That was Mitchell. Boqvist and Jokiharju's problem too.
- rpeters01

Yep, they're all kicking arse now.

If the Hawks "unload" Jones' contact, they'll need to do two things.

1. Find a right shot defenseman to play 25 minutes per night against the other team's best players.

2. Spend an additional $9.5 million this offseason to reach the floor.

For #2, the BOD will rail against the player or players who come in because they will be overpaid and old.

For #1, remember, they are trying to improve this season.

You know i thought I'd do what i could to find highlights of Demidov tonight. Still can only find about 7 minutes of highlights of him.

So all these analysts are convinced he's the 2nd best prospect in this draft? Based on 7 minutes of tape and his stats? I'm willing to bet none of them saw him play live. Where do you sign up to be an analyst and get payed for it. Nice gig
- BetweenTheDots

I posted this a month ago. Nazar scores in his first game as a Hawk, next day I get a phone call from by bud telling me I told you about Nazar when he was 14. Indeed he did.... This guy works at a brokerage firm, is 55 yrs old and streams 13-14-15 yr old tournaments and jots stuff down and shares on a message board. His 30 yr old bud ran prospect tournaments, put up his own cash, for 12-13-14 yr olds out east and they talk. That guy was paid for his scouting services by USHL/NAHL/East Coast jrs leagues........ Go get the gig, Dots. Plenty of paths. Start with pulling money out of your pocket to stream Bantam Tournaments or fill your tank and drive to them. Get to the Brick and see the 10 yr olds, Dots.

You think a kid of Demidov's skill comes outa nowhere. You think people who get paid to scout haven't seen and heard of Demidov's kind yrs before his draft yr? You see a kid's EP page says he played in the Brick Tournament? You know how old those kids are, Dots? 10!!!! And that 10 yr old's stats are on his Elite Prospects page along with every other 10 yr old in that tournament.

You, and others, can attack the messengers/evaluators and mock but respectfully Dots just cuz you can only find 1,874 seconds of film on Demidov, or anyone else, doesn't mean that's all anyone knows of a prospect. In fact, I'm positive of it.

And sure, some evaluators ain't so good just like some before them and they get weeded out. But if a guy has eyes on a kid I read but a even hack like me never ever ever puts 50 bucks on a horse on your evaluation/handicapping of that race and evaluators who do don't last.

I've posted I'm all in on Demidov cuz my eyes see Datsyuk and I can pick him apart 9 ways to Sunday but this is a case I ain't overthinking what my eyes see this freak doing it or how he's doing it but would still not draft him. Not at #2 when IMO there are 2-3 Dmen I see as real possibilities to be first pairing NHL Dmen and is a premier position. At #7 like Michkov, maybe, but not at #2. .... They must hit on this pick and I don't have the risk tolerance for all the variables of drafting a Russian.

Why would they give up that info if they are current NHL scouts? It makes no sense, it's like watching a commercial when they say 4 out of 5 dentists or doctors recommend this product.
- BetweenTheDots

Yeah, probably a smoke screen.

I posted this a month ago. Nazar scores in his first game as a Hawk, next day I get a phone call from by bud telling me I told you about Nazar when he was 14. Indeed he did.... This guy works at a brokerage firm, is 55 yrs old and streams 13-14-15 yr old tournaments and jots stuff down and shares on a message board. His 30 yr old bud ran prospect tournaments, put up his own cash, for 12-13-14 yr olds out east and they talk. That guy was paid for his scouting services by USHL/NAHL/East Coast jrs leagues........ Go get the gig, Dots. Plenty of paths. Start with pulling money out of your pocket to stream Bantam Tournaments or fill your tank and drive to them. Get to the Brick and see the 10 yr olds, Dots.

You think a kid of Demidov's skill comes outa nowhere. You think people who get paid to scout haven't seen and heard of Demidov's kind yrs before his draft yr? You see a kid's EP page says he played in the Brick Tournament? You know how old those kids are, Dots? 10!!!! And that 10 yr old's stats are on his Elite Prospects page along with every other 10 yr old in that tournament.

You, and others, can attack the messengers/evaluators and mock but respectfully Dots just cuz you can only find 1,874 seconds of film on Demidov, or anyone else, doesn't mean that's all anyone knows of a prospect. In fact, I'm positive of it.

And sure, some evaluators ain't so good just like some before them and they get weeded out. But if a guy has eyes on a kid I read but a even hack like me never ever ever puts 50 bucks on a horse on your evaluation/handicapping of that race and evaluators who do don't last.

