Right now my count is 36 without RFAs or UFAs.
That included Lardis. Misiak, Spellacy, and Vanacker - I read somewhere that these don't really "count" toward the 50 limit until they play their first pro game. Not sure about that, but will assume.

So guessing...
Current 32.
Lardis and Misiak add 2 on opening night.
4 RFAs (Kaiser, Crevier, Soderstrom, Soderblom)
4 UFAs (2 at least for CHI, a couple vets for RFD)
So about 42 on opening night which seems pretty normal, plus 2 sliding.

Summer of 2026:
Spellacy, Vanacker, Kantserov, Boisvert, 2025 #3
Maybes: 2025 #25, 2025 #34, Henry, Felcman, Gajan

Guess it will depend on how many advance from RFD to CHI to replace the current vets. RFD could easily be overloaded. Anyone who was drafted rounds 4-7 probably doesn't have a spot.
- totem

Again, great work totem. ..... That doesn't look prohibitive at all. I never see this addressed but it seemed with so many draft picks I wonder about the 50 man contract thingy.

Any thoughts on the Memorial Cup and do you have a thought on Desnoyers in the playoffs and Memorial Cup?

Very nice, totem. Thank you.......... Do you have any grasp of how many pro contracts the Hawks have given out, how many are left and will there be a concern moving forward about the amount of contracts available and will there be too many prospects needing one of them?
- Mr Ricochet

Hey Rico, it looks like they won't have any issues with contract numbers. They have 16 roster contracts and only 32 total.

https://capwages.com/teams/chicago_blackhawks

Well, here we have the reason we part ways. I don't need the metrics cuz I eye tested Bedard for 2 yrs and my eye test agreed. Bedard is the worst defensive NHLer I've ever seen.

As stated in other posts I don't think a club can win a cup like that with even a 100 pt player without 7 galaxies' star's aligning.

And I can't state any better how having Howe and McDavid on his flanks would get Bedard to stop taking 2 minute shifts (he has by the way ever since he came back from a broken jaw) or playing rat hockey in his zone and the neutral zone.

Don't be offended by the "lazy take". That was meant for national guys but if you feel that way it's either cuz you are a homer or it's just the way you see Bedard after watching all his games for 2 yrs.
- Mr Ricochet

Not offended at all, my family calls everyone lazy anyways.

Really Rico the worst ever, hahaha you sound like a teenage girl right now, that's pretty dramatic.

He's no where near the best but he's definitely no where near the worst, i just think your expectations are insane for this kid. Have you seen Michcov play defense, hahaha, plenty of Russians in this league that don't even try to play defense just to start a list.

I don't wanna belabor Bedard's deficiencies but I think all Hawk fans can agree he needs to improve his 2 way game. ......... Glad you weighed in BB cuz I'm curious your thoughts, or anyone's really cuz I haven't read around, on Blashill.

He must have been hired cuz the organIzation thinks he's good for Bedard at this stage of his development and by extensions all the young guys that will be coming up the next 3-4 yrs as well as other reasons.

With that in mind, and having seen Blashill's Indiana USHL squad win a cup and go to the Conference Finals in his 2 yrs I know his team's are really structured/sound, I think the Hawks loved Blashill's floor.

He might not have the chops to get the squad to Point C but Bedard and the other youngsters will at the very least develop properly and learn what a complete hockey player looks like.

Hopefully Blashill will show he can go toe toe toe with heavyweight coaches in the playoffs but if he can't it will have been beneficial for the development of the organIzation's players that he was hired.
- Mr Ricochet

The more I learn about Blashill the more I like. Not only that, but the assistants he's added. Peca is a great add. Knows how to play a complete game and is/was only 5-11 180 lbs. Velucci is a longtime coach with some history of success. Sorenson is a known quantity (at least for development).

Roumeliotis seems to report here that Sorenson will be leading the d-men.
https://wgnradio.com/blac...ke-vellucci-as-assistant/

I have no idea if he will be the end-all of coaches, but I'm less annoyed by the choice now than I was before.

P.S. 100% my apathy for the entire situation is coloring my thoughts here.

Not offended at all, my family calls everyone lazy anyways.

Really Rico the worst ever, hahaha you sound like a teenage girl right now, that's pretty dramatic.

He's no where near the best but he's definitely no where near the worst, i just think your expectations are insane for this kid. Have you seen Michcov play defense, hahaha, plenty of Russians in this league that don't even try to play defense just to start a list.
- BetweenTheDots

In his first few years Ovechkin was the worst defensive player of his era. He just had no interest in playing defense, and he didn’t. It wasn’t until Trotz talked him into, and taught, him to play defense that he improved dramatically.

