Bedard won't be like McDavid, in that he won't have that same 1 on 1 dominance with the puck. I say 1 on 1, but it's sometimes 1 on 5 with McDavid flying by people. Not saying Bedard won't be good or able to dominate some guys 1 on 1 or even deke through the other team at times, but I don't see him being that same level on the rush like McDavid seems to be night after night.

Not to say that he doesn't have the talent to score a lot of points and especially goals in his own way, just that I think for him it will be less individual effort and more team play, find the soft areas between coverage, cycle the puck, using his shot.

Honestly at the end of the day, it's not an individual sport. You don't win the cup by having one guy and he doesn't need to beat anyone individually to prove anything. He just needs to come in, play hockey and be part of a team that is looking to get back on the right side of things. KD will surround him with talent and he will have a chance to make his name in the NHL.
- breadbag

Just a different player. McDavid is so damn fast that it's very difficult to stop him. Once that goes away though who knows where he'll be. McDavid and Kane were rookies in one of the stingiest years ever so even if you say he'll only match Kane's production if you correct for the recent trend in scoring - he's a PPG player.

Bedard isn't super fast, strong or big but he has incredible technical ability, quite possibly the best shot a rookie has ever had. The kid already has a NHL build and has been working with nutritionists and strength coaches the past 4 years.

The last two comparable shooters were bigger guys but put in 50 and 40 and Ovi banged in those 50 with zero help and Matthews had quite a bit of talent around him.

Ovi had over 50 power play points his first year and I think that is where you see Bedard get the majority of his. 20 Power Play goals is very realistic. 12 at evens puts him at the over\under mark. 35 goals very likely. 40 not crazy and 50 definitely possible.

Seth Jones will greatly benefit from this. I'd say he's close to 75 points and over half of this will be on the power play. He'll be in the Norris discussion at some point. Probably won't win it but there will be talk of resurgence.

Reichel had 15 points in 23 games all by himself that projects to 55 points over 82 - again by himself. He's going to flirt with 60-70 points this year and with his speed and finish he should be able to help make space for Bedard. If Hall is healthy for 82 games he'll be in that 30/30 range and score 90% of his goals in the paint and help make space for Bedard.

Will he struggle against teams that have legitimate shut down centers - certainly to start. Will he tear apart teams like Arizona, Vancouver, Philly, Detroit, Nashville, San Jose, etc? Definitely.

Some of this is probably over compensation for the horrid state of things on the south side but gotta have something to look forward to and 65-70 points may be a baseline but I think he'll be closer to 90-100 assuming he stays healthy. He's just that good.

So does speed and hands

Nazar
- wiz1901

A bit bummed he was hurt last year, hopefully stays injury free dominates in college and joins the Blackhawks next year.

Don't know if possible but it would be great to see Michigan and Minnesota play against each other in the frozen four.

Actually I am hoping that in 3 years when they look at that draft all you keep hearing is "i can't believe the Blackhawks got Roman Kantserov, Martin Misiak in the 40's and 50's..." ,that Roman is a Kucherov like sniper and generator and the mysteriously not great at any thing except skating up & down, Martin adjusts and excels in his last three developmental seasons to take hold of a more dominant role in some of the those areas which have not yet blossomed.


Side note: So Rocky encourages and backs Hossa endeavors....does/ did Hossa play any part in the two Slovakian picks for character or observations? Just curious...
- wiz1901

I read somewhere he's a coaches dream.

So does speed and hands

Nazar
- wiz1901

Great minds think alike. Really think Nazar is going to take off this year and show his capabilities.

No way he's rated below Moore at this point if he doesn't get hurt last year.

Same. Was also a bit surprised by a few of the designations. I thought Nazar's would be similar to Reichel and Moore.

I'm also a bit shocked at Vlasic not having a higher designation as well with it looking extremely likely that he will be playing NHL games this year vs merely having a chance to play NFL games.

There's been more buzz on Safonov recently. If it's legit hoping he sees time here vs going the Max Shalunov route.
- HawkintheD

Some of these prospects will over achieve while others under achieve. I think Vlasic and Del Mastro are two candidates on defense that could easily over achieve.

I'll admit that I don't know much about Safonov, other than he injured Kirby Dach. I am confused but the recent love-fest for him too.

Are we really going to argue over which prospect is better - Moore or Nazar? At this point we have no f***ing clue who will be better or if either guy will even play 1 NHL game.

How about with just hope that both guys reach their full potential and are productive player in Chicago for many years.

I don't think anyone has ever said Bedard is gonna be the next McDavid. Not anyone with a brain at least. Some over excited fans maybe
- GPHawksfan

Bedard will be his own player. The only comp I heard was to Sidney Crosby. Supposedly he he the best prospect since McDavid analysts have said. Time will tell.

Are we really going to argue over which prospect is better - Moore or Nazar? At this point we have no f***ing clue who will be better or if either guy will even play 1 NHL game.

