I had a thought and since maybe this could happen as you mention that if Davidson would trade number 1 overall for 2 firsts or something or 3 firsts and a player like Laf from NY. I know Bedard is supposed to be unworldy but what if he traded that for 3 pr 4 assets? Like one proven young kid like Laf or something and 2 or 3 forst round picks? Only reason I say this is that David has been very unpredictable with his trades and moves. I know he mentioned rebuilding but debrincat trade came out of nowhere, and the Hagel one too. Just thinking if he could consider that since he's looking to build the team up from drafting.

Thoughts?
- Hawk4life

Mr. Wiz hate to rain on your parade here but the picks after the first round rarely bring anything.

Look at the stats

In the last 10 drafts, over 300 picks, only 20 guys have played 300 NHL games. Less than 7% kind sir.

In the past 5 drafts, over 150 picks, only 8 players have played 100 games.

Stockpiling picks sells the Hockey News Draft Edition and hope but doesn't move the needle.

Davidson needs to draft at the very top of the draft, find free agents from Europe, and trade for talented guys stuck behind loaded rosters or out of favor.

Sabres are better than the Hawks at 19 of 20 positions right now and could not make the playoffs.

Not going to be easy.

Same type of player could be unrelated to centres and more to the size of two guys who may play centre who are not very big.
Nazar is a candidate to move to either wing.
Bedard stays at center until someone proves he's on RW b/c ha cannot be a centre.

I think the idea is there are impact players who play great w/o the puck on their stick a lot (until it DOES get there).

And by top of the draft toi me translates as C Bedard C Fantilli, C Carlsson C W Smith, Moore, Yager, Daniellson, and wing Michkov.

Same type players as first rounders Reichel, Nazar and Bedard.

So maybe the quality wings who just like to set up or just let it fly and have smaller touches are what he is going to look for (Eduard Sale, Gabriel Perreault Matt Wood, Otto Stenberg, who can play anywhere, Riley Heidt, who can play anywhere, Quentin Musty or bruising wings like Kasper Halttunen, Samuel Honzek, Ethan Gauthier, or Charlie Stramel who can play wing also...

now I have to listen to the interview for context...
- wiz1901

OK I LISTENed to the Score interview and to me the key words are "finding someone who wants to trade out with it being such a good draft."

If he doesn't he stands firm in the first and works to move up in the early second as a second option.

as far as trade one now, for one later opition. I do see playoff teams like New Jersey (One pick in the seance and a 4th rd. pick),
Colorado a first rounder but none again until the late 4th rd.,
Boston (a 3rd and 4th this year and next year nine until the 4th round.
The Oilers have a 2nd and a 5th, 6th, and 7th.
Dallas has a not first or 3rd.

Maybe that's w=ho you talk to if you cannot trade up.

I had a thought and since maybe this could happen as you mention that if Davidson would trade number 1 overall for 2 firsts or something or 3 firsts and a player like Laf from NY. I know Bedard is supposed to be unworldy but what if he traded that for 3 pr 4 assets? Like one proven young kid like Laf or something and 2 or 3 forst round picks? Only reason I say this is that David has been very unpredictable with his trades and moves. I know he mentioned rebuilding but debrincat trade came out of nowhere, and the Hagel one too. Just thinking if he could consider that since he's looking to build the team up from drafting.

Thoughts?
- Hawk4life

The sun is comimg up soon, wake up

A gift from Bettman...

Was about to say I didn't view him as saying they will not be drafting centers. Since I was a kid in the 80s I've repeatedly heard how a C moving to W isn't that big of an issue. But a W playing C usually leads to it being a disaster

Anyone listen to the Chris Block and Al Cimaglia podcast?

https://thethirdmanin.com...khawks-win-connor-bedard/

Neither Block nor Cimaglia are convinced the Blackhawks know how to develop players
And they say nobody should until the team proves it can. Good podcast
- captainserious

No thanks! Respected Al's opinion when he was here, but sorry, I'm at least going to take up until the draft to be positive.

Miserable as poop is no way to go through life

I agree .
I'm sure the Bedard parents will ask a same type of quesion etc...
And just like someone mentioned the other day,the team canada sexual assault scandal. I wonder if Wayne Gretzky ever asked them what they will do when someone's parents ask the same question? He probably doesn't have the stones to comment something like that.
- captainserious

But he had no problem going on national TV and basically saying the Hawks had to deal with it.

As much as I'm sick of it, I understand its only back again because Hawks won the lottery.

I guess, a willing price to pay for the potential of Bedard.

I still would like some of these asshats who keep bringing it up especially in Chicago to go after McD. You know he was the ring leader cover upper.