As for Bedard his positional play in his own end improved quite a bit this past season. I think he’s also improved on his faceoffs, though I have no stats to back that up. One thing he really surprised me with was dropping down to block shots a few times.

What Bedard does that drives me insane is his penchant for lazy stick penalties, hooking and tripping mainly in the offensive zone. But I’m sure he’ll figure that out.

One huge disadvantage for Bedard is playing on such a horrendous team with crappy veterans for two years. I’m sure it must suck the life out of him. Next year I’m sure he’ll look much better, not only with the work he’ll put in this summer but by playing with younger guys who share his enthusiasm and who he can see will be able to grow with.

Ran into my favorite thing in a long while. My Guy Cam Robinson talks prospect comps to big leaguers. Really a fun listen. ........ Love what Peters said about comparing prospects to NHLers. Most of our listeners have never seen Martone, Misa, Frondell ever skate a shift so the comparisons are helpful. Well said, so it's a great listen for those types as well as guys watching games and hunting video.

Any time you hear Robinson talk prospects he says Hagens is the most skilled and fastest player in this class. Indeed, and the reason the Hawks draft him if Misa is off the board IMO........... Love the Frondell comps. Lotta talk/comparisons about the top 7-8 prospects. https://www.youtube.com/w...TKtQ&ab_channel=FloHockey
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks for sharing. Interesting stuff.

Selfishly, I love that they agree with me that folks wishcasting Martone as a classic power forward are going to be disappointed (they even used the "finesse" word which I know will upset Wiz).

They, like so many, failed to note Desnoyers unique skill at the dot. I'd love to have Misa, but Hagens sounds like a fine consolation prize if the Hawks go that route.

Hypothetical

Would you trade #3 to Philly for #6 and #22? And if so, what would be the chances of packaging #22 and #25 (and maybe even a sweetener) to get back into the top ten?

Thanks for sharing. Interesting stuff.

Selfishly, I love that they agree with me that folks wishcasting Martone as a classic power forward are going to be disappointed (they even used the "finesse" word which I know will upset Wiz).

They, like so many, failed to note Desnoyers unique skill at the dot. I'd love to have Misa, but Hagens sounds like a fine consolation prize if the Hawks go that route.
- LetsGoHawks

Each player after Misa and Schaefer offer different skills.

Martone can play a heavy game, he’s also an elite playmaker. The three times I saw him live I saw a real nuisance, a guy who’s constantly yapping, poking and slashing guys. He’s not afraid to get involved physically and he uses his body effectively to disengage opponents from the puck. He’s not inclined to put guys through the boards but he can on occasion.

Hagens, saw him only on TV. Highly skilled, great skater and he’s involved in all areas of the ice.

Desnoyers, again only saw him on TV. He’s above average on faceoffs, he’s a very strong two way centre. Many scouts are saying he has the best hockey IQ in the draft. He’s compared to Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews and he’s said he models his game after Toews’.

If Chicago’s scouts see Desnoyers project like Bergeron, Toews, Kopitar or Barkov I think he’s the guy you draft. Assuming Schaefer or Misa aren’t available.

Each player after Misa and Schaefer offer different skills.

Martone can play a heavy game, he’s also an elite playmaker. The three times I saw him live I saw a real nuisance, a guy who’s constantly yapping, poking and slashing guys. He’s not afraid to get involved physically and he uses his body effectively to disengage opponents from the puck. He’s not inclined to put guys through the boards but he can on occasion.

Hagens, saw him only on TV. Highly skilled, great skater and he’s involved in all areas of the ice.

Desnoyers, again only saw him on TV. He’s above average on faceoffs, he’s a very strong two way centre. Many scouts are saying he has the best hockey IQ in the draft. He’s compared to Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews and he’s said he models his game after Toews’.

If Chicago’s scouts see Desnoyers project like Bergeron, Toews, Kopitar or Barkov I think he’s the guy you draft. Assuming Schaefer or Misa aren’t available.
- paulr

Great summary. As of now, my order of preference is Misa/Desnoyers/Hagens/Martone. All excellent prospects, though.

Hypothetical

Would you trade #3 to Philly for #6 and #22? And if so, what would be the chances of packaging #22 and #25 (and maybe even a sweetener) to get back into the top ten?
- LetsGoHawks

It depends on how steep the curve is from 3 to 6 to 22. Most years it's going to be no, and on a rare occasion it will be yes.

Again, great work totem. ..... That doesn't look prohibitive at all. I never see this addressed but it seemed with so many draft picks I wonder about the 50 man contract thingy.

