Dots is gonna lose his poop when KD trades KK and a pick for Knies.
- Chunk

I haven't seen Knies' underlying numbers but a trade of this yrs #3 for a Knies type, to start the conversation, who can step right in as a 23 yr old kid who already produces in the NHL is certainly an option I'd listen to.

Fascinating to see how KD is gonna play this. Stick to his guns drafting in the top 5 and fill as needed or move that pick for someone who can help right now and be a 10 yr top 6 NHLer.

Me, I think they take Hagens cuz it's the right thing to do just like Lev was. But boy oh boy, gonna be damn fun to go thru a few months knowing Martone and his size/skill package may be a Hawk.

But, I can't see Hagens not being, to some degree, an impactful top 6 NHLer. Martone, I doubt many will say so with any certainty but if he is you got a willing big man forward with real skill/IQ.

Frondell is the wild card for me. KD loves skill/skating, but he likes money in the bank type guys like Boisvert or Misiak and Frondell profiles that way. A more skilled offensive D!ckinson. A more dangerous O'Rielly. A blood and guts guy who has skill and a dedicated 3 zone player.

He might be out best left defenseman in 2 to 3 years, that's why. It's illogical to want to trade him now when we can keep and develop him. Urgency will (frank) any rebuild ask the Rangers.
- BetweenTheDots

Maybe, but you can’t keep them all, and don’t be surprised if the Hawks grab Fiddler with the Toronto pick if he’s still on the board. Given the young talent on the backend, someone has to go, as long as you get equal value back. The Rangers rebuild was set back when Lafreniere and Kakko did not become 30 goal scorers, and their weak defense has been a failure as well. That team is a mess.

Maybe, but you can’t keep them all, and don’t be surprised if the Hawks grab Fiddler with the Toronto pick if he’s still on the board. Given the young talent on the backend, someone has to go, as long as you get equal value back. The Rangers rebuild was set back when Lafreniere and Kakko did not become 30 goal scorers, and their weak defense has been a failure as well. That team is a mess.
- Angotti

But you don't have to get rid of them either, not right now, there's no hurry

The better Korchinski becomes and he's going to get better, inspite of what Elbows says, the more value he will bring back, teams will fight over him.

Sure looks like the Kings are heading down the Rangers road.

He might be out best left defenseman in 2 to 3 years, that's why. It's illogical to want to trade him now when we can keep and develop him. Urgency will (frank) any rebuild ask the Rangers.
- BetweenTheDots

That's the key word. No one "wants" to trade him (aside from Elbows). I don't want to trade him. I like what I've seen from him all year, but you have to consider more than just the players individually when you construct a roster. Cap implications, type of player, strength of other position groups, etc. That will all come into account when KD decides on whatever moves he makes.

You can try and build your entire team through the draft, but the odds are extremely against that being successful. Not to mention, KD will not have enough time to wait for that to happen. If they don't start showing some results next year, he'll be on the hot seat the following season. There will be plenty of kids in the lineup, but don't be surprised if some are moved for more immediate help.

That's the key word. No one "wants" to trade him (aside from Elbows). I don't want to trade him. I like what I've seen from him all year, but you have to consider more than just the players individually when you construct a roster. Cap implications, type of player, strength of other position groups, etc. That will all come into account when KD decides on whatever moves he makes.

You can try and build your entire team through the draft, but the odds are extremely against that being successful. Not to mention, KD will not have enough time to wait for that to happen. If they don't start showing some results next year, he'll be on the hot seat the following season. There will be plenty of kids in the lineup, but don't be surprised if some are moved for more immediate help.
- Chunk

I definitely won't be surprised if some kids are moved, I'll be stunned if they are 1st round picks. Unless it's someone like Reichel, although he's been getting incrementally better.

Besides Knight was traded for so you are correct.

They don't need immediate help for now.

I read all these scouting reports and if Hagens is there the Blackhawks will draft him, if a dman goes before the Blackhawks it'll be between Misa and Hagens.