Mr. Wiz hate to rain on your parade here but the picks after the first round rarely bring anything.

Look at the stats

In the last 10 drafts, over 300 picks, only 20 guys have played 300 NHL games. Less than 7% kind sir.

In the past 5 drafts, over 150 picks, only 8 players have played 100 games.

Stockpiling picks sells the Hockey News Draft Edition and hope but doesn't move the needle.

Davidson needs to draft at the very top of the draft, find free agents from Europe, and trade for talented guys stuck behind loaded rosters or out of favor.

Sabres are better than the Hawks at 19 of 20 positions right now and could not make the playoffs.

Not going to be easy.
- stevefrmglencoe

The Sabres have been rebuilding for 25 years, the Hawks for one...............

Could we at least get 2 or 3 years into it

The posts above list many 2nd and later round guys who have been successful and great.

While the odds may be against you, having 4 of them helps better those odds.

And quite raining on everyone's parade, enjoy the fact that they're getting a generational player for the first time in 15 or so years. Geez everyone's gotta be miserable...........

Mr. Wiz hate to rain on your parade here but the picks after the first round rarely bring anything.

Look at the stats

In the last 10 drafts, over 300 picks, only 20 guys have played 300 NHL games. Less than 7% kind sir.

In the past 5 drafts, over 150 picks, only 8 players have played 100 games.

Stockpiling picks sells the Hockey News Draft Edition and hope but doesn't move the needle.

Davidson needs to draft at the very top of the draft, find free agents from Europe, and trade for talented guys stuck behind loaded rosters or out of favor.

Sabres are better than the Hawks at 19 of 20 positions right now and could not make the playoffs.

Not going to be easy.
- stevefrmglencoe

And your commercial real estate wasn't going to be busy during covid, but it is ok now!
Buffalo of course is on the doorstep selecting two high end defenders and the first one Dahlin finally showing his status as an elite one.

We are so far down the ladder rungs from them or even being competitive and the Hawks need lots.
Your point about second rounders is well documented for "regular draft years" but this one due to covid is an almost doubling of first rounders due to that. They progressed and are now better species to evaluate and select.

The Red Wings have been using draft capital to move around the boards for their "guys' like in Goalie S. Cossa.

So maybe that 7% is up to 20% on playing 300 games...I do not necessarily playing 200 games soon...we want them doing it as things become competitive and they add to the overall smarts and talent here.

Kaiser looks competent, as does 2nd rounder Vlasic, and Seabrook heir Allen.

Cripes, Steven, their BU goalie is a second rounder.

I like the thickness in the class and so many of these second rounders that statistically are a pain in your butt.

I agree, he has too much natural ability to dismiss him. But the fact he just doesn’t show up is a huge red flag to me.
- paulr

One of the hardest things for me after following the USHL since 2005, going to live games 30ish times a yr and now the ability to stream all the games, is projecting guys like Jaden Schwartz and Nick Schmaltz.

Watching both of them in the USHL anyone could see their skill and skating but I swear they were both perimeter players that avoided contact, dirty areas and could disappear when the game got rough. Soft players that showed minimal effort and not much heart. They got by on skill, period.

No way, none, would they be able to be effective in the NHL I thought and both went rd 1. 8-9-10 yrs later they both are playing NHL and successfully so to varying degrees, especially Schwartz.

No way their soft/skill style in JUNIORS would translate but it and they did. Still to this day it's my blind spot in evaluating and IMO has to be the toughest thing to project, will soft skill translate to the NHL.

Not sure if you just swing on the skill and hope they develop some will to their game. Guess it depends on where you draft them?

I had a thought and since maybe this could happen as you mention that if Davidson would trade number 1 overall for 2 firsts or something or 3 firsts and a player like Laf from NY. I know Bedard is supposed to be unworldy but what if he traded that for 3 pr 4 assets? Like one proven young kid like Laf or something and 2 or 3 forst round picks? Only reason I say this is that David has been very unpredictable with his trades and moves. I know he mentioned rebuilding but debrincat trade came out of nowhere, and the Hagel one too. Just thinking if he could consider that since he's looking to build the team up from drafting.

Thoughts?
- Hawk4life

The only bodies Davidson is trading Connor Bedard is both the Fantilli and Carlsson selections and since a team doesn't have both slots, forget about it!

The Sabres have been rebuilding for 25 years, the Hawks for one...............

Could we at least get 2 or 3 years into it

The posts above list many 2nd and later round guys who have been successful and great.

While the odds may be against you, having 4 of them helps better those odds.

