On a lesser note, I see a dark horse who if he develops more in his second AHL campaign is a sleeper among the bigger names touted There are several good things Crevier has going for him. Have you seen enough of him in AHL to at least now say “well……..maybe?”

His capabilities- skating, not bad at anything, has size and sometimes uses it plus that long Chara reach….,he could become a solid YES solid third pair. In junior he was a shutdown warrior role. I love that he can skate well as a big (tall) guy and wonder if he gets stronger and tad more nasty

Is it somewhat true so far to call him a lesser version of Vlasic
- jhawk59

Vlasic 6-6 198
Crevier 6-7 216
Harding 6-7 236

Those are some tall trees. Do they have different skills and would they be able to play together?

The 250 game mark is a generic, with data behind it, for an NHL Dman to hit stride. Dobber has that number at 400!!

Respectfully, most of us can see if a guy is gonna be a credible NHLer by game 250-300 but it takes a pro earning an NHL paycheck to see that in a kid as a prospect or 50-100 games into his NHL career.

Get enough solid hockey minds/evaluators in an organIzation that know the difference in a prospect/player early and you can move the ones who don't fit before they lose their value or take up valuable NHL ice time that can be given to players who do fit a long term profile.

This amateur sees Vlasic and especially Kaiser and Phillips who fit. I'm bigger on Allen than most and am very very very intrigued by Del Mastro.
- Mr Ricochet

Yea he's just giving me poop. Cause i kept saying how players like Strome, Boqvist and Dach need experience, you know then they flip the script and act all understanding how others will have to be patient for these players to develop.

Totem or anyone who watches the Thunderbirds, what do you think of Jeremy Hanzel?

He is a double overager and hasn't been drafted but is 6'2" 191 LD but plays exclusively on the right for Seattle, mostly with Allan. He seems to always be in the right spot and makes the right play. He was a +70 in the regular season and is a +26 in the playoffs. I would be willing to throw a late round pick at him. Just seems like a guy you win with.
- Black Raven

I really didn't watch him closely all year, I guess I was unaware that he was draft eligible. Seem to remember him making a few key plays in the games I saw. 22 pts 19 games in playoffs - pretty good against top teams.

https://www.eliteprospect...ayer/538916/jeremy-hanzel

This is an interesting idea, always wonder how they evaluate these older guys. Kai Uchacz (Red Deer) is another one, breakout scoring season, >1 ppg in playoffs.

https://www.eliteprospect.../player/505754/kai-uchacz

Vlasic 6-6 198
Crevier 6-7 216
Harding 6-7 236

Those are some tall trees. Do they have different skills and would they be able to play together?
- totem

I haven’t heard or read how well Harding has progressed since he began his collegiate career. If he plays regularly in Hickey East, then I am curious how he has progressed

I see where Vlasic and Crevier have rounded out their game and both appear to have grown in their development this past season. If you are asking if they could pair together, who knows? Need to see them in AHL and is Harding even turning pro?

Totem or anyone who watches the Thunderbirds, what do you think of Jeremy Hanzel?

He is a double overager and hasn't been drafted but is 6'2" 191 LD but plays exclusively on the right for Seattle, mostly with Allan. He seems to always be in the right spot and makes the right play. He was a +70 in the regular season and is a +26 in the playoffs. I would be willing to throw a late round pick at him. Just seems like a guy you win with.
- Black Raven

Hanzel caught my eye when he as paired with Allen and played the right side as a left handed shot. Thought he looked stout, efficient, his head was always up, hands were ok and he showed nice nimble feet walking and working the attack blueline.

Then came the Memorial Cup and he was QBing the #1 PP ahead of Korchinski!! Thought, well maybe Korchinski was out during the previous shift to the penalty call and needed a breather. As the game, and following game too, went on coach was switching back and forth between Hanzel and Korchinski to run the #1 PP. .. That will catch your attention.

Since then Korchinski has grabbed the #1 PP spot but I thought Hanzel ran it well. Kid is poised as can be expected from a 20 yr old. ....... His foot speed is maybe average. One play at the attack blueline a shot was blocked, opposing forward picks it up on Hanzel's side and beat him on his way to a breakaway but Allen comes flying from the other side to get back and break the play up. Great play and display of speed by Allen.

But yes, enough there in Hanzel to take a late swing on him. If nothing else nice AHL depth.

Mr Richochet

Two observations maybe you mull over after you have seen a lot of the Blackhawk draftees in USHL or other games

Preface your answer however with the (is it) hope or expectation to see KD use his second #1 ‘23 - at what slot if a trade - to go after talent first and the talent/size combination secondly. Meaning the big Hronas kid (sic) some salivating over is second to IMHO (for example) to Benson.