How about with just hope that both guys reach their full potential and are productive player in Chicago for many years.
- DarthKane

Oh, I think they will, but moving through the we have no f***ing clue area, I am already started looking for more prospect help in the 2024 draft. And as my Nazar opinion, I will state why I like these players too.

It is early to start pigeon-holing prospects with the Blackhawk 2025 picks since we don’t know where they will draft, but it is safe to say, without another lucky lotto win to get a top two star-studded draft openers in Macklin Celebrini and Cole Eiserman, I can set my sights on who they might select with that Chicago First and then again who they take with the final Tampa first rounder for Hagel. I can also predict that both the Blackhawk second rounder and the Canucks will both set around 40-ish overall.
After finishing my multiple watches of the Ivan Hlinka-Gretzky Tournament, which so far is the best platform by which to begun to judge 2025 talent, I am gonna suggest these easy favorites of mine for the Hawks.
Hawk first round pick: Trevor Connelly LW-LC Try-City Storm USHL
He was the fastest player at the tournament , a natural sniper with a deadly release, who anticipates his windows for shooting the puck, and is dangerous in his carries as he easily separates or drives through defenders. His edge work and skating is excellent as he seems to can speed out of his cuts and changes in direction.
At the time of the Lightning first rounder is where I gamble…on Zayne Parekh, currently playing with Memorial Cup host Saginaw Gears. When his coach was asked Parekh’s position, he jokingly answered, “Rover.” He is an impressive puck handler in all three zones. He is deliberate in his passes, and his movements in any direction while carrying are instantaneous, and he is so deceptive and eludes defenders with spin moves and then jumps back to full speed. He has the highest upside of any of this defender-rich class of defenseman.

The two above draft selections by me are ones I am making with forwards Ivan Demidov, Berkly Catton, Ryder Ritchie off the board on the first selection, and the second with defenders Sam Richardenson, Artem Levshunov, Adam Jiricek, Tomas Lavoie and Carter Yakemchuk also gone.

The two second rounders which will be around the 40’s and surely big Finn horse Emil Hemming with be off the board late in the first.
So I am selecting USA-NDT RW Waterloo Blackhawk Eero Butella, a Chicagoan in the second, because he has good feet, is physical in the hard areas and wins more 50/50 battles than he loses, and big Calgary RC Carson Wetsch, like Bedard, a North Vancouver native, who was asked to centre the Canadien third line who was given hard minutes to tenderize the opposition for three periods.

Would you rather have signed Kurashev 23 y/o for $2.25 mil for the next two years or would you rather have had the Hawks sign LaFreniere to an offer sheet at $2.5 mil for the next 2 years and give up a 2nd round pick.
I know we could have done both. (signed Kurashev and signed an offer sheet with LaFreniere).
I know the Rangers could have matched our offer, but if so we would not lose anything for making the offer.
I know extending offers to RFA is taboo in the NHL, but why? I would like to see more activity in this area.
Personally I would have offered LaFreniere and given up a 2nd round pick (even if I had to pay a little more than $2.5 mil for 2 years).

Would you rather have signed Kurashev 23 y/o for $2.25 mil for the next two years or would you rather have had the Hawks sign LaFreniere to an offer sheet at $2.5 mil for the next 2 years and give up a 2nd round pick.
I know we could have done both. (signed Kurashev and signed an offer sheet with LaFreniere).
I know the Rangers could have matched our offer, but if so we would not lose anything for making the offer.
I know extending offers to RFA is taboo in the NHL, but why? I would like to see more activity in this area.
Personally I would have offered LaFreniere and given up a 2nd round pick (even if I had to pay a little more than $2.5 mil for 2 years).
- -Doh-

LaFreniere dones't fit the type of player KD is trying to build his team with. Too Slow of a skater.

LaFreniere dones't fit the type of player KD is trying to build his team with. Too Slow of a skater.
- SaskHawkFan

He just looks defeated after every shift too. He likely needs a change of scenery

Evan Bouchard signs bridge deal with the Oil. 2 x $3.9M

https://twitter.com/Edmon...tatus/1694786766665044003

Evan Bouchard signs bridge deal with the Oil. 2 x $3.9M

https://twitter.com/Edmon...tatus/1694786766665044003
- MartiniMan

Can’t be. Dots told me Edmonton would have to gut their team to resign him and be under the cap. And for 2 years too?

Well, ideally they won’t have to sign one as a UFA, they’ll just draft him. With the volume of high picks they have had the last couple years and next two at least, they should be able to find most-to-all of the important pieces.
- Chunk

You could the same about the previous wave and they still needed the Hoss. Hawks will 100% need a top end talent to round it....a F, D, or G when it's all said and done. Hopefully just 1...

Are we really going to argue over which prospect is better - Moore or Nazar? At this point we have no f***ing clue who will be better or if either guy will even play 1 NHL game.

How about with just hope that both guys reach their full potential and are productive player in Chicago for many years.
- DarthKane

Exactly....no point arguing over kids at this time. Biggest thing is recognizing kids who plateau quicker and you can sell high on IF you have an internal solution Or can draft or sign one.

This wave of prospects is just the beginning.