Wiz is comparing him to Jack Hughes? Yes please

I definitely won't be surprised if some kids are moved, I'll be stunned if they are 1st round picks.

Besides Knight was traded for so you are correct.

They don't need immediate help for now.
- BetweenTheDots

If kids drafted lower are showing better than the kids drafted in the first round, why would it be of any surprise?

At this point, I have much more faith in Kaiser than Korchinski. Yes, he's two years older, but they have almost identical number of games in the NHL and AHL. Kaiser has almost the same offensive numbers and much better defensive metrics.

if you think ownership is going to allow the Hawks to be bottom five (or even bottom 10) for the next 2-3 years while all the kids figure it out, I've got a bridge to sell you. They most certainly need immediate help.

But you don't have to get rid of them either, not right now, there's no hurry

The better Korchinski becomes and he's going to get better, inspite of what Elbows says, the more value he will bring back, teams will fight over him.

Sure looks like the Kings are heading down the Rangers road.
- BetweenTheDots

Depends on what someone is offering now but I agree on him having potential to increase his value. I’m not sure what value KK has as of today but I don’t think you’re getting a young NHL ready fwd in return.

But you don't have to get rid of them either, not right now, there's no hurry

The better Korchinski becomes and he's going to get better, inspite of what Elbows says, the more value he will bring back, teams will fight over him.

Sure looks like the Kings are heading down the Rangers road.
- BetweenTheDots

The Hawks can eventually have blue liners consisting of Vlasic, Lev, Rinzel, KK, Kaiser, Allan, Del Mastro. Kaiser loses his waiver exemption this upcoming season. Pretty sure KK, EDM and Allan lose theirs beginning the 2026-27 season. So its keep them on the team, move them, or risk losing them on a waiver claim. Crevier is probably the odd man out at the moment.

I wonder if Murphy (or another vet) will be re-signed for the 2026-27 season and beyond to provide a veteran presence. If so, one of the kids will be expendable.

My 2 cents is that someone will moved by next summer.

The Hawks can eventually have blue liners consisting of Vlasic, Lev, Rinzel, KK, Kaiser, Allan, Del Mastro. Kaiser loses his waiver exemption this upcoming season. Pretty sure KK, EDM and Allan lose theirs beginning the 2026-27 season. So its keep them on the team, move them, or risk losing them on a waiver claim. Crevier is probably the odd man out at the moment.

I wonder if Murphy (or another vet) will be re-signed for the 2026-27 season and beyond to provide a veteran presence. If so, one of the kids will be expendable.

My 2 cents is that someone will moved by next summer.
- boilermaker100

Let's also not forget that the Hawks have four 1st and five 2nd round picks over the next two years. More will certainly be added.

If kids drafted lower are showing better than the kids drafted in the first round, why would it be of any surprise?

At this point, I have much more faith in Kaiser than Korchinski. Yes, he's two years older, but they have almost identical number of games in the NHL and AHL. Kaiser has almost the same offensive numbers and much better defensive metrics.

if you think ownership is going to allow the Hawks to be bottom five (or even bottom 10) for the next 2-3 years while all the kids figure it out, I've got a bridge to sell you. They most certainly need immediate help.
- Chunk

I think ownership is beginning to see KDs vision unfolding itself in front of their eyes. I believe Danny understands he can completely (frank) it up now if he gets involved.

Don't care about your faith about Kaiser i want the best player playing LD for my team.

Hi Wiz

You've talked about Frondell to the Hawks but you've got him at #7 at lines?

And this piece about Martone's skating:

All the talk about his skating has been blown to an unbelievable level of silliness; this is a guy who can dangle and move quickly. Would you want more get off in his first steps? Sure, but don't think for one minute he will be an anything but an excellent pro, and improve his boots as he continues down the path to the NHL.

Does Martone move like Colton Dach? Or better?
Last year and at the beginning of this year I honestly can't remember much talk about his skating being an issue.