Now some kids we drafted are turning pro. I am referencing the forwards last two drafts accumulated under different GM. If each of those kids had one season AHL, is it conceivable any of them could then make the Blackhawks? The mind wanders…..Reichel and Bedard plus at least one forward after Bedard from ‘23 draft makes three skill guys producing points on top two lines in the season after next

Our 20 goal scorer from Tampa trade likely could fit on a top two line failing anyone else who fits ….unless one of the kids from Bowman/KD last two drafts moves up probably sooner than expected

Also FWIW Hagel had only about ten more goals than his counterpart we received from Tampa…interesting, eh
- jhawk59

My dream for KD moving up is Michkov falling to PHI at #7 and with them needing draft picks KD bundles #19 with maybe next yrs 2nd 1st rounder with a 2nd rounder this yr and grab Michkov. It's more hope than expectation but we know KD can be bold, so we'll have to see ..... IF 3 yrs from now Michkov and Bedard are Hawks by The Hockey God's grace look out.

If Benson/Leonard fell to VAN's #11 I could see KD getting an itchy trigger finger.

I love the depth of this draft and if KD just kept his picks the pipeline gets a huge influx of talent. Letting the draft come to him and pouncing on unexpected fallers is a nice thought/option.

Either way the Hawks have a huge opportunity to add a Sale/Barlow/Yager/Moore/But at #19, legit shots at being top 6 guys, and Rehkopf/Brindley/Stramel types in rd 2 who have a shot at being 2nd liners with a floor of 3rd liners.

If I understand you correctly will any forward in the system be a Hawk in the 24/25 season? Probably not but maybe Dach has the best chance. Maybe Nazar but if KD stays true to being patient 3 yrs from now, the 25/26 season, we could/should see Nazar, Dach, Greene, Saarela, Hayes, James, Ludwinski, Thompson, Savoie and this yrs #19 pick with a real chance if indeed they are NHL quality players. And of course there are always surprises that come out of nowhere ....... But I do think Guttman will be a Hawk for a while starting next yr.

And we still don't know how KD sees the goaltending position as far as what resources he'd use. Would he use a 2nd rounder on a Gajan, Fowler, Augustine, Bjornsson or if by some pure luck Hrabal falls to #35?

And we don't know what Cooley told AZ. Did he tell them I'm gonna wait the 3 more yrs and won't be signing with the Coyotes? If so this draft seems like a ripe one for AZ to be drafting with capital gained from moving Cooley. ..... Could Cooley be a Hawk come draft day? Doubt it but if he's available KD, and the rest of the league, has to put a fine offer in front of AZ. He's ready for the NHL right now IMO.

I don't see anything that a few more pounds and muscle will help to make him better. The kid is so good at reading the attack zone, he would have Bedard giving and going and you don't worry if it gets to the bullseye on Connor Bedard's stick.
That's why my greedy ass wants more, morE, moRE, mORE, MORE picks in the first.

]
- wiz1901

You know something Wiz, my pickled mind never thought of what the #19 pick would look like with Bedard as a linemate!! Thinking about it I'm 100% sure Bedard would guarantee Sale reached his ceiling. ..... Sure, anyone would skating with Bedard but Sale in particular with his elite brain would surely benefit with players of the same profile and that is Bedard in spades. In other words I think Sale would be a much better player with a cerebral type like Bedard/Carlsson than he would with a more skills oriented centerman like Fantilli.

As a hypothetical what if Moore with his crazy speed/compete/motor and Sale were there at #19? What does KD do?

Mr Richochet


Meaning the big Hronas kid (sic) some salivating over is second to IMHO (for example) to Benson.


- jhawk59

One more thing, Sam Honzek. To my eye seeing this 6ft 4in kid skate, play with pace and show skilled hands sells me on him but there is so much more.

Kid plays #1 PP and PK and he scored a few shorties with his skill and ability to read plays. On one play short handed he hounds a Dman on the forecheck at the sidewall, he matches the much smaller players edge work as he tries to shake/turn away from Honzek, kid falls down, Honzek grabs the puck, attacks the net, feeds a mate and he scores. I'm sold on just that play as it shows off his total package and that's as a 6ft 4in crazy reach 18 yr old......... So his coach trusts this kid in all situations. That matters and says much.

Watching his shift by shift film when his club is in the attack zone and two forwards are below the endline engaging he always, every time, stays above the play near the dots as the high man. That shows IQ and adherence to a system and that he doesn't cheat for offense. That says much.

