The BIGGER BOYS
That is why the following guys are targets with #19/20, #35, and #44:
Colby Barlow
Matthew Wood
even Nate Danielson
In a heartbeat any of the above at #19 or a trade up...
Charlie Stramel ,--I am fairly certain the Hawks know a lot more of where they think he lands than I can predict...is he on the board at #35? I thunk not.
Quentin Musty
Kasper Halttunen
Samuel Honzek
growing Mathieu Cataford <--I could roll the dice at #35
David Edstrom
Danny Nelson
If any of the above can be bonafide NHL centres
(as 2021's Wyatt Johnston was / is...almost 6 foot but 189 and has upside to a top six centre in the future.),
then great, but, they better be able to play wing too.

Quentin Musty <--sorry I cannot take him until slot #35
Kasper Halttunen <--I could roll the dice at #19
Samuel Honzek
and Danny Nelson
are probably wingers period.
- wiz1901

Of all you listed who do you hope for at #19?.......... I do think at some point an organIzation has to look at their overall size, Like StanBow finally did with drafting Dmen. But I always go back to what Ryan Hardy, architect of the Steel powerhouse speed/skill teams, said when accused of not liking bigger players. He gets pissed and said "it's not that I don't like big players I don't like bad players"!!! Indeed.

But, you can't have too many smaller players in the NHL especially in the playoffs. But, you can't have enough good players either!! It ain't easy GMing, man.

i should know this but don't. What do you have on 6ft 4in centerman Sam Honzek? ...... You pointed out 6ft 3in 225 right shot LW Kasper Halttunen maybe a month ago and watching him in the WJC, and whatever I can find on him, I'm intrigued. Kid really motors down the left side of the ice and players bounce off of him. Good speed. Other than his 10 in 5 at the WJC his stats don't jump out so it's definitely a projection thing with the beast, but I like what little I've seen.. At #19 he a bit of a reach?

Did anyone see the article about Bedard's great uncle? James Bedard played 22 games with the Blackhawks from 49-51. I think he had all of two points. Glad he didn't teach hockey to his nephew. Domi has ten points in the playoffs, second on the team. Hope Dallas can't sign him.

LA, Vancouver and Toronto are three teams who will have to make moves. There is no way Toronto can keep Murray. Vancouver have to shed salary to be cap compliant and I think LA needs to shed salary to complete some signings. You mention Iaffalo from LA, what would you like to see come back from Toronto or Vancouver?
- paulr

LA's 21 yr old 6ft 2in 190 lb winger Kaliyev really caught my eye in the playoffs. Kid had a jump and purpose to his game I didn't see in the regular season and he has 140 NHL games under his belt. I think he'd slot top 6 for sure with CHI next yr and maybe the next 10.

I'm still intrigued by Turcotte. No, he won't hit projections he had when taken 5th overall but still think his ceiling might be a 2C and floor of a solid 3C. His NHL numbers are nonexistent, but he has solid AHL stats.

These guys would be sweeteners for taking some salary off their hands.

I really think Garland would fill some needs. His near 5 mil per would help get to the floor, is a legit middle 6 but would play L2 for 2 of the 3 yrs here, a legit 50 pt guy and with PP time could reach 60 pts and plays a chippy, high speed, high motor, high compete style KD covets.

Yes, he's small but doesn't play that way and you're on the hook for 3 yrs but he fills a 2nd line role/need that fits the Hawk's style and will add 50 to 60 pts making them competitive as the rookies acclimate/develop.

Not sure of the return but envision the same kinda deal StanBow had to make to offload Sharpy.

Agree 100%. Acquired a lot of picks, in the deepest draft in years, use them, build tremendous depth in the organization, along with multiple chances to hit a home run.

Lots of 2nd rounders make it, you have 4, for me, allows you to take Hrabel if he's there with first pick in 2nd, as you'll have 3 more.
- vabeachbear

I'm not against moving up from #19 if the right guy falls but agree that in this deep draft but looking back in 5-6 yrs a couple of those four 2nd rounders may have been difference making.

Also using one of them to move up may cost a getting a goalie like Hrabal in rd 2.

For the most part, yes. The players decide where the rebuild is not an artificial timeline. As long as KD and his group think so that's 50% of the battle and they won't try and speed it up or slow it down.
- Mr Ricochet

He has consistently said as much, especially after getting Bedard. People can talk about speeding it up, but this is mostly Canadian talking heads Buffoon Button, and others, who seem none too happy that he is going to Chicago.

