Well name me a couple.
- LFS

If you think only top ten picks become impact players in the NHL that's your own stupidity.

I think the Oilers know Jack Campbell has the zips and is all done as an NHL goalie permanently. And that the cost to get rid of him would be massive.

But thinking of it from Emonton's end they woulld be crazy or desperate to agree to your deal offer. What if Mrazek takes a hike at the end of the season as soon as he turns UFA and they are left with nothing? Plus, I think they believe Skinner is their #1 going forward but they know he can't play 60 games, especially behind that horrendous type of defence they put on display most nights.

So where to find a decent backup to Skinner and what does it cost?
- RickJ

All good points, not sure what Edmonton’s answer is, but they need to get rid of that contract, and they’ll have to pay for that to happen, so we’ll wait and see what the end result is, but something has to give by TDL.

How much longer is Tinordi out? When he is ready to come back does Phillips get sent down again? Or do they cut ties with Karpotsev, I mean Zaitsev.
- LAHawk

Whatever they do, I'm sure you'll complain endlessly about it.

Hypothetical trade from PHR. I’d do the first, Holloway, and Campbell for Mrazek, and take a chance on Waite fixing Campbell.

Petr Mrazek – Chicago Blackhawks (one-year, $3.8MM
Not only would Chicago be able to absorb the contract of Campbell even after a buyout, but Mrazek is quietly having a very productive season even with a poor team in front of him. In 10 games played for the Blackhawks this season, Mrazek has a 4-5-0 record, coupled with a .915 SV% and a 2.89 GAA.

With only one year remaining on his contract, a trade for Mrazek would allow the Oilers to improve their goaltending situation down the stretch while giving them the financial flexibility to pursue a different goaltender in the offseason if they choose to do so.

In order to rid themselves of Campbell’s contract, Edmonton would need to attach their first-round pick in 2024, as well as their second-round pick in 2026, and potentially a third-to-fourth-round selection in either of the next three years simply to acquire Mrazek from the Blackhawks in the first place
- Angotti

Like this idea but it might happen a little later, Halak was released by CAR, maybe EDM will try him for while.

To EDM:
Mrazek (50% retained)
Raddysh

To CHI:
Campbell
2024 1st
2026 1st
2027 2nd

Taking all of the Campbell contract and retaining on Mrazek gives EDM the cap space they need for other moves they would want to make, thus a bigger return to CHI.

Higher picks in the out-years might be easier for EDM to give up. Also could substitute prospects for the picks.

Hard to tell what EDM would do, depends what they think Skinner can do in the future. I think opening up more cap space for them might get a big return though.

If you think only top ten picks become impact players in the NHL that's your own stupidity.
- GPHawksfan

Name some hawk prospects you feel will become impact players. Name calling is a sign of ignorance.

Name some hawk prospects you feel will become impact players. Name calling is a sign of ignorance.
- LFS

Well since you aren't defining what true impact means....because it could mean a franchise altering player and/or it could mean a guy slotted in the top 9 LT that contributes on a nightly basis, year after year.

I'll go with the latter.

Moore
Nazar
Reichel
Bedard
Kurashev

I think as of now Bedard is your only bonafide top 3 player and we haven't seen Moore or Nazar yet....but both seem to have the tools.

Well based on how I've seen Boston and the Cubs do it, this won't happen until they feel all the kids are in place in the system and developing. So it's far too early. Bears traded for Sweat but i think Poles thinks he's got enough pieces and draft picks and dead cap money out of the way to start competing. I don't think it'll happen this season, next season but the season after. So 25-26 season i can see them doing this.
- BetweenTheDots

I think they should have a pretty decent idea about the talent they have and it is more about is this the right player to add to the mix or not.

At this point - since they have Bedard and what looks like a good core of blue line players - they can add that veteran forward at any point.

Well since you aren't defining what true impact means....because it could mean a franchise altering player and/or it could mean a guy slotted in the top 9 LT that contributes on a nightly basis, year after year.