Again watching his shift by shift the kid is usually the first one on his line to get off for a change. Many 18 yr olds won't do that but Honzek being a smart unselfish player knows being out there tired is bad for his team... To me that says much.

Anyone can see Honzek's size, skating, skilled hands and be sold but there is so much more to this kid's game. Kinda player you say, "atta boy" 20 times a game on just little things like staying high, getting off for a line change, getting pucks out and in, backchecking, things that don't hit the scoresheet but win games. All this at 18 yrs old combined with his size/skating/skill is rare IMO.

Seattle beats Peterborough for the right to play Quebec on Sunday for all the marbles. Fantastic game as both goalies put on a show. SEA beat em 4-1 with an mt netter.

You know something Wiz, my pickled mind never thought of what the #19 pick would look like with Bedard as a linemate!! Thinking about it I'm 100% sure Bedard would guarantee Sale reached his ceiling. ..... Sure, anyone would skating with Bedard but Sale in particular with his elite brain would surely benefit with players of the same profile and that is Bedard in spades. In other words I think Sale would be a much better player with a cerebral type like Bedard/Carlsson than he would with a more skills oriented centerman like Fantilli.

As a hypothetical what if Moore with his crazy speed/compete/motor and Sale were there at #19? What does KD do?
- Mr Ricochet

Well if it is between Sale, Moore and Honzek,
KD COULD pray the rosary then pick a name out of a hat containing those three names

Maybe KD has a vision for the team and takes…..

Well if it is between Sale, Moore and Honzek,
KD COULD pray the rosary then pick a name out of a hat containing those three names

Maybe KD has a vision for the team and takes…..
- jhawk59

What are the strengths and weaknesses for each of those players in your opinion?

Totem or anyone who watches the Thunderbirds, what do you think of Jeremy Hanzel?
- Black Raven

That Hanzel, he’s so hot right now!

Well if it is between Sale, Moore and Honzek,
KD COULD pray the rosary then pick a name out of a hat containing those three names

Maybe KD has a vision for the team and takes…..
- jhawk59

I think their draft board is going to be a lot like the Bears, picking guys who can skate/speed and love to play the game, like Rico said about a player earlier how he does a lot of little things right. So i don't think there will be any praying just more of the kind of draft picks the Blackhawks had last year.

Unless a player comes along and they believe his ceiling is to good to pass up and may have a backstory, injury as to why they didn't perform or have their head in the game this year. I think they will still need to be good on their blades.

We actually have a game tonight.

Yea he's just giving me poop. Cause i kept saying how players like Strome, Boqvist and Dach need experience, you know then they flip the script and act all understanding how others will have to be patient for these players to develop.
- BetweenTheDots

Believe the Brit’s would call that “having a go at ya.”

On Boq and Dach I agree with you. On Strome, I liked him initially when the Hawks got him. Seemed like a pretty smart player in the O-zone, but the more I watched him I really didn’t like his game.

Would’ve been great to get something for him but I don’t really have an issue with KD just letting him walk and become someone else’s forever project.

While he didn’t score enough to really matter, he might’ve scored just enough to dislodge us from pick 3 and eventually Bedard.

#kdwinning

We actually have a game tonight.
- BetweenTheDots

Yea finally! Plus have some qualifying for Detroit GP today. I know this is a hockey board but they haven’t raced in the streets since the F1 cars did in the early 80’s. It’s news around here and more so than all the sad teams currently playing in the D…for me
anyway.

I think their draft board is going to be a lot like the Bears, picking guys who can skate/speed and love to play the game, like Rico said about a player earlier how he does a lot of little things right. So i don't think there will be any praying just more of the kind of draft picks the Blackhawks had last year.

Unless a player comes along and they believe his ceiling is to good to pass up and may have a backstory, injury as to why they didn't perform or have their head in the game this year. I think they will still need to be good on their blades.
- BetweenTheDots

Sigh
Yes this is KD outlook, plan, schematic in building a team
For the draft this is his intention; I get it.

But in round one ‘23 the players are top notch through at least #19 overall. Correct

Alright then. Eventually the playoff bound Blackhawks want a team of players who can skate and compete but there has to be at least a couple of super skill forwards TOO

Correct again wouldn’t you say

So whether at #19 or earlier do you aim first to draft a super skill forward or more a Honzek type

To be discovered on draft day
No one knows for sure what KD is thinking. He may have many scenarios outlined since like us prognosticators he is guessing who might be available.

