Yeah, it looks to me by 25 KK will be as good or better than Campbell who also took 5 years to develop. They were all unknown at one time, today you wouldn't trade KK and Fantilli for Bedard which you probably would have done in a heartbeat two years ago.
- rpeters01

I follow. I studied up on KK pretty good after they drafted him then watched a good bit of him in WHL Seattle as a 19yr old. Right away no doubt of his directional skating but to me he showed average IQ offensively.

These skilled kinds kinda profile as 2nd pairing 2nd PP unity guys. Valuable players. And like you I think a guy with KK's style needs to have strength, more so than other profiles.

But, if an offer from SJ came for KK and a picks swap I'd have to gather the fellas in a room and scrubbed the offer up and down. ....... I really have grown to like Misa. No doubt skilled but smart beyond his yrs in instinct and nuance but I'd still say Hagens is the best play maker of the draft.

While some here will agree with you on Donato, I’m going to respectfully disagree. I would never sign a career fourth liner that all of a sudden had a year that he’ll probably never achieve again. I’d let another team overpay. Why wasn’t he traded? Obviously KD did not get a good enough offer, sometimes it’s best to walk away from a low offer, which in turn will help with a future negotiation, especially when dealing with a bottom six player that can easily be replaced. If the question is how do you replace those 30 goals, well not with Donato, as he’ll never sniff last years totals ever again. Just my $0.02.
- Angotti

Lou, I don't think Donato's yr was a fluke. His underlying fancies were close to best on the team, and that was with playing on every line from 1st to 4th. .....

I see Donato as checking damn near every box. I'd imagine 30 goals will end up a career high but we know that's in him. ... But this guy busts tail on every shift, goes to any greasy area, plays the right 2 way game, by all accounts practices hard, is willing, not slow, demands nothing from coaches as far as slotting like a true team first guy and deals well with the kids.

Foligno has nothing on Donato as a very good vet presence for the kids and he can produce much more. ... As good an example for 10 U-23's in a lineup as you'll find.

A 20 goal, 45-50 pt Donato that gives a coach a security blanket as far as flexibility checks most every box. ..... Of course the devil is in the details as far as terms but I really like what he brings to this squad.

My road map for the Blackhawks offseason.
3rd overall comes down to f Misa is taken. If taken matone is the pick
Offersheet Will Culley 4x 4.5 cost 2nd round Chicago pick
Trade for howard from Tampa reichel kurashev rights and Toronto's 1stfor howard and ax4th and rights to perbeix.
Free agency
Sign matner 7 x 13 million if he is interested

Other moves I would expect to happen is maybe thec3rd overall is in play for immediate . Will be a very interesting and aggressive offseason by Davidson and company.

Lou, I don't think Donato's yr was a fluke. His underlying fancies were close to best on the team, and that was with playing on every line from 1st to 4th. .....

I see Donato as checking damn near every box. I'd imagine 30 goals will end up a career high but we know that's in him. ... But this guy busts tail on every shift, goes to any greasy area, plays the right 2 way game, by all accounts practices hard, is willing, not slow, demands nothing from coaches as far as slotting like a true team first guy and deals well with the kids.

Foligno has nothing on Donato as a very good vet presence for the kids and he can produce much more. ... As good an example for 10 U-23's in a lineup as you'll find.

A 20 goal, 45-50 pt Donato that gives a coach a security blanket as far as flexibility checks most every box. ..... Of course the devil is in the details as far as terms but I really like what he brings to this squad.
- Mr Ricochet

Both you guys are right on.

Donato had a career year.

Donato is an exemplary bottom six vet.

So why didn't the GM either sell high or lock him up at an appropriate salary?

Too much to give up on an unknown to move up one pick.
- rpeters01

Have to agree - Korchinski was a #7 and is still only 21 next season. Just think he will continue to improve and have a lot more value next summer, which would be a better time to think about trading him. That is the time when decisions have to be made on defense.

Wiz mentioned the PuckPedia Perri Pick Value Calculator. If I put in a swap of #2 and #3, it comes out almost identical if CHI adds #34. I would offer that or the 2025 Rd 1 from Toronto, but not much more. Also would wait until SJ is on the clock, to make sure that Misa is still there.

If it was me, I wouldn't bother getting to #2, would rather use the late 2nd and 3rd to bump up the TOR 1st and CHI 2nd. Really like a lot of the players that will go late 1st in this draft.

Interesting tidbits about the Hawks coaching search from Pope’s article this morning.

The comment about why Richardson was fired is the first I have seen it in print.