Any thoughts on the Memorial Cup and do you have a thought on Desnoyers in the playoffs and Memorial Cup?
- Mr Ricochet

Didn't see much of Desnoyers in playoffs or Memorial Cup. Really liked his puck moving, quick and accurate passing when I saw him in a few regular season games. If CHI wants to be fast and aggressive he seems to fit that. Gastrin is similar but not as polished, he is one of my favorites for #25 or #34.

Was watching Bryce Pickford who played in Seattle for a couple of years and was pretty good for Medicine Hat this year. Had a good game in the Cup when he scored two goals and made some good defensive plays. Looked like he was daydreaming on that first goal in the final though. Might be worth a shot in the 4th round.

Hypothetical

Would you trade #3 to Philly for #6 and #22? And if so, what would be the chances of packaging #22 and #25 (and maybe even a sweetener) to get back into the top ten?
- LetsGoHawks

Probably next year's #1.

Hypothetical

Would you trade #3 to Philly for #6 and #22? And if so, what would be the chances of packaging #22 and #25 (and maybe even a sweetener) to get back into the top ten?
- LetsGoHawks

If KD moves the number three pick I’d prefer to see him get a good young NHL player or a very good prospect who’s close to making the NHL. How about Chicago’s number 3 for Cal Ritchie and Cole Eiserman so New York can get Schaefer and their hometown boy, Hagens.

If KD moves the number three pick I’d prefer to see him get a good young NHL player or a very good prospect who’s close to making the NHL. How about Chicago’s number 3 for Cal Ritchie and Cole Eiserman so New York can get Schaefer and their hometown boy, Hagens.
- paulr

Didn't KFC pass on Cole Eiserman?

Didn't KFC pass on Cole Eiserman?
- bjphawkfan

Technically, he passed on him twice.

It depends on how steep the curve is from 3 to 6 to 22. Most years it's going to be no, and on a rare occasion it will be yes.
- 333inthe3rd

Depends on the return I don't think 6 and 22 is enough something else has to be adde.
What that would be but Philly is desperate for a playmaking center.

Pharand is big, but doesn’t use his size much. He has some skill but again doesn’t use it much. He had a reasonably good season this year as a 19 year old but he didn’t show enough. I don’t think he’s as good as MacKenzie Entwistle but there’s an outside chance he’s a late bloomer.
- paulr

He is good in the dot, and has always been a pK forward too.

Hypothetical

A Would you trade #3 to Philly for #6 and #22? B And if so, what would be the chances of packaging #22 and #25 (and maybe even a sweetener) to get back into the top ten?
- LetsGoHawks

A) Not enough to drop tha many slots, unless you are in love with a Roger McQueen, b/c you need a kinda assumed guarantee the kid u want is there.

B) Nope


Let's say U want Misa and to guarantee it, and Isles are willing to be happy with what's on the board @3,

It would cost all three firsts, two this time (unless they acquired an additional so they DO get to HAVE a 2025 1st Rd pick,
TWO this year and next year's Hawks 1st rounder. and

I am kinda partial to being in the lottery next year with the top two Canadien kids.

A) Not enough to drop tha many slots, unless you are in love with a Roger McQueen, b/c you need a kinda assumed guarantee the kid u want is there.

B) Nope


Let's say U want Misa and to guarantee it, and Isles are willing to be happy with what's on the board @3,

It would cost all three firsts, two this time (unless they acquired an additional so they DO get to HAVE a 2025 1st Rd pick,
TWO this year and next year's Hawks 1st rounder. and

I am kinda partial to being in the lottery next year with the top two Canadien kids.
- wiz1901

No player is a sure thing. I'll keep my powder dry. As I said earlier, the spot to move up is 25, not 3.

OFFSEASON DECISIONS

LW Marcel, Marcel Rights Expired
C Stjernborg, Victor Rights Expired
C Pharand, Alex Rights Expired
RW Oscarson, Milton Rights Expired

-----------------------------------------

LW Luypen, Jalen RFA 6/30/2025
C Saarela, Antti RFA - Not Returning - Signed - FIN - Lukko
RW Kurashev, Phiipp RFA-ARB 6/30/2025
RW Raty, Aku RFA-ARB - Not Returning - Signed - FIN - Karpat
D Kaiser, Wyatt RFA 6/30/2025
D Crevier, Louis RFA 6/30/2025
D Soderstrom, Victor RFA-ARB 6/30/2025
G Soderblom, Arvid RFA-ARB 6/30/2025

RFA - Kaiser, Crevier, and Soderblom should get RFA Qualifying Offers. Think Soderstrom needs an offer to keep his rights. No idea about Kurashev, Raty, and Luypen. Saarela went back to Europe so probably gone.