Seattle beats Peterborough for the right to play Quebec on Sunday for all the marbles. Fantastic game as both goalies put on a show. SEA beat em 4-1 with an mt netter.
- Mr Ricochet

Nolan Allen really impressed me. Defensively he got turned around once but quickly recovered, but other than that was solid, positionally and board play. Once he got the puck on his stick, he always made the right play, either off the boards, or I really liked his short outlet passes to his forwards always on the tape.

Korchinski was good also, but nothing he did was exceptional. except some nice setups on the PP

Dach could be Bedards power forward. Very much a straight line player. Uses his size in the corner and getting in front of the net.

Daniel’s name was called a lot. Seemed to have the most trust of all the defenseman by the coach.

What are the strengths and weaknesses for each of those players in your opinion?
- Scott1977

I am thinking and excited about a Sale and Zmoore type, based on their engine and being more a cerebral type to produce and click with a Bedard/Carlson than Fantilli type As Mr Richochet said

Doesn’t mean Honorek wouldn’t make a good center say something similar to K Dach’s prediction was only maybe more offensive point generator

On the negative side Sale rating has been sliding and both him and Moore might become brittle if they take a pounding against men at the NHL level. You know what, Scott, wiz re-thinks and changes his draft order….he ponders the prospects future having seen them earlier and now prospects a bit older he catches a view of them again. Keep abreast of his commentary. As well MrRichochet has seen kids play often so catch his review too. And to be as thorough as possible regarding an evaluation of these prospects, there are more fans posting too their observations. You review them but in the end you might have preferences…,,we all have preferances……keep the faith in KD to do a good job

Believe the Brit’s would call that “having a go at ya.”

On Boq and Dach I agree with you. On Strome, I liked him initially when the Hawks got him. Seemed like a pretty smart player in the O-zone, but the more I watched him I really didn’t like his game.

Would’ve been great to get something for him but I don’t really have an issue with KD just letting him walk and become someone else’s forever project.

While he didn’t score enough to really matter, he might’ve scored just enough to dislodge us from pick 3 and eventually Bedard.

#kdwinning
- HawkintheD

I was wrong about KD just letting him and Kubs walk, by winning the 1st pick in this year's draft KD made all the right moves so far.

I am thinking and excited about a Sale and Zmoore type, based on their engine and being more a cerebral type to produce and click with a Bedard/Carlson than Fantilli type As Mr Richochet said

Doesn’t mean Honorek wouldn’t make a good center say something similar to K Dach’s prediction was only maybe more offensive point generator

On the negative side Sale rating has been sliding and both him and Moore might become brittle if they take a pounding against men at the NHL level. You know what, Scott, wiz re-thinks and changes his draft order….he ponders the prospects future having seen them earlier and now prospects a bit older he catches a view of them again. Keep abreast of his commentary. As well MrRichochet has seen kids play often so catch his review too. And to be as thorough as possible regarding an evaluation of these prospects, there are more fans posting too their observations. You review them but in the end you might have preferences…,,we all have preferances……keep the faith in KD to do a good job
- jhawk59

I think if Halttunen is there based on what I'm reading of these prospects the Blackhawks draft him

Wiz tweeked who the Blackhawks will draft after the 1st round again btw

Mike Babcock to be named coach of the Blue Jackets.

I was wrong about KD just letting him and Kubs walk, by winning the 1st pick in this year's draft KD made all the right moves so far.
- BetweenTheDots

4D chess Dots!

I think if Halttunen is there based on what I'm reading of these prospects the Blackhawks draft him

Wiz tweeked who the Blackhawks will draft after the 1st round again btw
- BetweenTheDots

You look at Ranatnaen in Colorado, and you see how IF the Hawks add a Kasper Halttunen, and he progresses you sort of get that dominant size guy down low, who can score from the flank too.


To keep my brain intact until next 4 weeks, I try and decide if Charlie Stramel gives some of the same with the versatility to play inside too.
The thing about Halttunen: every single time I have seen him, in every game, he hurts somebody with his physicality (or stick), the mean streak is there.

I do like 6' 3" Jakub Stancl, 6' 2" Nico Myatovic, 6' 2 Juraj Pekarcik, 6' 2 Danny Nelson
too,.

Ryan O’Reilly - to teach Bedard

Milan Lucic - to protect Bedard

Max Domi - to play with Bedard

Jesper Fast - KD likes fast skaters
- DarthKane

Nah, no protection. Soft league now anyway....nobody allowed to touch our Bedard!

Hawks sign D-cat and Kane returns on a two year. Hawks roll out the "Smurf" 1st line of D-Cat-Bedard-Kane. They score 100+ goals, but go a miserable -162.....