The Hawks fired Luke Richardson back in December in part because his system wasn’t giving Bedard enough freedom and because he wasn’t personally focused enough on Bedard’s development. Interim coach Anders Sorensen spent a much larger percentage of his time working with Bedard and designing ways to help him succeed, and the next coach will need to do the same.

During exit interviews last month, Davidson said he hoped to hire a coach earlier this offseason than he did in 2022, when he was still calling about interview permissions at the draft combine before eventually hiring Richardson in late June. This year’s draft combine will take place June 1-7, so it’s only a few weeks away.

In addition to the Hawks’ uplifting final two weeks of the season — have probably increased Sorensen’s chances of getting the permanent job, which once seemed virtually nil. It’s still not likely, but it now seems plausible.

Davidson said Monday that Sorensen is “certainly in the mix,” raving about the way the Hawks’ young players talked about (and to) Sorensen during exit interviews. Along that line, there’s really no question he checks the desired boxes related to player development; his work with Frank Nazar, for example, demonstrated that.

But Sorensen didn’t seem as adept as Richardson at maintaining morale and unity in the locker room, and he has no prior experience in terms of coaching to win at the NHL level. Many Hawks fans would also react negatively to his hiring, perceiving it as the organization settling for a cheap and easy option after getting spurned by higher-profile candidates.
- LAHawk

I liked how Sorensen tried everything to get Bedard going. Double shifts. Offensive zone faceoffs. Extra shifts with 4th line. I didn't see all of that under Richardson.

Hershey has a Game 5 Sunday night. I wonder if KD is waiting to talk to Nelson after his season ends?

If the 3rd overall pick is in play what kind of return would acceptable to justify trading that puck? Example Tage Thompson jj pertterka and 9th puck be not enough overpay on Buffalo or be good for both teams.

If Misa is really gone by our pick, IMO, I think our pick should be Martone. Is he the BPA? Maybe. Depends on what you've read. If he's not, he definitely checks a lot of boxes. Tough, goes to the dirty areas, has a bit of an edge, creates some havoc in front of the net, and he would look beauty riding shotgun for Bedard. And seems to have some scoring prowess.

I don't think we need to trade up a slot or two for what teams would be asking. Would Misa be that much of a difference maker? I think you draft Martone and you use those assets to get a proven player. What will probably happen is KD and his draft gurus will take someone we're not expecting.

Very understandable and gentlemanly take on it.

Loyalty, appreciation, and dignity are admirable traits.

For an NHL team, I prefer the Vegas route. McCrimmon is ruthless in improving his team and feelings are low on the totem pole. Fluery, Marchessault, and Reilly were all cut at the knees. Still, Saad gave up a few million dollars for a chance to win the Cup there. The lingering effects of merciless NHL leadership aren't all bad.
- stevefrmglencoe

You know Steve I've got to call you out, you posted this as well

In my opinion, all KD needed was a quote from Kane that he was open to a trade to a legit contender. Then he could have gotten leverage for a market return. Did KD do everything possible to get that quote from Kane or his agent? Can't wait to read KD's book to find out.

Forcing Kane out was ruthless, it's not in the form you prefer but i know ruthless when i see it, i also believe there was a no trade clause he had to deal with so we conveniently forget the facts.

Also holding firm on what to pay Donato is what Vegas would do.

I do wonder are you happy with Sam Rinzel or are you pissed because it makes KD look good.

On draft day if the Islanders choose the consensus number one Matthew Schaefer, San Jose lose getting their defenseman. Is it a good idea if KD flips picks and adds a defensive prospect like Korchinski so he can draft Michael Misa?
- paulr

I have no problem with trading up, but the org has invested 2 years in developing Korchinski i say no, i know you're not surprised, if they give draft picks away fine, unless the org is not happy with his development then fine, but if they still like what they see, i know i do, then nope, try throwing future draft picks, we know they have plenty of them. There will be time later to trade KK if they grow sour on him or a surprise defenseman surpasses him on the depth chart.

I feel like I've got to say this out loud, there's no reason to trade our prospects with the most upside.

You know Steve I've got to call you out, you posted this as well

In my opinion, all KD needed was a quote from Kane that he was open to a trade to a legit contender. Then he could have gotten leverage for a market return. Did KD do everything possible to get that quote from Kane or his agent? Can't wait to read KD's book to find out.

Forcing Kane out was ruthless, it's not in the form you prefer but i know ruthless when i see it, i also believe there was a no trade clause he had to deal with so we conveniently forget the facts.