I also think I read somewhere that the Flarida 1st rounder is now officially a '26 draft pick? Not sure what the context of the whole '26 or '27 first rounder was?
- captainserious

(Pick slides to 2027 if Florida doesn't have their 2026 pick.)


After adjusting the teams, simply added Martone there for now to make thinks interesting.

Oh I don't think the hawks scouting are locked on anybody yet, but they do need what Martone brings, unless the Blackhawks feel the best player is one of Hagens, Frondell, Desnoyers and the rest higher on their bpa list.

Hagens is not a guy deserving of all this scrutiny b/c he fits the speed-good hands-hockey IQ in every way.

I even went to sleep trying to argue against the Isles taking him.
(My brain decided to give the #3 and the Toronto first rounder in pick switch.)
then I thought that means Kyle's contarct will then have to start higher $ due to the slotting down the road.)

They only possible reason the Isle make the trade is to nab an extra pick and get a a kid who is a Isles fan IS to get the press off them if they were going to select hagens at one, as you said, not outlandish at this time a year ago.

I don't know how Frondell's low production in his what 5 games in the U-18 (one goal, three points, plus 3) fit in his evaluation;he came late leaving Djurgården feeling great high as this took the Djurgården club out of the Allsvenskan league and back inot the top SHL, after a three year delegation.
This was a big emotional win, and maybe his late arrival and emotional high never allowed him to adjust, especially since I was pretty sure he was on the righ wing a lot. Frondell COULD be a defensive centre who matches against the marquee centre s in time and score some goals. Clearly no young big centre unless you with certainty have penciled in Sacha Boisvert there, and Frondell's skating is on a much higher level than his.

On to Knies:

Did you see last night when he disinegrated Seth Jones in the corner?

I just think it is a fairy tale that the Leafs even consider tarding him for the 3rd overall darft pick.

Both ideas seem far fetched.

and so does a Sharks Isles trade where the Islanders decide to pass on Schaefer and trade down and take Hagens at slot 2.

Although this seems a reasonable idea since they get more pieces froma. team with lots of young pieces, but after Misa's year, goal totals, they would have lots more "explaining to do that Lucy (Lucille Ball), b/c the kid scored so many times!

What I do on my mock on Lines is continaully shift players, b/c the readers see a new name by their team and then they go get at my profile. no more no less.

Lots more work to do, as so many many first rd. pick trades are not finalized.
And I got a lot more to imput.


Oh, and decisions on the current crop of players doesn't happen until they are no longer able to shuttle them back and forth w/o them going through waviers where they can get plucked out w/o getting anything in return.

I think ownership is beginning to see KDs vision unfolding itself in front of their eyes. I believe Danny understands he can completely (frank) it up now if he gets involved.

Don't care about your faith about Kaiser i want the best player playing LD for my team.
- BetweenTheDots

Considering the club (100% their own fault) just had a 70+% decline in viewership, if the on-ice product doesn't improve they will risk losing a lot more than just that.

If you want the best player playing LD, then between the two, Kaiser is better. Not my opinion, just simple fact born out in virtually every possible metric.

I read all these scouting reports and if Hagens is there the Blackhawks will draft him, if a dman goes before the Blackhawks it'll be between Misa and Hagens.

Wiz is comparing him to Jack Hughes? Yes please
- BetweenTheDots

Jack Hughes right now is 5-11 176. Hagens right now is 180.

What size was Jack Hughes at 19?

I keep hearing Hagens has dropped because of his size.

What does Hagens project as, as a pro? 6' 190?

I don't know, but he's stood out to me everytime i've seen him, but i have to admit, I've never seen, Martone, or Frondell play. I'm not down on them, just trying to figure out how Hagens dropped from #1 after pretty impressive showings.

Jack Hughes right now is 5-11 176. Hagens right now is 180.

What size was Jack Hughes at 19?

I keep hearing Hagens has dropped because of his size.

What does Hagens project as, as a pro? 6' 190?