And quite raining on everyone's parade, enjoy the fact that they're getting a generational player for the first time in 15 or so years. Geez everyone's gotta be miserable...........
- vabeachbear

I agree,better to have 4 picks in the 2nd round. And if 1 of them hits you can be happy,because no team is going to hit on all 4.
Or if you can turn 2-3 of those into another 1st round pick in the 20s then that wouldn't be bad either. Still need to find a dance partner though.

The only bodies Davidson is trading Connor Bedard is both the Fantilli and Carlsson selections and since a team doesn't have both slots, forget about it!
- wiz1901

That was kind of my thoughts is all. Someone trading the hawks several first rounders. Like maybe the Rangers who have 2 this year and laf along with maybe one next year. And the hawks end up trading up with one of the Rangers picks

And Pesce and Slavin spent zero time “marinating” in the minors. I guess Carolina ruined them by rushing them.
- LAHawk

Both are bigger players and played NCAA. Pesce 3 yrs and Slavin 2.... Remind you of Kaiser? Should he go to the AHL?

All players/paths are different. I'd be careful beating the drum that playing AHL is overrated. Playing in the NCAA compared to jrs is exponentially, and I think better, different cuz you play against men, some as old as 26 yrs old, and have more practice/weight room/film room time.

And your commercial real estate wasn't going to be busy during covid, but it is ok now!
Buffalo of course is on the doorstep selecting two high end defenders and the first one Dahlin finally showing his status as an elite one.

We are so far down the ladder rungs from them or even being competitive and the Hawks need lots.
Your point about second rounders is well documented for "regular draft years" but this one due to covid is an almost doubling of first rounders due to that. They progressed and are now better species to evaluate and select.

The Red Wings have been using draft capital to move around the boards for their "guys' like in Goalie S. Cossa.

So maybe that 7% is up to 20% on playing 300 games...I do not necessarily playing 200 games soon...we want them doing it as things become competitive and they add to the overall smarts and talent here.

Kaiser looks competent, as does 2nd rounder Vlasic, and Seabrook heir Allen.

Cripes, Steven, their BU goalie is a second rounder.

I like the thickness in the class and so many of these second rounders that statistically are a pain in your butt.
- wiz1901

Every draft is incredibly over rated when you look back at them. So much promise. So many paragraphs describing their shot, vision and calf size. 90% plus are teaching Math back in Flin Flon.

For everyone talking up this draft others say it is not deep after the first round.

2016 2nd round was an anomly for sure. 3 have played 300 Games, DeBrincat, Girard and Hronek. 17 of the 31 have played at least 100.
How many of these 2nd rounders in the prime of their careers deserve minutes with Bedard?

Asplund
Peeke
Kyrou
Hajek
Bastian
Kuokonnnen
Katchuk
Smith
Hart
Lindgren
Dube
Grunstrom
Raddysh
Gambrell

I think we can agree. Raddysh and Katchuk should not be on Bedard's line. Perhaps Kyrou yes. Dube and Bastian maybe the odd shift.

Point of order: Nolan Allen was drafted in the first round.

Both are bigger players and played NCAA. Pesce 3 yrs and Slavin 2.... Remind you of Kaiser? Should he go to the AHL?

All players/paths are different. I'd be careful beating the drum that playing AHL is overrated. Playing in the NCAA compared to jrs is exponentially, and I think better, different cuz you play against men, some as old as 26 yrs old, and have more practice/weight room/film room time.
- Mr Ricochet

Of the top 10 goal scorers in the NHL 6 came from Juniors and 4 directly from Europe. NCAA and developing through AHL rarely produces needle movers.

Based on last year's draft, KD is definitely a trader. I'm sure he's discussing a lot of moves internally with his staff and hopefully has been reaching out to other GM's and laying the groundwork.
- boilermaker100

And unafraid and bold. Makes you think anything is possible with how he handles this draft. Helluva lot of fun to follow and speculate about.

I'm in the camp that if he uses a 2nd to move up if a target falls I'm ok with it. Also ok with keeping all those picks (lottery tickets) and flooding the system with talent/prospects.

I agree,better to have 4 picks in the 2nd round. And if 1 of them hits you can be happy,because no team is going to hit on all 4.
Or if you can turn 2-3 of those into another 1st round pick in the 20s then that wouldn't be bad either. Still need to find a dance partner though.
- captainserious

2nd round picks are a 7% chance for a needle mover.

Of course the Hawks only had a 10% chance at Bedard so we can hope KD has a horseshoe up his ass.

And unafraid and bold. Makes you think anything is possible with how he handles this draft. Helluva lot of fun to follow and speculate about.