I do wonder are you happy with Sam Rinzel or are you pissed because it makes KD look good.
- BetweenTheDots

Does KD strike you as ruthless? I remember Kane's last season as a lot of Kane induced drama where he would not make up his mind if he would accept to be traded or not. Hard to believe he would only play for the Rangers as he quickly left them to sign a deal with Detroit and unless you have heard something I think he is going to play there next year. Wish they would have gotten more for him. It is about the return Boston got for Trent Frederic.

I was very impressed with Rinzel. Looks confident with the puck. Much faster than I thought he would be. I thought he was overpowered a couple of times but that happens to everybody in the NHL at some point. Had a big debate with my son about him. He says that Rinzel will never play a game in Rockford. I hope they start him in Rockford next year and let play a lot in all situations without the spotlight on him. My fear is that they are going to rush him, anoint him a top pair guy, on what could easily be one of the worst teams in the league again, and him get crushed and end up -39. He's having a nice progression. He looks like he may be a keeper. Don't Korchinski him.

I have no problem with trading up, but the org has invested 2 years in developing Korchinski i say no, i know you're not surprised, if they give draft picks away fine, unless the org is not happy with his development then fine, but if they still like what they see, i know i do, then nope, try throwing future draft picks, we know they have plenty of them. There will be time later to trade KK if they grow sour on him or a surprise defenseman surpasses him on the depth chart.
- BetweenTheDots

Dots, the overwhelming consensus had Schaefer and Misa in the top tier of the draft and after that started the 2nd tier......... I'm not advocating for anything per say, I'm hoping KD looks for any edge to make the team better, but Misa is at a different level than everyone but Schaefer followed by Hagens, Martone and probably Frondell and maybe Desyoners.

If the Hawks feel Misa is a legit top 6 NHL centerman with size, scoring, dishing, skating I don't feel like KK is that much of an overpay even if he develops into a legit 2nd pairing 2nd unit PP guy.

When was the last time the Hawks had a legit 2C? Richards? Between Bedard, Nazar and Misa, and Boisvert in the mix, very good chance you have a legit NHL 2C.... Hard to get these types, much harder than 2nd pairing Dmen.

I have no problem with trading up, but the org has invested 2 years in developing Korchinski i say no, i know you're not surprised, if they give draft picks away fine, unless the org is not happy with his development then fine, but if they still like what they see, i know i do, then nope, try throwing future draft picks, we know they have plenty of them. There will be time later to trade KK if they grow sour on him or a surprise defenseman surpasses him on the depth chart.
- BetweenTheDots

Come on Dots, you can comprehend better than that. I said “like Korchinski “, I was citing an example. However part of what KD has done in accumulating all that draft and prospect capital is to be able to make moves. My premise was that the team valued Misa, I have no clue if they do? I was just throwing it out there for discussion, not to get everyone’s shorts in a knot. And as far as saying it’s too much, if KD covets Misa , it’s a good deal regardless of what is traded away. The idea isn’t to win a deal, it’s to improve the team.

For anyone interested Horton is on the mound for the Cubs. Keller pitched the 1st and they brought Horton in for his debut and got a scoreless inning in the 2nd.... tree-nuttin, Cubs.

Think they moved PCA to the leadoff spot.

Dots, the overwhelming consensus had Schaefer and Misa in the top tier of the draft and after that started the 2nd tier......... I'm not advocating for anything per say, I'm hoping KD looks for any edge to make the team better, but Misa is at a different level than everyone but Schaefer followed by Hagens, Martone and probably Frondell and maybe Desyoners.

If the Hawks feel Misa is a legit top 6 NHL centerman with size, scoring, dishing, skating I don't feel like KK is that much of an overpay even if he develops into a legit 2nd pairing 2nd unit PP guy.

When was the last time the Hawks had a legit 2C? Richards? Between Bedard, Nazar and Misa, and Boisvert in the mix, very good chance you have a legit NHL 2C.... Hard to get these types, much harder than 2nd pairing Dmen.
- Mr Ricochet

The gamble is that KK still has 1st pair ceiling/potential and might still be the best playmaker/passer out of the young D core the Hawks have. If he reaches his potential he would also be PP1, as with the right talent they can run 3F and 2D.

Edit: With this draft considered to have not much gap between the top tier and the next tier, it's really going to be interesting.

The gamble is that KK still has 1st pair ceiling/potential and might still be the best playmaker/passer out of the young D core the Hawks have. If he reaches his potential he would also be PP1, as with the right talent they can run 3F and 2D.