Its almost like they know that's the wrong thing to do, and KD is young, so they'll keep suggesting he do it the wrong way, like he'll change direction cause they suggest so................

He and his team have a plan, and at this point, similarly to Poles, it seems to be going just fine, so I'm going to trust them for now.

Wiz rebuild starts at the 2023 draft.

Everything gets easier when you land the best player and he is more than ordinary.

This gives the Blackhawks two small centres in Bedard and Nazar. Both can play wing, but for now let's call them centres.

Of course I would consider trading my draft picks to move up the board, but I am not making moves like that if I think those seven picks to Strat to construct a strong forward base.

a) A big winger who can snag and fire rebounds and is experienced wall player and stickhandler and moves at high end pace. (He will be there at #19/#20.)

b) The second thing I look for is a big centre whether a still developing project or a kid whose play is closer to ready. I want him as a possible future high end centre and sure have to get lucky to find one in the first, but

c) I am finding sniper with good pace and forecheck who will grow bigger and continue to be a strong attacker wherever play him.

d) I still want insurance behind LD Korchinski, and Rd Sam Rinzel, and if there is a RD attacking offense man I am not giving up on us finding a smaller attacking QB.

e) I will have the luxury with all these selections to reach on longer developmental European players who have a significant chance to be much more dominant in the next couple years as they grow.

f) No rush as the system has a few nice possibles as the net minder on the future playoff team. I would like a big rookie now and let him percolate. Granted, nowadays good goalies HAVE gone the UFA route or been traded as their contracts lapse, but a good stable of howngrowns eliminates the need to go outside, let guys outstay their welcome in the crease. It has to go from having a goaler as last defense, to having one who can change games to wins.
- wiz1901

So;

A - #19 - Kasper or Quentin
# - #35 - Mike Hrabal - (or Charle Stramel)
C - #44 - Danny Nelson
D - #52 - Caden Price
E - #58 - Oskar Fisker Moelgaard
F - #67 - Jacob Fowler
B - #88 - Tyler Peddle (or best G if you take Stramel above)


After getting Bedard, that would be one hell of a haul, and a nice building block to stack on top of last years draft

Only Caveat for me in that, is I think its too early in the rebuild to take a goalie that early, and the F group needs to be built up, You could wait until #88, but I really like Hrabel. So you could take Charlie Stramel at #35, and take best goalie left at #88.

His shot alone i would put down a grand he scores 25 just because of it. no matter who he plays with, he is that good.
- SaskHawkFan

Many scouts and analysts are saying his release and shot are already top five in the NHL. While he isn't as fast as McDavid or Larkin he can do everything, including shoot, at top speed and in full stride. He has the skating escapability of Patrick Kane. He sees the ice extremely well and thinks the game at a high level. With his dedication and love of the game it’s not a stretch that he will be able to improve on most weaknesses as he progresses, including being defensively aware. He has proven he can’t be intimidated and he plays with an edge.

Of all his strengths the one that jumps out at me and the one that will see him get better is his almost manic love of the game. One that sees him take his stick on a Hawaiian vacation to practice. It also doesn’t hurt that he seems like a grounded genuinely nice kid. But of course the detractors will say, he’s too small.

Many scouts and analysts are saying his release and shot are already top five in the NHL. While he isn't as fast as McDavid or Larkin he can do everything, including shoot, at top speed and in full stride. He has the skating escapability of Patrick Kane. He sees the ice extremely well and thinks the game at a high level. With his dedication and love of the game it’s not a stretch that he will be able to improve on most weaknesses as he progresses, including being defensively aware. He has proven he can’t be intimidated and he plays with an edge.

Of all his strengths the one that jumps out at me and the one that will see him get better is his almost manic love of the game. One that sees him take his stick on a Hawaiian vacation to practice. It also doesn’t hurt that he seems like a grounded genuinely nice kid. But of course the detractorse will say, he’s too small.
- paulr

And those same detractors would take him in a second.. we are getting a great, great player.