I've posted I'm all in on Demidov cuz my eyes see Datsyuk and I can pick him apart 9 ways to Sunday but this is a case I ain't overthinking what my eyes see this freak doing it or how he's doing it but would still not draft him. Not at #2 when IMO there are 2-3 Dmen I see as real possibilities to be first pairing NHL Dmen and is a premier position. At #7 like Michkov, maybe, but not at #2. .... They must hit on this pick and I don't have the risk tolerance for all the variables of drafting a Russian.
- Mr Ricochet

So it's not okay to question a messenger? Or messengers? If i was looking at a list of prospects i damn well want to know who these scouts are. At least Wiz stands behind who he thinks the best prospects are and there are others out there as well.

Look i just want to point out the media has an effect on some teams that draft, i really hope its not the Blackhawks

Why would they give up that info if they are current NHL scouts? It makes no sense, it's like watching a commercial when they say 4 out of 5 dentists or doctors recommend this product.
- BetweenTheDots

Ok! Whatever

I really doubt they look at it as "if" he comes over if they used a 2nd rounder. You have to assume they have a very good feeling he is coming over.

Someone mentioned a few days ago, name a really good Russian player who didn't come over in the last 20 years?? And don't give me Shulanov.

This is really a non issue
- vabeachbear

Sure most players want to try the NHL both for the money and competition- can they make the grade

I am for most part just wondering if political issues with Putin at forefront will curtail or muck up player’s ability to leave. He may want money or tit for tat with politics and our country. Especially if we have a despicable next President

If the Hawks "unload" Jones' contact, they'll need to do two things.

1. Find a right shot defenseman to play 25 minutes per night against the other team's best players.

2. Spend an additional $9.5 million this offseason to reach the floor.

For #2, the BOD will rail against the player or players who come in because they will be overpaid and old.

For #1, remember, they are trying to improve this season.
- mohel

I would bet after two more seasons he leaves Chicago

Mr. R you are spinning a compelling tale supporting your defence of the NCAA and the USHL. Congrats. I will admit I do not care much for U.S. college hockey - a 34 game weekend league with a big disparity in the quality of talent and teams. Thats on me. Won't say I am right, times clearly change.

This continuing migration away from junior hockey to NCAA would have occurred many many years earlier had the NCAA not declared that any kid who took one red cent in pay as a junior - ineligible. For years, junior hockey owners and operators got away with paying players $60/week and then took absolutely no responsibility for their academic achievements. It was hockey, hockey, hockey and so many junior players ending up with no professional hockey opportunities and a Grade 9 or 10 education. Currently however it seems to me, the really good player who chooses the NCAA route leaves after one year anyway - so, so much for the school stuff which is supposedly the main reason they are there.

The 18 year old pro draft changed a lot of things, now a kid has choices and the NCAA route looks more attractive, provided the scholarship offer is maintained over 4 years. (Don't kid yourself, that scholarship deal can be amended or even pulled completely depending on the performance of the player and the financial situation of that institution).

But as it relates to hockey, I will ask you a question - please list for me the names of superstar HHOF players who have ever come out of the NCAA. Frankly, my list doesn't go much past Brian Leetch and Chris Chelios. I know there are players like Kariya, Belfour, St.Louis, Blake and some others. But realistically those guys are living in a basement apartment in the Hall of Fame compared with the likes of Lemieux, Gretzky, Orr, Potvin, Lindros, Messier, Bossy, Trottier, Lafleur, Perrault and many others who came from the competitive junior hockey leagues.

But as I said, times do change.
- RickJ

Rick, I find you as a fan of the sport, just good hockey no matter the level. Just looking at those NCAA rosters has to tell and old guy like you these are some players and damn, those gotta be some good games NCAA hockey rocks.

And while I'm here I'll just echo VAbear's comment, after you've seen a Powers, Fantilli, Celebrini type choose the NCAA path that give it 20 yrs and see who's making the HOF. ..... The NCAA path is not new but it's only recently that Canada's, still by far the top country to feed the NHL players, elite are choosing that path.

I'm all for as many paths for a kid as possible. Each kid is unique and I'd love for each kid to find a fit for him.. But, I'd love to see a kid take the NCAA path if possible. I do think it's the best amateur hockey in the world but that's not the #1 reason. The best hockey careers are 15 yrs, learning critical thinking skills in school lasts 60 yrs and you raise your children with those skills, as do they and on and on.

I have some bad stories about US jr hockey and the NCAA and much of it is in print. These kids are the labor for the profit of the corporation. That in itself sometimes leads to bad things like getting your scholarship pulled or losing your spot on a US jrs team for various reasons so in no way does Major Junior have any market cornered on bad stories.

The CHL's solvency is vital to hockey's equlibrium and it's facing challenges. They'll tweak and move forward. In what capacity is the only question but I really like that Branch guy who is the CHL boss.