LW Athanasiou, Andreas UFA 7/1/2025
LW Donato, Ryan UFA 7/1/2025
LW Sanford, Zach UFA 7/1/2025
LW Seney, Brett UFA 7/1/2025
C Guttman, Cole UFA 7/1/2025

UFA - Donato seems like the only potential re-signing. Maybe Seney for Rockford. Figure Guttman will look elsewhere for an opportunity.

LW James, Dominic Rights Expiring 8/15/2025
D Kelley, Connor Rights Expiring 8/15/2025

Signing Rights Expiring - James looking elsewhere, not sure if CHI stll interested. Might be no room for Kelley unless on an AHL contract. G Basse already signed in the ECHL for next year.

C - Ilya Safonov - Not coming over from Russia - Re-signed AK Bars Kazan

--------------------------------------------

As Chunk mentioned, rights expired on 4 players. 2 RFAs (Raty, Saarela) signed in Finland. Safonov re-signed in Russia, looks like he won't have a spot in the future. With all the high draft picks, very little room for anyone else.
- totem

C - Ilya Safonov - Not coming over from Russia - Re-signed AK Bars Kazan

Who is Powers Russian guy now???

He's such a jinx, hoping its not Kantserov

A) Not enough to drop tha many slots, unless you are in love with a Roger McQueen, b/c you need a kinda assumed guarantee the kid u want is there.

B) Nope


Let's say U want Misa and to guarantee it, and Isles are willing to be happy with what's on the board @3,

It would cost all three firsts, two this time (unless they acquired an additional so they DO get to HAVE a 2025 1st Rd pick,
TWO this year and next year's Hawks 1st rounder. and

I am kinda partial to being in the lottery next year with the top two Canadien kids.
- wiz1901

Correct, no team with a decent chance to be in the bottom 10 next year can or will trade their #1 next year. That's GM suicide

Hypothetical trade with Philly:

Philly gets the
3rd overall pick draft hagens, they desperately need a playmaking center, and rights to kurashev and boussiet
Hawks received the 6th overall and Colorado 1st (22nd) Owen Tippet and Oliver Bonk.

Hawks the will draft either Matone, Frondell, McQueen or Desnoyers. Thoughts?

- Scott1977

I think that I would do that but would wait until draft day in case Misa falls to #3.

I think that I would do that but would wait until draft day in case Misa falls to #3.
- Snakebit12

I would as well. I would test the fax machine for a week to make sure it was operational. However me thinks the Flyers would not do that.

One interesting thing right now is thinking about what the Hawks will do with resigning Wyatt Kaiser. Some of the "cap" websites try to predict salary/AAV with tools and formulas. The tool on https://capwages.com/ tends to suggest either 6yr X 5.5M or 3yr X 3.2M. Both seem a bit on the high side IMO and I can't see him becoming the highest paid D on the team. We will start to see what the Hawks think of Kaiser as the D continues to be a little crowded.

A few notes. He is coming of his ELC that paid him 917K over 3 years. His QO number is 874K to retain his rights, so not expensive at all.

He didn't have a bad season but didn't do anything hugely impressive either. He is one of the top 10 smallest D in the league, but a good skater. Many of the other small guys on D are offensive generators, so he is a bit of an outlier in the sub 175lbs club. He battles hard and is generally steady but rounding off a few rough edges (his positioning this last season was better than previous). When it comes to playing time, he got less TOI/GP than 5 currently signed/returning D in Rinzel, Vlasic, Murphy, Levshunov, Del Mastro, so he is likely battling for a 4/5/6/7 spot going into next season, with guys like Allan, Korchinski, Crevier, Del Mastro, etc...

I think KD can play hardball a little bit, since Kaiser is not able to sign an offer sheet. The Hawks can QO him a the sub 900K amount and then negotiate a reasonable deal. I'm thinking something like 2 years and between 2-3 million "might" get it done until he either shows he is legit 2nd pair material or not.

I know he is well liked among the fans but the other possibility might be that he is one of the parts that gets used in a trade. He won't have huge value, but I don't think it's a stretch to think a few GMs will value what he brings as a guy in that 15-18 minute range. You have to give to get and maybe we find a team that has a young F to move but needs a young D who is steady in that 3rd pair position.

https://youtu.be/1lZxS54LK-Q?si=4S8Q7WjUouXvQVO0

I know we were debating this yesterday but here are some clips of Bedard at least trying to play defense at 18, i don't understand where this floating by the blue line comes from.