I'll go with the latter.

Moore
Nazar
Reichel
Bedard
Kurashev

I think as of now Bedard is your only bonafide top 3 player and we haven't seen Moore or Nazar yet....but both seem to have the tools.
- SteveRain

Don’t even bother with the Mope. I bet in 2007 he would never have figured Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, Byfuglien, Crawford, among others would be impact players either. Prospects are a funny thing, some turn out better than expected others worse. No one can tell how this group of prospects will turn out. Having a ton of prospects and draft choices gives KFC allot of chances to get an impact player or five.

While bundling Campbell a first and Holloway for Mrazek sounds enticing, the remaining term, four more years, on Campbell’s contract could prove to be a problem down the road.
- paulr

Bedard will bed +12 million in 3 years so that is a real thing. If Korch puts up a 50 point season in the next 3 that will be around 7-8 and if Vlasic continues to be steady thats another 7ish since the bridge deals are a thing of the past for good players.

Soooo Between Bedard, K2 and Pickle you're gonna have around 25 million tied up.

The 4 years left is probably a deal breaker. If it was 2 or maybe 3 (including this year) it's probably ok.

Also, Mrazek may want to stick around. If he continues to play well and stay healthy splitting time - and performs - there isn't any reason not to keep him around especially with what he's overcome in his career injury wise. Seems like a good veteran to have on the roster.

I don't disagree and I am just amazed bedard has been able to produce given what he's been tasked to play with on the wings. I mean each and every game 2-3 opposing guys are on him, hovering around him, and that's just a lack of respect for the winger's on his lines.

Kurashev is having a nice little run and maybe this gives him confidence and he can be a long time depth guy on the team.

As far as adding skill....I think it has to happen sooner than what most of us figured given the rebuild. With the cap going up, you likely won't see the crunch we have seen in past years. Is Nylander the guy? No idea...some here like him, some here don't.

The other point to this is they need to start establish a long term answer to the top 6 and build out. Have a few pieces who can float up and down when needed, and maybe they shore up another top 6 player this summer with the draft? Add another via UFA and you are half way there. Leaves guys like Mooore, Nazar, Reichel, and others left to fill out spots in the top 6....as of today.

The rest of it....doesn't really matter currently. They have place holders trying to instill a different mindset to try and close out games, etc.....but there is a lot of dead weight on this team. Some guys flash, but others.....it's like groundhog day every time they play.

- SteveRain

Totally agree.

Thanks for the additional background. I thought when he was drafted everyone was raving about his skating, no?
- Chunk

They were. Same with Mitchell but neither passed the eye test in the NHL.

Gotta wonder how the concussions early impacted Boqvist as well.

How much longer is Tinordi out? When he is ready to come back does Phillips get sent down again? Or do they cut ties with Karpotsev, I mean Zaitsev.
- LAHawk

I think Zaitsev has been better than Tinrodi TBH.

Both can go as far as I'm concerned.

Like this idea but it might happen a little later, Halak was released by CAR, maybe EDM will try him for while.

To EDM:
Mrazek (50% retained)
Raddysh

To CHI:
Campbell
2024 1st
2026 1st
2027 2nd

Taking all of the Campbell contract and retaining on Mrazek gives EDM the cap space they need for other moves they would want to make, thus a bigger return to CHI.

Higher picks in the out-years might be easier for EDM to give up. Also could substitute prospects for the picks.

Hard to tell what EDM would do, depends what they think Skinner can do in the future. I think opening up more cap space for them might get a big return though.
- totem

Yep, that would work, although I like Raddysh and he would look good on their third line in a year or two, unfortunately he’s a top six on this current team. I also like the idea of collecting A prospects(Holloway) as well, not just picks.

Don’t even bother with the Mope. I bet in 2007 he would never have figured Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, Byfuglien, Crawford, among others would be impact players either. Prospects are a funny thing, some turn out better than expected others worse. No one can tell how this group of prospects will turn out. Having a ton of prospects and draft choices gives KFC allot of chances to get an impact player or five.
- paulr

Agreed. More they can throw at the wall it's a numbers game re prospects.