I don't know, but he's stood out to me everytime i've seen him, but i have to admit, I've never seen, Martone, or Frondell play. I'm not down on them, just trying to figure out how Hagens dropped from #1 after pretty impressive showings.
- vabeachbear

I had the same kind of question (in reverse) about how Shaefer stayed at #1 after being out the whole year. People say he's just that good (which is fine, they likely know more than I do), but everyone else has almost an entire season's worth of extra tape to scrutinize.

Jack Hughes right now is 5-11 176. Hagens right now is 180.

What size was Jack Hughes at 19?

I keep hearing Hagens has dropped because of his size.

What does Hagens project as, as a pro? 6' 190?

I don't know, but he's stood out to me everytime i've seen him, but i have to admit, I've never seen, Martone, or Frondell play. I'm not down on them, just trying to figure out how Hagens dropped from #1 after pretty impressive showings.
- vabeachbear

Martone is a big (6’4” 200 lb) beast, he's mean, he’s out every shift chirping, hitting and he’s involved in every scrum. The kid isn’t without skill he can play as evidenced by his production this season. The only knock is his skating is good not great.

And we can still hold out hope for Misa. There is some talk about the Islanders possibly going with hometown boy Hagens. There’s also talk that with Celebrini and Smith already in the organization Greir may look at Martone, assuming Schaefer is gone, to start building lines.

Jack Hughes right now is 5-11 176. Hagens right now is 180.

What size was Jack Hughes at 19?

I keep hearing Hagens has dropped because of his size.

What does Hagens project as, as a pro? 6' 190?

I don't know, but he's stood out to me everytime i've seen him, but i have to admit, I've never seen, Martone, or Frondell play. I'm not down on them, just trying to figure out how Hagens dropped from #1 after pretty impressive showings.
- vabeachbear

I think his height will be 5 11 (with the way Bedard gained a pressbook half inch but the frame is not going to hold 190 biscuits.

I think that IF he had scored a scored more 37 points in 37 games that this debate would be happening. He is really strong and stay with opposing puck carriers w/o a late game drop-off.
I just don't know if Misa has truly overtaken him but as a hawk fan I like Misa as a bigger fit, as scorer, simply based on this past junior season while Hagens played in college with bigger boys as oponents, but more than a few more goals.

I think his height will be 5 11 (with the way Bedard gained a pressbook half inch but the frame is not going to hold 190 biscuits.

I think that IF he had scored a scored more 37 points in 37 games that this debate would be happening. He is really strong and stay with opposing puck carriers w/o a late game drop-off.
I just don't know if Misa has truly overtaken him but as a hawk fan I like Misa as a bigger fit, as scorer, simply based on this past junior season while Hagens played in college with bigger boys as oponents, but more than a few more goals.
- wiz1901

Interesting and thanks.

I guess instead of worrying about it, i should just take solace in the fact that unless they just totally f' it up, Hawks are going to get another very good building block.

I'm a "you draft the best player available, regardless of position" guy.

I would never draft a guy for fit, especially in the NHL draft where guys probably aren't playing in your system for a couple years, and on your NHL club for probably 3. A lot changes in 3 years, and you have no idea how those changes may effect the make up of your system.

I haven't seen Knies' underlying numbers but a trade of this yrs #3 for a Knies type, to start the conversation, who can step right in as a 23 yr old kid who already produces in the NHL is certainly an option I'd listen to.

Fascinating to see how KD is gonna play this. Stick to his guns drafting in the top 5 and fill as needed or move that pick for someone who can help right now and be a 10 yr top 6 NHLer.

Me, I think they take Hagens cuz it's the right thing to do just like Lev was. But boy oh boy, gonna be damn fun to go thru a few months knowing Martone and his size/skill package may be a Hawk.

But, I can't see Hagens not being, to some degree, an impactful top 6 NHLer. Martone, I doubt many will say so with any certainty but if he is you got a willing big man forward with real skill/IQ.