To what degree do you want to win, Paul? Trading for Garland (taking him off VAN's hands), trading for (taking off their hands) one of the Toronto core 4, signing Bertuzzi, Domi and Orlov in FA kinda win?u

Or add Domi to skate with Bedard, trade for (take him off their hands) Garland and his high compete/speed/50+points game to play middle 6 and Hathaway to skate bottom 6 pitch in 30-35ish pts and police the ice while they work in Vlasic, Kaiser, Phillips no more KD tanking kinda win?

Sign me up for option 2. Team should still draft top 10, maybe closer to 5, as the rookies are worked in with some legit NHL players around them.
- Mr Ricochet

It’s not the degree of winning that I’m suggesting. It’s that as of now there is no more perception of tanking. Everyone in the organization, especially the players must know the culture of the team is to move forward.

Many scouts and analysts are saying his release and shot are already top five in the NHL. While he isn't as fast as McDavid or Larkin he can do everything, including shoot, at top speed and in full stride. He has the skating escapability of Patrick Kane. He sees the ice extremely well and thinks the game at a high level. With his dedication and love of the game it’s not a stretch that he will be able to improve on most weaknesses as he progresses, including being defensively aware. He has proven he can’t be intimidated and he plays with an edge.

Of all his strengths the one that jumps out at me and the one that will see him get better is his almost manic love of the game. One that sees him take his stick on a Hawaiian vacation to practice. It also doesn’t hurt that he seems like a grounded genuinely nice kid. But of course the detractors will say, he’s too small.
- paulr

Too small is when a players skill and talent doesn't let him overcome his lack of size.

I'm making the claim that Bedard can turn into a modern day version of Marcel Dionne. One day I was killing time in Niagara Falls and I stopped into the Blue Line Restaurant for a sandwich. The owner was working the counter and took my order. I'm 6'1 and this guy only got up to my shoulder height because of all of the hair on top of his head. It was Marcel - arms and legs on him a combination of a rugby player and a wrestler. And he was at least 55 yrs young at this point, maybe older.

Another time I was in line at the LCBO in Burlington standing behind Doug Gilmour - I was shocked at how small he was. His sports jacket would be too small for an average size woman.

Wendel Clark is another small guy - dimensionally. Wasn't so on the ice.

Real hockey talent is not deterred by lack of size, Bedard isnt coming in to play on the offensive line for the Bears.

Many scouts and analysts are saying his release and shot are already top five in the NHL. While he isn't as fast as McDavid or Larkin he can do everything, including shoot, at top speed and in full stride. He has the skating escapability of Patrick Kane. He sees the ice extremely well and thinks the game at a high level. With his dedication and love of the game it’s not a stretch that he will be able to improve on most weaknesses as he progresses, including being defensively aware. He has proven he can’t be intimidated and he plays with an edge.

Of all his strengths the one that jumps out at me and the one that will see him get better is his almost manic love of the game. One that sees him take his stick on a Hawaiian vacation to practice. It also doesn’t hurt that he seems like a grounded genuinely nice kid. But of course the detractors will say, he’s too small.
- paulr

Who knows he might just grow a few more inches yet. Men can continue to grow into their 20s.

Too small is when a players skill and talent doesn't let him overcome his lack of size.

I'm making the claim that Bedard can turn into a modern day version of Marcel Dionne. One day I was killing time in Niagara Falls and I stopped into the Blue Line Restaurant for a sandwich. The owner was working the counter and took my order. I'm 6'1 and this guy only got up to my shoulder height because of all of the hair on top of his head. It was Marcel - arms and legs on him a combination of a rugby player and a wrestler. And he was at least 55 yrs young at this point, maybe older.

Another time I was in line at the LCBO in Burlington standing behind Doug Gilmour - I was shocked at how small he was. His sports jacket would be too small for an average size woman.

Wendel Clark is another small guy - dimensionally. Wasn't so on the ice.

Real hockey talent is not deterred by lack of size, Bedard isnt coming in to play on the offensive line for the Bears.
- RickJ

Good description. I also found it important that those who have seen him play mention he is adept at avoiding the big hit. And also already strong.
Here's hoping he stays healthy and has a long career playing the game he clearly loves with a passion (really hoping down the road he is compared with Michael Jordan in the compete department). That's what makes a generational player.

Many scouts and analysts are saying his release and shot are already top five in the NHL.
- paulr

I have only seen one other player whose shot was so heavy quick and accurate, and that was Mike Bossy.
He just adjusts his grip itvreally doesn't matter where he is, even in the perimeter, it comes heavy hard accurate and fast.