I have zero issue with what is happening here. Bedard is better than what I anticipated. I think at times he coasts a little and just needs to go balls out for the 45-60 seconds instead of gliding at times and staying out for 90 seconds...but that is being ULTRA nit picking of the kid. Having 9/6 in 16 games while dragging Foligno, Donato, and others up and down the ice.....is a testament for how good this kid can be. Imagine when KD pairs up a highly skilled player with him. Will be fun to watch.

I hope this new line of him Kurashev, and Reichel picks up and gives the latter confidence. NOt sure what the next play is if Reichel doesn't start to produce here. Do they send him back down to Rockford? Seems he's too good for the A, but still a little tenative for the show.

I think Zaitsev has been better than Tinrodi TBH.

Both can go as far as I'm concerned.
- fattybeef

I just try VERY hard to ignore the mistakes made by the Veteran D men on this team as not 1 will still be here, god wiling, when this team is a playoff contender again, and eventually a cup contender.

Won't lie....it's tough as the mistakes are just moronic far too often but if they can hold a place and not force the Hawks to burnout a prospect I am here for it.

Interesting not many thoughts on not just Reichel to L1 but that it seems LR was dug in on not allowing Reichel to skate with Bedard even on the PP! .. I do think I noticed Reichel off the #1 PP late in the game.

Posted before the season started we'll see a ton of juggling the 1st month of the season. No revelation there but with so few top 6, or even middle 6, guys matches/fits will have to be found thru chemistry cuz it won't be thru talent.

But, even as an LR guy man you gotta leave an experiment alone for 5-6-7 games at least to see if something works unless it bombs right away.

Anyway the Bedard-Reichel-Kurashev rocked fancy stat wise. From Powers/Laz. https://theathletic.com/5...-schedule-bedard-reichel/



"Unsurprisingly, the trio looked really good offensively, with Reichel seemingly more engaged and active around the net. According to Natural Stat Trick, that line out-attempted the Sabres 16-10, out-chanced them 10-5, and out-high-dangered them 4-2. That amounted to a 68.65 expected-goals percentage. Putting talented players together creates offense. This isn’t news.

The question is, can they hold their own defensively without Foligno as a safety net? Kurashev is a responsible, defensive-minded player, but can he be the backstop for that line and continue to be a big part of the offense? Reichel’s fully aware of the fine line they’ll be walking together.

“Offensively, it was good,” he said. “We’ve just sometimes got to be careful on the way back. We all want the puck in the O-zone, we all want to make plays, but we can’t turn the puck over (and) we’ve got to be more sharp in the D-zone. But offensively, it was good.”

And perhaps just as importantly, with their top three offensive weapons on the top line, will the Blackhawks be able to get any goals from any of their other lines? Taylor Raddysh’s goal in the second period was his first point of any kind in eight games, and he was expected to be a major top-six producer this season.

Maybe it doesn’t matter. After all, this is not a win-now season, and if Bedard and Reichel put up big numbers together and the Blackhawks still get a top-five pick, maybe that’s the best-case scenario from a management perspective. But the guys in the room aren’t thinking about next season. Foligno said he believes “this team can do a lot of damage” and he means it. But after another near-miss, it looks like the Blackhawks are what they are — a team that can hang most nights, but can’t win most nights".

Interesting not many thoughts on not just Reichel to L1 but that it seems LR was dug in on not allowing Reichel to skate with Bedard even on the PP! .. I do think I noticed Reichel off the #1 PP late in the game.

Posted before the season started we'll see a ton of juggling the 1st month of the season. No revelation there but with so few top 6, or even middle 6, guys matches/fits will have to be found thru chemistry cuz it won't be thru talent.

But, even as an LR guy man you gotta leave an experiment alone for 5-6-7 games at least to see if something works unless it bombs right away.