Edit: With this draft considered to have not much gap between the top tier and the next tier, it's really going to be interesting.
- breadbag

We still don’t know if KK will reach a 1st pair ceiling, however as far as I’m concerned, he is already the best passer on the team, that’s out of all the defensemen on the current roster, the kid is tape to tape. I’m a fan of good all around dmen, so I hope that he can fill his frame, as that will give him the best opportunity to succeed in the NHL.

Dots, the overwhelming consensus had Schaefer and Misa in the top tier of the draft and after that started the 2nd tier......... I'm not advocating for anything per say, I'm hoping KD looks for any edge to make the team better, but Misa is at a different level than everyone but Schaefer followed by Hagens, Martone and probably Frondell and maybe Desyoners.

If the Hawks feel Misa is a legit top 6 NHL centerman with size, scoring, dishing, skating I don't feel like KK is that much of an overpay even if he develops into a legit 2nd pairing 2nd unit PP guy.

When was the last time the Hawks had a legit 2C? Richards? Between Bedard, Nazar and Misa, and Boisvert in the mix, very good chance you have a legit NHL 2C.... Hard to get these types, much harder than 2nd pairing Dmen.
- Mr Ricochet

Not to say it's the same but is this draft similar to the Laferniere and Kakko then everyone else? To me this is a draft that shows you who's scouting department is better than others.

Unlike many here I'm not concerned about the 2nd line center, talent is the name of the game.

I don't want to give up 2 young players for 1 young player in a rebuild. Unless that player is a proven young commodity. In a rebuild you've got to hold on to all your aces because no one is going to give up a young stud player for nothing, unless the player is disgruntled or they won't be able to afford them. Or you're the Kings GM

Come on Dots, you can comprehend better than that. I said “like Korchinski “, I was citing an example. However part of what KD has done in accumulating all that draft and prospect capital is to be able to make moves. My premise was that the team valued Misa, I have no clue if they do? I was just throwing it out there for discussion, not to get everyone’s shorts in a knot. And as far as saying it’s too much, if KD covets Misa , it’s a good deal regardless of what is traded away. The idea isn’t to win a deal, it’s to improve the team.
- paulr

It's just they have worked hard and sacrificed to get into a position of strength when it comes to young talent.

The theory is accumulate the most amount of talent as you can, by trading away KK or KK like and the 3rd OA you are going backwards.

Perry just has such a good hockey IQ when he's in scoring position

Does KD strike you as ruthless? I remember Kane's last season as a lot of Kane induced drama where he would not make up his mind if he would accept to be traded or not. Hard to believe he would only play for the Rangers as he quickly left them to sign a deal with Detroit and unless you have heard something I think he is going to play there next year. Wish they would have gotten more for him. It is about the return Boston got for Trent Frederic.

I was very impressed with Rinzel. Looks confident with the puck. Much faster than I thought he would be. I thought he was overpowered a couple of times but that happens to everybody in the NHL at some point. Had a big debate with my son about him. He says that Rinzel will never play a game in Rockford. I hope they start him in Rockford next year and let play a lot in all situations without the spotlight on him. My fear is that they are going to rush him, anoint him a top pair guy, on what could easily be one of the worst teams in the league again, and him get crushed and end up -39. He's having a nice progression. He looks like he may be a keeper. Don't Korchinski him.
- stevefrmglencoe

How is Trent Frederic and his return a realistic comp fopr Kane. Believe it or not, doing mostly right by players who have been franchise stalwarts actually plays well when you’re courting FA’s, drafting and signing players etc.

That’s not a trade that makes or breaks the rebuild afaic. Korchinski and Rinzel’s paths to the NHL are very different and Sam plying 2 years in college looks to have him ready already.

It's just they have worked hard and sacrificed to get into a position of strength when it comes to young talent.

The theory is accumulate the most amount of talent as you can, by trading away KK or KK like and the 3rd OA you are going backwards.
- BetweenTheDots

If you make the team better (acquiring Misa or someone else) is that going backwards?

If you make the team better (acquiring Misa or someone else) is that going backwards?
- paulr

But i think they are going to make the team better with the 3rd OA pick, whoever that is. I have liked all of their 1st round picks so far.

After I read dots post, I immediately looked up the location of the bakery adding it to my firts trip back into town...
- wiz1901

If you're flying into Midway it's not far west of there or out of your way. Nobody in the family lives close to there, but every holiday my brother-in law in Brookfield is the closest and picks up something from there. It's outstanding. As Rico said, as good a bakery as there is.

Not sure on this but can teams make trades during the playoffs? I belive they cannot but just clarification