Many scouts and analysts are saying his release and shot are already top five in the NHL. While he isn't as fast as McDavid or Larkin he can do everything, including shoot, at top speed and in full stride. He has the skating escapability of Patrick Kane. He sees the ice extremely well and thinks the game at a high level. With his dedication and love of the game it’s not a stretch that he will be able to improve on most weaknesses as he progresses, including being defensively aware. He has proven he can’t be intimidated and he plays with an edge.

Of all his strengths the one that jumps out at me and the one that will see him get better is his almost manic love of the game. One that sees him take his stick on a Hawaiian vacation to practice. It also doesn’t hurt that he seems like a grounded genuinely nice kid. But of course the detractors will say, he’s too small.
- paulr

Of course he's too small! And he doesn't fight! KD proving yet again he's Blowman v2.0.

Of all you listed who do you hope for at #19?.......... I do think at some point an organIzation has to look at their overall size,
- Mr Ricochet

I think C Nate Danielson plays soon. He has a NHL size, feet, a talent and upside.

I think it almost impossible that Matthew Wood is available at #19. Corey Prohman knocks his get up acceleration, but I watched him a lot, he is fast in small areas and very confident in traffic on the attack. Of course the board may make him a scapegoat like they did Strome, but I think he is a smart brilliant player compliments Bebard as a passing option.

David Edstrom might be their surprise sleeper pick at #19, as he has all the physical tools to eventually play the game at higher levels. Despite being slotted as Frölunda's fourth line centre, he is a key part of their first power play unit.

Re: Samuel Honzek LW
He can score and uses his size as a factor. He's got wonkiness in hs skating, but heavies working on improving it.

Centre Callum Ritchie is such a great prospect too, but accused of being a perimeter player but there is huge upside. I think that Callum Ritchie was trying hard to manager his defensive duties as a centre. He has far too many positives in his game to last as long as some have him slotted.

I think C Nate Danielson plays soon. He has a NHL size, feet, a talent and upside.

I think it almost impossible that Matthew Wood is available at #19. Corey Prohman knocks his get up acceleration, but I watched him a lot, he is fast in small areas and very confident in traffic on the attack. Of course the board may make him a scapegoat like they did Strome, but I think he is a smart brilliant player compliments Bebard as a passing option.

David Edstrom might be their surprise sleeper pick at #19, as he has all the physical tools to eventually play the game at higher levels. Despite being slotted as Frölunda's fourth line centre, he is a key part of their first power play unit.

Re: Samuel Honzek LW
He can score and uses his size as a factor. He's got wonkiness in hs skating, but heavies working on improving it.

Centre Callum Ritchie is such a great prospect too, but accused of being a perimeter player but there is huge upside. I think that Callum Ritchie was trying hard to manager his defensive duties as a centre. He has far too many positives in his game to last as long as some have him slotted.
- wiz1901

Cal Ritchie has everything, size, skating ability, good shot, good stickhandler, physical and he has one incredible trait, he’s able to disappear in plain sight. I’ve seen him live for two years, dozens of games and there are many nights I leave and can’t remember if he was playing that night … when he was. Risky pick.

Too small is when a players skill and talent doesn't let him overcome his lack of size.

I'm making the claim that Bedard can turn into a modern day version of Marcel Dionne. One day I was killing time in Niagara Falls and I stopped into the Blue Line Restaurant for a sandwich. The owner was working the counter and took my order. I'm 6'1 and this guy only got up to my shoulder height because of all of the hair on top of his head. It was Marcel - arms and legs on him a combination of a rugby player and a wrestler. And he was at least 55 yrs young at this point, maybe older.

Another time I was in line at the LCBO in Burlington standing behind Doug Gilmour - I was shocked at how small he was. His sports jacket would be too small for an average size woman.

Wendel Clark is another small guy - dimensionally. Wasn't so on the ice.

Real hockey talent is not deterred by lack of size, Bedard isnt coming in to play on the offensive line for the Bears.
- RickJ

The only thing that concerns me about his size is that when he takes a big open ice hit, and he will, all NHL players do, it will be shoulder to head, not shoulder to shoulder. Kariya, Crosby and LaFontaine are the first small guys who come to mind who always seemed vulnerable because of their height, and they all dealt with concussions.