You re scaring me, Ric..

You think a kid who has never played an NHL game has more offensive ceiling than Toews.
Is that what Montreal did when their surprise number one turned out to be Juraj Slafkovsky?
You really have only one trade partner-the team right below you in slot#2.

Let's say Demi-gorgon was their intended #1 -they would siimply take him and have to know with certainty that that the team they just traded the pick to wasn't going to.
Remember how Kyle never said they were taking Bedard?
GM Mike Grier aid HE IS taking Celebrini.




- wiz1901

Yea, Wiz I do think he PROBABLY has a higher offensive ceiling than Toews. I posted that so I think he might/probably have more offensive ceiling than Johnny. You ever post anything anywhere where you had a kid who never played an NHL game having a better trait than an NHL player, Wiz?

And, Wiz, I do think Demidov is the 2nd best player in this draft and if you told me he is the best prospect I'd listen to you. I posted that too, Wiz........ Also posted that IMO SJ keeps the pick.

You don't and don't and do. Ok.

The rest of your post, Wiz, I do not understand.

Sure most players want to try the NHL both for the money and competition- can they make the grade

I am for most part just wondering if political issues with Putin at forefront will curtail or muck up player’s ability to leave. He may want money or tit for tat with politics and our country. Especially if we have a despicable next President
- jhawk59

You think biden gets reelected?

Canada defeats the Danes 5-1. Bedard with 2G and a helper.

Canada defeats the Danes 5-1. Bedard with 2G and a helper.

Yep, they're all kicking arse now.
- mohel

Three of the old Four Horsemen. Then there's Beaudin. 3 1sts and a 2nd pick. Stan and Kelley really knew defensemen.

So it's not okay to question a messenger? Or messengers? If i was looking at a list of prospects i damn well want to know who these scouts are. At least Wiz stands behind who he thinks the best prospects are and there are others out there as well.

Look i just want to point out the media has an effect on some teams that draft, i really hope its not the Blackhawks
- BetweenTheDots

What does that mean. You just answered your own question. Look at an EP page and the names of the scout or service they work for is written there for you to see.

And Dots, I have never been told this by someone drawing an NHL paycheck but I feel safe saying no NHL is gonna be influenced by what the media says about a prospect. They have staff they hired to do their scouting and evaluating.

Don't forget when it comes to NCAA, NIL is now in place.
.
- vabeachbear

Heard on the radio that high school kids are getting NIL!!!

Sure most players want to try the NHL both for the money and competition- can they make the grade

I am for most part just wondering if political issues with Putin at forefront will curtail or muck up player’s ability to leave. He may want money or tit for tat with politics and our country. Especially if we have a despicable next President
- jhawk59

First I don't understand why you and Wiz always gotta drop some political hate thing into it, all you do is drum up a back and forth of folks who have a differing opinion. Used to be OK in America, but now it creates havoc. Most of us come here to stay away from it.

Second, I wouldn't worry about it, no way RFK is getting elected.

Third, I'll ask you the question again, and I'll limit it to the last two election cycles for you're (that ones for you OGI) benefit; what Russian in the last 7.5 years who was drafted high hasn't been able to come over, or didn't chose to come over when they could contractually?

Heard on the radio that high school kids are getting NIL!!!
- Mr Ricochet

I heard that as well, it will eventually drop to the superstar grade schoolers

But before you think this is awful (its probably not good) I don't ever hear anyone say anything bad about the 10 yr olds who are starting in Premier League soccer programs.

I don't hear anyone say that the 14 yr old tennis phenom shouldn't be able to play in a pro tourney if they are good enough.

NIL will change College Hockey in the not too distant future, how long before USHL guys have the same situation?

Third, I'll ask you the question again, and I'll limit it to the last two election cycles for you're (that ones for you OGI) benefit; what Russian in the last 7.5 years who was drafted high hasn't been able to come over, or didn't chose to come over when they could contractually?
- vabeachbear

I see some folks briniging that up on the internets and I haven't seen any examples of players who never did make it outa Russia at some point. But often enough there's a lotta funk to deal with which brings risk... I'd ask you want your prospect to be the first???

I do know about the kid with his pads packed to come play hockey for Philly and get stopped at the border, turned around and forced into 1 yrs military service and think he was near the front. Those stories scare me for my #2 pick, 6th rouder not so much.

Lotta funk and more seems to dribble out of Russia: https://www.dailyfaceoff....ow-and-russian-federation

I see some folks briniging that up on the internets and I haven't seen any examples of players who never did make it outa Russia at some point. But often enough there's a lotta funk to deal with which brings risk... I'd ask you want your prospect to be the first???