Anyway the Bedard-Reichel-Kurashev rocked fancy stat wise. From Powers/Laz. https://theathletic.com/5...-schedule-bedard-reichel/



"Unsurprisingly, the trio looked really good offensively, with Reichel seemingly more engaged and active around the net. According to Natural Stat Trick, that line out-attempted the Sabres 16-10, out-chanced them 10-5, and out-high-dangered them 4-2. That amounted to a 68.65 expected-goals percentage. Putting talented players together creates offense. This isn’t news.

The question is, can they hold their own defensively without Foligno as a safety net? Kurashev is a responsible, defensive-minded player, but can he be the backstop for that line and continue to be a big part of the offense? Reichel’s fully aware of the fine line they’ll be walking together.

“Offensively, it was good,” he said. “We’ve just sometimes got to be careful on the way back. We all want the puck in the O-zone, we all want to make plays, but we can’t turn the puck over (and) we’ve got to be more sharp in the D-zone. But offensively, it was good.”

And perhaps just as importantly, with their top three offensive weapons on the top line, will the Blackhawks be able to get any goals from any of their other lines? Taylor Raddysh’s goal in the second period was his first point of any kind in eight games, and he was expected to be a major top-six producer this season.

Maybe it doesn’t matter. After all, this is not a win-now season, and if Bedard and Reichel put up big numbers together and the Blackhawks still get a top-five pick, maybe that’s the best-case scenario from a management perspective. But the guys in the room aren’t thinking about next season. Foligno said he believes “this team can do a lot of damage” and he means it. But after another near-miss, it looks like the Blackhawks are what they are — a team that can hang most nights, but can’t win most nights".
- Mr Ricochet

They were buzzing last night. Amazing what team speed does, i hope they keep this line together for a while. I didn't need any fancy stats to tell me that line was playing in the Sabres end most of the night. Glad to see they back them up.

I heard Boyle last night say they need to get the PP going. I wonder if LR just keeps SJ on the 1st unit because he's the elder defenseman? Korchinski should be at least splitting the 1st line PP minutes. Anyways this is interesting

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/...iRKvol8aut-nWn4ADzQQ&s=01

They were buzzing last night. Amazing what team speed does, i hope they keep this line together for a while. I didn't need any fancy stats to tell me that line was playing in the Sabres end most of the night. Glad to see they back them up.

I heard Boyle last night say they need to get the PP going. I wonder if LR just keeps SJ on the 1st unit because he's the elder defenseman? Korchinski should be at least splitting the 1st line PP minutes. Anyways this is interesting

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/...iRKvol8aut-nWn4ADzQQ&s=01
- BetweenTheDots

I thought Korchinski had one his poorest games yesterday. I felt he was out of position allot, he was constantly behind the play and he was resorting to holding and hooking because of it. He’s a 19 year old rookie and having off games is to be expected. He needs to have bad games to improve. Do you really want to see him take on another responsibility? If KK is put on the first powerplay unit do you risk getting him in over his head? Remember fans want him on the power play because it’s not producing. There’s a chance he can’t improve it. A big reason that powerplay isn’t productive is because the Hawks simply don’t have the talent. The only real threat is Bedard and teams are not only shadowing him, they sometimes double team him. That won’t stop until there are more scoring threats. There’s enough pressure on Korchinski to play solidly on the NHL, I’m not sure LR wants to add any more.

They were buzzing last night. Amazing what team speed does, i hope they keep this line together for a while. I didn't need any fancy stats to tell me that line was playing in the Sabres end most of the night. Glad to see they back them up.

I heard Boyle last night say they need to get the PP going. I wonder if LR just keeps SJ on the 1st unit because he's the elder defenseman? Korchinski should be at least splitting the 1st line PP minutes. Anyways this is interesting

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/...iRKvol8aut-nWn4ADzQQ&s=01
- BetweenTheDots

I was told by the BOD that a good power play does not matter.