I'm in the camp that if he uses a 2nd to move up if a target falls I'm ok with it. Also ok with keeping all those picks (lottery tickets) and flooding the system with talent/prospects.
- Mr Ricochet

We have the sweetener to move Seth Jones now if KD really wants to.

2nd round picks are a 7% chance for a needle mover.

Of course the Hawks only had a 10% chance at Bedard so we can hope KD has a horseshoe up his ass.
- stevefrmglencoe

Here's an assignment for you. Peruse the rosters of the last 10-15 Cup champions and let us know which one had no impact players drafted after the 1st round.

And your commercial real estate wasn't going to be busy during covid, but it is ok now!
Buffalo of course is on the doorstep selecting two high end defenders and the first one Dahlin finally showing his status as an elite one.

We are so far down the ladder rungs from them or even being competitive and the Hawks need lots.
Your point about second rounders is well documented for "regular draft years" but this one due to covid is an almost doubling of first rounders due to that. They progressed and are now better species to evaluate and select.

The Red Wings have been using draft capital to move around the boards for their "guys' like in Goalie S. Cossa.

So maybe that 7% is up to 20% on playing 300 games...I do not necessarily playing 200 games soon...we want them doing it as things become competitive and they add to the overall smarts and talent here.

Kaiser looks competent, as does 2nd rounder Vlasic, and Seabrook heir Allen.

Cripes, Steven, their BU goalie is a second rounder.

I like the thickness in the class and so many of these second rounders that statistically are a pain in your butt.
- wiz1901

I would bet everything that despite not developing players as well as they should, some prospects will graduate very well after sticking in the NHL. You won’t find Kaiser or Reichel lacking too much even now so let us evaluate them the year after next if you want to determine how well they develop….they will have a better understanding and experience after one full NHL season

You can look at the glass half empty right now with other prospects but how many go straight to NHL stardom straight out of non professional ranks?

I feel confident saying Chicago has the deepest, most loaded farm system now than ever and it is only going to improve with KD approach to stockpile choices

The percentage of higher or early round one selections making the grade naturally in higher in a deep loaded draft both qualitative and quantitative

I am a proponent of moving up in the draft if it makes sense. For example, LA HAWK please evaluate: if Kaliyev is available in a dump of Petersen for Mrzek rumor, is Kaliyev ideal scorer you want in your top six? Maybe yes as second line but not his all around game and skating on your top line?

Kaliyev probably will be a goal scorer in the league. But we can draft his clone or someone similar whatever draft year. Right now is our asset management control of Mrazek: to trade him for exactly what you envision Kaliyev becomes? Or rather retain Mrazek for at least one year while the the three headed goaltenders improve and therefore those three may be good enough or developed enough to stick in the NHL following one more year to develop?

On one hand you could say, yes make the trade if you acquire a 2nd round ‘23 then package two second round picks in a trade for a first ‘23.

Actually you can make up your own trades and rationalize them. Of course the ideas we as fans suggest happen oh maybe almost never - like 99% of the time.

I foresee KD very interested in retaining only two second round selections- one being our own pick if not forced to trade it for the earlier first round. Perhaps KD gambles a forward he wants is available with an additional first round choice.

And KD may decide to trade one of second rounders for a future pick. The rationale is to not be adding an overload of prospects each season to the organizational amount allowed. Various reasons for that but I won’t go off on a tangent

So there is just one of several reasons why trading for Kaliyev and a second round does make sense. KD would then need to sign a veteran goaltender. He may choose to keep Kaliyev for a couple of years while prospects- some not even drafted yet - improve/develop

We know a GM has a million what if scenarios spinning and that is healthy to be considering trades. Knowing too that nearly each trade proposals sinks; nonetheless, doesn’t preclude us from nominating them time and again. The ART of the Deal always ongoing….

I would bet everything that despite not developing players as well as they should, some prospects will graduate very well after sticking in the NHL. You won’t find Kaiser or Reichel lacking too much even now so let us evaluate them the year after next if you want to determine how well they develop….they will have a better understanding and experience after one full NHL season

You can look at the glass half empty right now with other prospects but how many go straight to NHL stardom straight out of non professional ranks?

I feel confident saying Chicago has the deepest, most loaded farm system now than ever and it is only going to improve with KD approach to stockpile choices

The percentage of higher or early round one selections making the grade naturally in higher in a deep loaded draft both qualitative and quantitative

I am a proponent of moving up in the draft if it makes sense. For example, LA HAWK please evaluate: if Kaliyev is available in a dump of Petersen for Mrzek rumor, is Kaliyev ideal scorer you want in your top six? Maybe yes as second line but not his all around game and skating on your top line?