I do know about the kid with his pads packed to come play hockey for Philly and get stopped at the border, turned around and forced into 1 yrs military service and think he was near the front. Those stories scare me for my #2 pick, 6th rouder not so much.

Lotta funk and more seems to dribble out of Russia: https://www.dailyfaceoff....ow-and-russian-federation
- Mr Ricochet

Weird things happen. That Michkov kid might end up in Philly next fall. Who knew?

I heard that as well, it will eventually drop to the superstar grade schoolers

But before you think this is awful (its probably not good) I don't ever hear anyone say anything bad about the 10 yr olds who are starting in Premier League soccer programs.

I don't hear anyone say that the 14 yr old tennis phenom shouldn't be able to play in a pro tourney if they are good enough.

NIL will change College Hockey in the not too distant future, how long before USHL guys have the same situation?
- vabeachbear

Yep, remember reading Homer in school and in The Iliad they went on about this younger generational is lazy, don't wanna learn, think they know everything and what is this world coming to. ...... Yet here were are 3,000 yrs later.

Capitalism is a wonderous thing but left unregulated it will devour itself. When it comes to child labor we have laws for that, hopefully it can stop some eventual abuse that occurs around profit.

Weird things happen. That Michkov kid might end up in Philly next fall. Who knew?
- MjulQvist

Yep, the Russian Factor is a very real thing and in my little world should be. A percentage of teams are scared off and a Michkov falls to #7.

I just always thought the Hawks go Dman. Such a premium position in the modern NHL and passing on a very possibly elite one is damn tough for an NHL organIzation to do, and with good reason.

I don't think they draft Demidov but I'm sure we'll hear some public posturing cuz there is no downside to doing so.

Rick, I find you as a fan of the sport, just good hockey no matter the level. Just looking at those NCAA rosters has to tell and old guy like you these are some players and damn, those gotta be some good games NCAA hockey rocks.

And while I'm here I'll just echo VAbear's comment, after you've seen a Powers, Fantilli, Celebrini type choose the NCAA path that give it 20 yrs and see who's making the HOF. ..... The NCAA path is not new but it's only recently that Canada's, still by far the top country to feed the NHL players, elite are choosing that path.

I'm all for as many paths for a kid as possible. Each kid is unique and I'd love for each kid to find a fit for him.. But, I'd love to see a kid take the NCAA path if possible. I do think it's the best amateur hockey in the world but that's not the #1 reason. The best hockey careers are 15 yrs, learning critical thinking skills in school lasts 60 yrs and you raise your children with those skills, as do they and on and on.

I have some bad stories about US jr hockey and the NCAA and much of it is in print. These kids are the labor for the profit of the corporation. That in itself sometimes leads to bad things like getting your scholarship pulled or losing your spot on a US jrs team for various reasons so in no way does Major Junior have any market cornered on bad stories.

The CHL's solvency is vital to hockey's equlibrium and it's facing challenges. They'll tweak and move forward. In what capacity is the only question but I really like that Branch guy who is the CHL boss.
- Mr Ricochet

Mr. R there is absolutely nothing in your post here that I can or will disagree with. And I will tell you I have a daughter who had a full ride NCAA athletic scholarship and she was treated wonderfully and made the most of it. So I got no axe to grind with college sports.

I am not going to repeat stuff from my first response to you, but what I think is valid to say is that NCAA hockey still has a ways to go in developing players into top notch pros. Clearly what is happening is that junior hockey leagues are becoming the intermediate step in amateur player development to be finished off with 1 or 2 years of college hockey. I'm not sure a year or 2 of college does much for anybody academically, but needless to say more and more players will hit the pros via the NCAA route.

But my real hockey interest is at the top of the food chain - the NHL - who makes it there, where did they come from, how good are they. I think we could agree there are 6 guaranteed, sure fire HOF forwards who are from North America currently playing in the NHL - Crosby, Kane, McDavid, Mathews, MacKinnon and Draisatl. Not one of them have a hockey resume that references 1 game of NCAA hockey. At the time, I doubt they would have even considered going that route, one of the reasons being it not being competitive or developmental enough.

So with that I will close. (I guess I should be surprised Mr. Fantilli was cut from what looks to be a not very good Canada team at the World Championships).

Three of the old Four Horsemen. Then there's Beaudin. 3 1sts and a 2nd pick. Stan and Kelley really knew defensemen.
- boilermaker100

So we should write-off del Maestro, Allen, and Kaiser as busts?

So we should write-off del Maestro, Allen, and Kaiser as busts?
- LAHawk

We'll see. Even blind squirrels find an acorn or two or three.