Frondell is the wild card for me. KD loves skill/skating, but he likes money in the bank type guys like Boisvert or Misiak and Frondell profiles that way. A more skilled offensive D!ckinson. A more dangerous O'Rielly. A blood and guts guy who has skill and a dedicated 3 zone player.
- Mr Ricochet

I love to see KD offer sheet Knies ,I rather him then Marner .Well maybe

And we can still hold out hope for Misa. There is some talk about the Islanders possibly going with hometown boy Hagens. There’s also talk that with Celebrini and Smith already in the organization Greir may look at Martone, assuming Schaefer is gone, to start building lines.
- paulr

Funny you should say that because before beddy bye, I also looked at the past San Jose selections of soon to be star Celebrini, Will Smith who could play the wing,

It is not like Pronman or any draft pundit knows what they will do.
Misa has to appeal to the Sharks as a scorer and they would have to permanently delegate will Smith to wing.

There choice would have to have Martone & Misa as equals on their board, or would they trade to 3 by-passing Misa for the Hawks and taken Martone and MORE for the #2 selection? Stay tuned.



Eklund is a wing on the current team already.
Thomas Bordeleau can play where ever he is positioned.
The improving Kasper Halttunen is a right wing.
Quentin Musty is a LW

Centre Filip Bystedt was a first round pick who is no where near upsurping Misa for the parent club.

and they may still see the lil Russian Danil Gushchin and Canadien Tristen Robins on the wing.


Yeah, really no worries, as they are getting another REALLY good prospect!

From NHL.com:


"[Misa] is a talented player, he had a record-breaking type year," San Jose GM Mike Grier said. "I always have to be open to anything that we think can make us a better hockey team and a better organization. And if there's a package out there that someone presents us with, we'll have to think it through and see if it makes sense for us. I'm always trying to be open-minded to things like that."

“Third overall ... we’re going to get a great player," Chicago GM Kyle Davidson said. "I’m excited to head into meetings next week with our amateur group and start the process of nailing down where we want to line up the board and what it looks like. I think we stayed in a good range where I think we’re going to be really excited with what we end up with."

Boston College center James Hagens (5-10, 177) is No. 3 on Central Scouting's final rankings of North American skaters. He finished with 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games this season.
Other options for the top pick are Michael Misa (6-1, 184), a center with Saginaw of the OHL. He is the first player in team history to win the Eddie Powers Trophy as the top scorer in the OHL after finishing the regular season with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) in 65 games. He's No. 2 on Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters.

"It's a good draft," Armstrong said. "I think when you're picking up top, you get a chance to get a real game-changer, a top-two line guy that can be a difference-maker on your team. You still have to pick well. You still got to be a savvy staff that gets down to business and ignores all the critics, all the hype. I think our staff's done an amazing job over the years at just kind of ignoring all the noise and getting down to hockey players. You probably saw that when we picked Logan Cooley (No. 3 in the 2022 draft). There was a lot of hype about a lot of different players, and we just stuck to our guns and drafted what we thought was the best player in the draft."

Porter Martone (6-3, 208) remains one of the top players for this year's draft for an NHL team seeking a power forward with good finish around the net. The Brampton captain, No. 6 on Central Scouting's final North American rankings of skaters, finished seventh in the OHL with 98 points (37 goals, 61 assists) in 57 regular-season games.

Best Player Available for the each team isn't the same and isn't going to follow internet rankings. They have their own evaluation of who is better than who and you have 32 different GM involved in the draft.

The combine and interviews with the kids by the teams will have an impact on who they take. It's not only about who is the best skater, who is the biggest or strongest, or purely the physical attributes. The teams will be looking for the best player available who fits into their plans/system/culture. Character matters and the teams will have opportunity to actually meet the guys and make their judgement of who they want on their team. Hopefully we get a good player. With 5 picks in the first 3 rounds, we should hopefully get a couple pieces for the future.

Good article about Spencer Knight and his thoughts after the past couple of months with Chicago.

https://rg.org/news/hocke...ole-in-chicago-blackhawks

That's the key word. No one "wants" to trade him (aside from Elbows). I don't want to trade him. I like what I've seen from him all year, but you have to consider more than just the players individually when you construct a roster. Cap implications, type of player, strength of other position groups, etc. That will all come into account when KD decides on whatever moves he makes.