I thought Korchinski had one his poorest games yesterday. I felt he was out of position allot, he was constantly behind the play and he was resorting to holding and hooking because of it. He’s a 19 year old rookie and having off games is to be expected. He needs to have bad games to improve. Do you really want to see him take on another responsibility? If KK is put on the first powerplay unit do you risk getting him in over his head? Remember fans want him on the power play because it’s not producing. There’s a chance he can’t improve it. A big reason that powerplay isn’t productive is because the Hawks simply don’t have the talent. The only real threat is Bedard and teams are not only shadowing him, they sometimes double team him. That won’t stop until there are more scoring threats. There’s enough pressure on Korchinski to play solidly on the NHL, I’m not sure LR wants to add any more.
- paulr

You make a good point about the mental side of it for a younger player/rookie. Indeed you can overload a kid mentally at any level but especially the Bigs. .... But, what if he has some success on the PP? That confidence would carry over to 5 on 5 and probably his own zone too.

I'd go back to the same adage, let the player tell you if he's ready. Easier said than done but I hope LR has a feel for such things. Is it possible a coach is sheltering a kid from play PP #1?

And I'm not as down on the PP talent as most I guess. Perry is a 1st rate front presence, I have Hall as a better player than 95% of Hawk's fans it seems (his feet and hands are the same as 5 yrs ago), as of today Kurashev is dangerous (for now?), Bedard and Jones.

I remember watching Jones live with the NTDP vs the Steeeeel in Bensenville. Loads of hype, good chance to go 1st overall. Then watched him in the WJC..... My thought immediately was the guy has minus IQ and it's ONE I was right on. He shows in any game he plays he's short on IQ, any game, usual multiple times. Was so glad to watch him slide as that draft went on.

What player with IQ to have his head UP rips a PP shot into his net front guy in the CHEST? What player with IQ runs outa position to attack the 1st overall pick of 1995 and gets skunked with an outside move and a clear path to the goalie?

Dude has zero IQ. KK has some IQ and the feet along the blueline to change angles in real time on the PP. LR had enough pucks to his head in his day not to unite Reichel and Bedard but he finally did. Same with giving KK SOME 1st unit PP looks? .... We'll see but I do take to heart not overloading a kid mentally.

All part of evaluating, slotting and developing (all 3 legs of that stool are a must) that good franchises do and this organIzation has not done in quite a few yrs. Leaning on the pros to make the right call on KK to the 1st unit PP.

They were buzzing last night. Amazing what team speed does, i hope they keep this line together for a while. I didn't need any fancy stats to tell me that line was playing in the Sabres end most of the night. Glad to see they back them up.

I heard Boyle last night say they need to get the PP going. I wonder if LR just keeps SJ on the 1st unit because he's the elder defenseman? Korchinski should be at least splitting the 1st line PP minutes. Anyways this is interesting

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/...iRKvol8aut-nWn4ADzQQ&s=01
- BetweenTheDots

Right on. ........I've found that most of the time my eye test is backed up by the fancies (and think that's true for most folks who watch closely and are a curious sort) but of course not always and when they don't I take those opportunities to take inventory of myself. What did I miss? Are the fancies this time an outlier?

You make a good point about the mental side of it for a younger player/rookie. Indeed you can overload a kid mentally at any level but especially the Bigs. .... But, what if he has some success on the PP? That confidence would carry over to 5 on 5 and probably his own zone too.

I'd go back to the same adage, let the player tell you if he's ready. Easier said than done but I hope LR has a feel for such things. Is it possible a coach is sheltering a kid from play PP #1?

And I'm not as down on the PP talent as most I guess. Perry is a 1st rate front presence, I have Hall as a better player than 95% of Hawk's fans it seems (his feet and hands are the same as 5 yrs ago), as of today Kurashev is dangerous (for now?), Bedard and Jones.

I remember watching Jones live with the NTDP vs the Steeeeel in Bensenville. Loads of hype, good chance to go 1st overall. Then watched him in the WJC..... My thought immediately was the guy has minus IQ and it's ONE I was right on. He shows in any game he plays he's short on IQ, any game, usual multiple times. Was so glad to watch him slide as that draft went on.