2, 1sts, 3, 2nds and 2 3rds in 2024
2, 1sts, 2 2nds, 1 3rd in 2025
1 1st, 3 2nds and 1 3rd in 2026

That's before they make any trades, which they will. Bet we see some VERY motivated veterans looking to cash in on their contract year which will be good for both sides. INcreases their value for the Hawks and gets the player paid (Johnson, Richardinson, Perry, Foligno, Zaitsev, Tinordi).....only Johnson has any trade protection.

Plus if these kids on D start to make a push....a guy like Connor Murphy with money retained, say 50% will fetch a good value at the deadline....and if people dont' think so go revisit McCabe. THey have 6+ million of buyouts and retained money on the books this year.....that drops to 3.1 million next year so they could easily retain money on Murphy to maximize compensation and help a cap strapped team out. The internal budget numbers work.

Well, ideally they won’t have to sign one as a UFA, they’ll just draft him. With the volume of high picks they have had the last couple years and next two at least, they should be able to find most-to-all of the important pieces.
- Chunk

Ideally? Yes. But the odds of getting five stars from 2-3 drafts is highly unlikely. I don't mean Middle Six, and 2nd and 3rd pairing defensemen. I mean real high end players. Right now it is likely they have 1 (Bedard). The Star Search is still far from over.

Would you rather have signed Kurashev 23 y/o for $2.25 mil for the next two years or would you rather have had the Hawks sign LaFreniere to an offer sheet at $2.5 mil for the next 2 years and give up a 2nd round pick.
I know we could have done both. (signed Kurashev and signed an offer sheet with LaFreniere).
I know the Rangers could have matched our offer, but if so we would not lose anything for making the offer.
I know extending offers to RFA is taboo in the NHL, but why? I would like to see more activity in this area.
Personally I would have offered LaFreniere and given up a 2nd round pick (even if I had to pay a little more than $2.5 mil for 2 years).
- -Doh-

Hoping Kurashev finds it and gets more consistent. The flashes are there....he just needs to be put it together night in and night out.

Ideally? Yes. But the odds of getting five stars from 2-3 drafts is highly unlikely. I don't mean Middle Six, and 2nd and 3rd pairing defensemen. I mean real high end players. Right now it is likely they have 1 (Bedard). The Star Search is still far from over.
- mohel

I would agree but I hope this time around the Hawks identify a true core of 3 players. Build around them long term like Pitts has done with Crosby, Letang, and Malkin. Reload and shuffle guys in and out as needed.

Hilarious Hockeybuzz autocorrected D-ckinson to Richardinson.......

A bit bummed he was hurt last year, hopefully stays injury free dominates in college and joins the Blackhawks next year.

Don't know if possible but it would be great to see Michigan and Minnesota play against each other in the frozen four.
- BetweenTheDots

They should play each other in the regular season they're both Big "10" schools.

Would you rather have signed Kurashev 23 y/o for $2.25 mil for the next two years or would you rather have had the Hawks sign LaFreniere to an offer sheet at $2.5 mil for the next 2 years and give up a 2nd round pick.
I know we could have done both. (signed Kurashev and signed an offer sheet with LaFreniere).
I know the Rangers could have matched our offer, but if so we would not lose anything for making the offer.
I know extending offers to RFA is taboo in the NHL, but why? I would like to see more activity in this area.
Personally I would have offered LaFreniere and given up a 2nd round pick (even if I had to pay a little more than $2.5 mil for 2 years).
- -Doh-

No reason to piss off another team you have to do business with at this time in the rebuild.

I would agree but I hope this time around the Hawks identify a true core of 3 players. Build around them long term like Pitts has done with Crosby, Letang, and Malkin. Reload and shuffle guys in and out as needed.
- SteveRain

That rich 2023 class brought the BEST player here by luck and another one at #19.

2022 yielded a possible top mailman and nazar in a thinner first round class.

2024 is a toss-up but more riches may be coming with luck, but my post above gets the hawks another striker and three more helpers (maybe).

At some point, you hope for scoring and grit as the need.

No reason to piss off another team you have to do business with at this time in the rebuild.
- rpeters01

You can’t tip toe around worrying about who you piss off. If there’s an RFA the Hawks feel they need and can go the offer sheet route, they do it. Remember too KD pissed off Dubas when details of the Fleury trade leaked and they made trades afterwards. All that said hopefully LaFreniere isn’t an RFA Chicago are thinking of.

You can’t tip toe around worrying about who you piss off. If there’s an RFA the Hawks feel they need and can go the offer sheet route, they do it. Remember too KD pissed off Dubas when details of the Fleury trade leaked and they made trades afterwards. All that said hopefully LaFreniere isn’t an RFA Chicago are thinking of.
- paulr

Look, Chief, feelings are everything.

LaFreniere dones't fit the type of player KD is trying to build his team with. Too Slow of a skater.
- SaskHawkFan

I love me some speed as well, but you also need a couple of guys with average speed that can put the puck in the net. Not saying that LaFreniere is that guy, just that it takes all kinds of kinds to ice a contending team.