rant. This, keep/don't trade your own draft choices even if it will improve your team now and in the long term, and don't bring up your draft choices until they have the service time to draw their pension from the AHL just gives me angina.

I agree, Kaiser could make the opening roster also. It probably comes down to Vlasic/Phillip/Kaiser for 2 LD spots.

Mitchell will be interesting because his next contract he becomes waiver eligible. If he does sign with the Hawks, that means KD is planning on Mitchell playing with the big club, doubt he would sign him an then expose him to waivers. I guess it depends on if they will just send Zaitsev down to the minors to open up the spot for Mitchell.

Plus I think KD found out another thing. He has too good a coach to just assume that if he gives Luke the worst talent in the league, LR will find a way to keep the team competitive/win more games then they deserve.

This is a very long read, but it's a detailed analysis on the top 60 draft prospects compiled by Jason Bukala who writes scouting reports for Sportnet Canada.

For those into this type of review, make yourself a drink and settle in.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...s-for-the-2023-nhl-draft/

He rates the top 14 prospects as either projected top 3 forwards or top pairing defensemen.

My response here addresses Chuck as well as LA Hawk

There are reports on this site that Phillips is inconsistent in physical play. Someone on this current dated blog saw the last Rockford playoff game and commented how the dmen group as a while were not physical but more stick checkers. Words to that effect anyway. Then too our old friend, Theo - who has not been aboard for a couple months or so - has called or reported both Regula and Phillips for not being naturally aggressive

Now I could be wrong.I did not see for myself. I would be glad if I am wrong. I do firmly believe that Phillips needs more AHL seasoning. That Phillips arrival? would not be surprised if he comes up and sticks next year. Would be great he comes, both C Jones and Murphy go

As for Allen, was passing his scouting report weakness? If he has progressed, that is great news

I would love to see Phillips and Allen make it in Chicago. Their mobility and physicality would be welcome
- jhawk59

Respectfully 59, you're simply parroting what you read. If anything and you're going to pass on what you read you might wanna qualify your remarks as "this is what's been said" about player A or B.

You saw Phillips up with the Hawks. In no way did he shy away from contact, as LBR showed in the stats he was in the top few Hawks in hits per 60. You saw that and don't need anyone else's, including a pro scouts, evaluation cuz you saw for yourself.

Watch 6ft 8in Oleksiak with SEA. He was a Steel and saw him as an 18 yr old. Kid can smash people, and does, but his 1st, 2nd and 3rd option is to stick check so as not to take himself out of the play and he has a tremendous reach (same with Vlasic). That's the way the position has been taught for 10-15 yrs now but cuz a guy stick checks doesn't mean he won't, or can't, play physical.

A Trouba type is more and more rare cuz not only is the stick check taught but they are legislating big hits out of the game.

What I'm saying I guess is you watch enough hockey to have a solid opinion and if you're passing on someone's evaluation say so. ...... I'd caution though small sample sizes both good and bad.

As far as Allen and his passing skills as far as I know I was the first to post about that. After he was drafted I hunted film on him and saw a few times the kid was skating out and would miss by 10 ft on a 15 ft pass. I mean really bad. Fast forward to him in the WJC and that was gone. Kid was/is developing.