The only thing that concerns me about his size is that when he takes a big open ice hit, and he will, all NHL players do, it will be shoulder to head, not shoulder to shoulder. Kariya, Crosby and LaFontaine are the first small guys who come to mind who always seemed vulnerable because of their height, and they all dealt with concussions.
- Dieselhead

I wouldn't play that game. Everyone in the NHL gets concussions. Kane and ADB are both small and have not (that we know of) had concussions. Eric Lindros was ruined by them. Toews isn't small either.

I think C Nate Danielson plays soon. He has a NHL size, feet, a talent and upside.

I think it almost impossible that Matthew Wood is available at #19. Corey Prohman knocks his get up acceleration, but I watched him a lot, he is fast in small areas and very confident in traffic on the attack. Of course the board may make him a scapegoat like they did Strome, but I think he is a smart brilliant player compliments Bebard as a passing option.

David Edstrom might be their surprise sleeper pick at #19, as he has all the physical tools to eventually play the game at higher levels. Despite being slotted as Frölunda's fourth line centre, he is a key part of their first power play unit.

Re: Samuel Honzek LW
He can score and uses his size as a factor. He's got wonkiness in hs skating, but heavies working on improving it.

Centre Callum Ritchie is such a great prospect too, but accused of being a perimeter player but there is huge upside. I think that Callum Ritchie was trying hard to manager his defensive duties as a centre. He has far too many positives in his game to last as long as some have him slotted.
- wiz1901

I would definitely like to see the Hawks choose another centerman, preferably with size and a hard nose.

Lets assume Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, Benson and Smith are the top 5 kids taken and somebody takes Dman Pellikka not too far past that. That leaves just 12 picks before it gets to Chicago's turn again at #19.

Do you think there is a chance any of Yager, Divorsky, Danielson, Moore, Leonard, Perreault (or even Michkov) are still out there for the picking? Or would you pick somebody else ahead of them?

I wouldn't play that game. Everyone in the NHL gets concussions. Kane and ADB are both small and have not (that we know of) had concussions. Eric Lindros was ruined by them. Toews isn't small either.
- Chunk

It's not a game, it's a concern.

The only thing that concerns me about his size is that when he takes a big open ice hit, and he will, all NHL players do, it will be shoulder to head, not shoulder to shoulder. Kariya, Crosby and LaFontaine are the first small guys who come to mind who always seemed vulnerable because of their height, and they all dealt with concussions.
- Dieselhead

There will always be a-holes like Brooks Orpik and Radko Gudas around looking to hit to hurt (or injure). Just part of the risk taken when you play the game for a living. Pronger, Lindros and other big boys left the game due to injury. Mark Recchi was 5'10 185 lbs and played 1650 NHL games.

I'm not an insurance risk actuary - lets hope the kid plays with his head up and eyes in the back of his head.

Of all you listed who do you hope for at #19?
- Mr Ricochet

Nate Danielson hands down. If Ritchie is gone before #15, Nashville won’t pass on Danielson imo.

Calgary did not get scalped in the Tkachuk trade
Huberdeau could put up 100 points or darn close with coach Daryl Sutter gone. Weager was a solid addition as well. Yet that trade sure works out well for Florida this season. Even without making it to the Cup final Tkachuk is an integral piece in their lineup
- jhawk59

Calgary got 5 years older with that deal, Florida got a premium power forward who is entering his prime. Big win for the Panther's especially since most of the high endplayers on that team are on the younger side of their prime.

There will always be a-holes like Brooks Orpik and Radko Gudas around looking to hit to hurt (or injure). Just part of the risk taken when you play the game for a living. Pronger, Lindros and other big boys left the game due to injury. Mark Recchi was 5'10 185 lbs and played 1650 NHL games.

I'm not an insurance risk actuary - lets hope the kid plays with his head up and eyes in the back of his head.
- RickJ

Man Radko after the whistle blew up Kampf, i was impressed Kampf was able to stay and play in the game.

Calgary got 5 years older with that deal, Florida got a premium power forward who is entering his prime. Big win for the Panther's especially since most of the high endplayers on that team are on the younger side of their prime.
- BetweenTheDots

Ya well big mouth Tkachuk better start showing up tonight because he has been MIA the last 3 games. At the very least he could have punched the lights out of his London buddy Mitch Marner when he had the perfect chance to do it last game.

I might become suicicdal if the Leafs come back to win this series.