What player with IQ to have his head UP rips a PP shot into his net front guy in the CHEST? What player with IQ runs outa position to attack the 1st overall pick of 1995 and gets skunked with an outside move and a clear path to the goalie?

Dude has zero IQ. KK has some IQ and the feet along the blueline to change angles in real time on the PP. LR had enough pucks to his head in his day not to unite Reichel and Bedard but he finally did. Same with giving KK SOME 1st unit PP looks? .... We'll see but I do take to heart not overloading a kid mentally.

All part of evaluating, slotting and developing (all 3 legs of that stool are a must) that good franchises do and this organIzation has not done in quite a few yrs. Leaning on the pros to make the right call on KK to the 1st unit PP.
- Mr Ricochet

Great points Rico. Most thought (including me) that KK would either spend the entire year in Seattle, or 9 NHL games, maybe s “conditioning stint” then WJC, then back to Seattle. So my guess is LR before putting PP minutes on KK, wants him to concentrate on 5 x 5 this year.

Name some hawk prospects you feel will become impact players. Name calling is a sign of ignorance.
- LFS

He's not name calling. He's stating your train of thought or thinking is stupid. To which he's correct.There's plenty of examples of players excelling that weren't top 10 picks hense being impact players.

Name some hawk prospects you feel will become impact players. Name calling is a sign of ignorance.
- LFS

I think you are over-simplifying the question? I'll start with a question to you. What prospect drafted outside of the top 5 in any draft that within 2 yrs of being drafted can anyone say will be an impact player?

Nobody can BUT you can name TRAITS a player has that can be developed to make him an impact player. ........ For instance, Moore's speed/hunger/compete/versatility/was one of 330 million to earn a spot on the NTDP.

Nazar's pedigree/speed/hands/skill/one of 330 million to earn a spot on the NTDP.

Lardis' crazy speed/explosion in MJ.

Allen's size/skating/understanding his role/nasty.

Vlasic's size/one of 330 million to earn a spot on the NTDP.

Phillip's size/skating combo.

KK's skating/MJ success/resume.

Gajun's athleticism.

Misiak's 2 way game/size/IQ/hunger.

Kancerov's speed/skill/playing KHL as an 18 yr old.

You get the point and to repeat myself who can pick out a difference maker picked outside of the top 5, let alone a 2nd or 3rd rounder, within 2-3 yrs of being drafted? ..... Kid needs to be evaluated properly, properly slotted and then the skills/traits I mention for each kid to be developed properly.

I think you are over-simplifying the question? I'll start with a question to you. What prospect drafted outside of the top 5 in any draft that within 2 yrs of being drafted can anyone say will be an impact player?

Nobody can BUT you can name TRAITS a player has that can be developed to make him an impact player. ........ For instance, Moore's speed/hunger/compete/versatility/was one of 330 million to earn a spot on the NTDP.

Nazar's pedigree/speed/hands/skill/one of 330 million to earn a spot on the NTDP.

Lardis' crazy speed/explosion in MJ.

Allen's size/skating/understanding his role/nasty.

Vlasic's size/one of 330 million to earn a spot on the NTDP.

Phillip's size/skating combo.

KK's skating/MJ success/resume.

Gajun's athleticism.

Misiak's 2 way game/size/IQ/hunger.

Kancerov's speed/skill/playing KHL as an 18 yr old.

You get the point and to repeat myself who can pick out a difference maker picked outside of the top 5, let alone a 2nd or 3rd rounder, within 2-3 yrs of being drafted? ..... Kid needs to be evaluated properly, properly slotted and then the skills/traits I mention for each kid to be developed properly.
- Mr Ricochet

In the playoffs, aren’t the difference makers generally not the top line players? Usually the stars cancel out the stars. Do the Hawks win Cups without Byfuglien, Bolland, Kruger, Bickell, Hjarmallson? None were all stars, but they were all instrumental and difference makers in winning the cup(s)