Kaliyev probably will be a goal scorer in the league. But we can draft his clone or someone similar whatever draft year. Right now is our asset management control of Mrazek: to trade him for exactly what you envision Kaliyev becomes? Or rather retain Mrazek for at least one year while the the three headed goaltenders improve and therefore those three may be good enough or developed enough to stick in the NHL following one more year to develop?

On one hand you could say, yes make the trade if you acquire a 2nd round ‘23 then package two second round picks in a trade for a first ‘23.

Actually you can make up your own trades and rationalize them. Of course the ideas we as fans suggest happen oh maybe almost never - like 99% of the time.

I foresee KD very interested in retaining only two second round selections- one being our own pick if not forced to trade it for the earlier first round. Perhaps KD gambles a forward he wants is available with an additional first round choice.

And KD may decide to trade one of second rounders for a future pick. The rationale is to not be adding an overload of prospects each season to the organizational amount allowed. Various reasons for that but I won’t go off on a tangent

So there is just one of several reasons why trading for Kaliyev and a second round does make sense. KD would then need to sign a veteran goaltender. He may choose to keep Kaliyev for a couple of years while prospects- some not even drafted yet - improve/develop

We know a GM has a million what if scenarios spinning and that is healthy to be considering trades. Knowing too that nearly each trade proposals sinks; nonetheless, doesn’t preclude us from nominating them time and again. The ART of the Deal always ongoing….
- jhawk59

If the Hawks got Kaliyev I would be extatic. Guess you haven’t seen heard much about him, has worked hard on his defensive game. Only reason he didn’t play much was he was injured. Offensively think De Brinket. Lethal shot, finds the soft areas, has scored big at whatever level he has played.

But you think those guys are a dime a dozen. If so, why are you so anxious to move up in the draft? There are tons of players out there

Don t think it would be too hard to find a veteran goalie. Alex Stalock ring a bell?

Here's an assignment for you. Peruse the rosters of the last 10-15 Cup champions and let us know which one had no impact players drafted after the 1st round.
- mohel

Every year over the 2 months of playoffs, people fall in love with 3rd and 4th line players and think they are the difference makers. This is how guys end up moving from the Cup Champions and sign huge deals that end up looking like boat anchors 10 games into the next season. Recent examples include the players that left Tampa and were desired but turned out to be just another guy.

Coleman, Goodrow and Shattenkirk are the best examples.
Palat is a better player but 5 years $30 million? Just another guy.

Every draft is incredibly over rated when you look back at them. So much promise. So many paragraphs describing their shot, vision and calf size. 90% plus are teaching Math back in Flin Flon.

For everyone talking up this draft others say it is not deep after the first round.

2016 2nd round was an anomly for sure. 3 have played 300 Games, DeBrincat, Girard and Hronek. 17 of the 31 have played at least 100.
How many of these 2nd rounders in the prime of their careers deserve minutes with Bedard?

Asplund
Peeke
Kyrou
Hajek
Bastian
Kuokonnnen
Katchuk
Smith
Hart
Lindgren
Dube
Grunstrom
Raddysh
Gambrell

I think we can agree. Raddysh and Katchuk should not be on Bedard's line. Perhaps Kyrou yes. Dube and Bastian maybe the odd shift.

Point of order: Nolan Allen was drafted in the first round.
- stevefrmglencoe

is anyone saying that you have to fill out Bedard's linemates with second round picks? You still have to ice the other three lines and two pairs.

You are right in saying that the odds are down on second round picks, but there is also no other real way to build a team than through the draft because of the salary cap. You need young players under control at low or at least reasonable cap hits to become and remain competitive.

Do teams have the occasional hits with players from overseas? Sure, but not exceedingly often (I'll give you Panarin, but are Kubalik and Suter really considered successes?). There are also very good players acquired through trades and FA, but long term, it is not sustainable because the math never works.

Of the top 10 goal scorers in the NHL 6 came from Juniors and 4 directly from Europe. NCAA and developing through AHL rarely produces needle movers.
- stevefrmglencoe

Not sure I understand this post but like the statistics you post. Last I knew 35% of NHL players came thru the NCAA.

Again, don't understand your post but so much more to evaluating players/paths than goals scored. How bout games played in the NHL by NCAA players?

Wow, just realized my weekend away in Nashville for my wifes birthday is the day of the draft.

We get in around 10 am on Thursday. We are staying two blocks away from Bridgestone, anyone know how hard it is to get get tickets?

She won't like it, not sure I want to go there, but just in case, it would be cool to go.

I was at one NFL draft at Radio City, it was the year Jerry Angelo drafted Chris Williams out of Vanderbilt (Nashville coincidence?), so maybe its better I don't go.....