You can try and build your entire team through the draft, but the odds are extremely against that being successful. Not to mention, KD will not have enough time to wait for that to happen. If they don't start showing some results next year, he'll be on the hot seat the following season. There will be plenty of kids in the lineup, but don't be surprised if some are moved for more immediate help.
- Chunk

Yzerman the genius is proving rebuilding takes a long time and there's no sure thing.

If kids drafted lower are showing better than the kids drafted in the first round, why would it be of any surprise?

At this point, I have much more faith in Kaiser than Korchinski. Yes, he's two years older, but they have almost identical number of games in the NHL and AHL. Kaiser has almost the same offensive numbers and much better defensive metrics.

if you think ownership is going to allow the Hawks to be bottom five (or even bottom 10) for the next 2-3 years while all the kids figure it out, I've got a bridge to sell you. They most certainly need immediate help.
- Chunk

It doesn't matter how many games you pile up in the NHL when you weigh 140 pounds.

Funny you should say that because before beddy bye, I also looked at the past San Jose selections of soon to be star Celebrini, Will Smith who could play the wing,

It is not like Pronman or any draft pundit knows what they will do.
Misa has to appeal to the Sharks as a scorer and they would have to permanently delegate will Smith to wing.

There choice would have to have Martone & Misa as equals on their board, or would they trade to 3 by-passing Misa for the Hawks and taken Martone and MORE for the #2 selection? Stay tuned.



Eklund is a wing on the current team already.
Thomas Bordeleau can play where ever he is positioned.
The improving Kasper Halttunen is a right wing.
Quentin Musty is a LW

Centre Filip Bystedt was a first round pick who is no where near upsurping Misa for the parent club.

and they may still see the lil Russian Danil Gushchin and Canadien Tristen Robins on the wing.


Yeah, really no worries, as they are getting another REALLY good prospect!

From NHL.com:


"
- wiz1901[Misa] is a talented player, he had a record-breaking type year," San Jose GM Mike Grier said. "I always have to be open to anything that we think can make us a better hockey team and a better organization. And if there's a package out there that someone presents us with, we'll have to think it through and see if it makes sense for us. I'm always trying to be open-minded to things like that."

“Third overall ... we’re going to get a great player," Chicago GM Kyle Davidson said. "I’m excited to head into meetings next week with our amateur group and start the process of nailing down where we want to line up the board and what it looks like. I think we stayed in a good range where I think we’re going to be really excited with what we end up with."

Boston College center James Hagens (5-10, 177) is No. 3 on Central Scouting's final rankings of North American skaters. He finished with 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games this season.
Other options for the top pick are Michael Misa (6-1, 184), a center with Saginaw of the OHL. He is the first player in team history to win the Eddie Powers Trophy as the top scorer in the OHL after finishing the regular season with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) in 65 games. He's No. 2 on Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters.

"It's a good draft," Armstrong said. "I think when you're picking up top, you get a chance to get a real game-changer, a top-two line guy that can be a difference-maker on your team. You still have to pick well. You still got to be a savvy staff that gets down to business and ignores all the critics, all the hype. I think our staff's done an amazing job over the years at just kind of ignoring all the noise and getting down to hockey players. You probably saw that when we picked Logan Cooley (No. 3 in the 2022 draft). There was a lot of hype about a lot of different players, and we just stuck to our guns and drafted what we thought was the best player in the draft."

Porter Martone (6-3, 208) remains one of the top players for this year's draft for an NHL team seeking a power forward with good finish around the net. The Brampton captain, No. 6 on Central Scouting's final North American rankings of skaters, finished seventh in the OHL with 98 points (37 goals, 61 assists) in 57 regular-season games.

I don't like drafting simply for size. See: Quenville, Hayden, Dach, McNeil, Hayes and Beach.