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Saw Cimaglia post on X something about him.

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David Pagnotta: The Utah Mammoth are shopping the 4th overall pick in the 2025 draft for a young top six forward - The Fourth Period

Hopefully the next few weeks will be interesting with stuff like this.
I'm already bored

Listened to the faxes from uncle dale podcast the other day. They are actually talking trading Bedard for someone if he doesn't look a lot better this upcoming season...? Imagine if the Oilers did that with Leon or Colorado with MacKinnon...amd I the only one thinking this is kind of nuts to talk about? Think I heard them mention trade him for Byfield...?
- captainserious

It's just classic "say something absurd to get attention". There is a reason none of these people are anywhere near a front office. There is no consequence for saying stupid poop on a podcast, and you get clicks because people can't help themselves looking for ridiculous statements.

His skill is considered worthy of a lottery pick, even top 10. But he is 5'7" and 157 pounds. Think Patrick Kane, but smaller and faster; that's how good his puck handling and creativity are. Legit question how his offensive game will hold up against larger more physical professional players.
- LetsGoHawks

Bedard has sticks taller than 5'-7"

I heard he couldn't skate.
- 6628

I wonder if Hawks are thinking about the same thing that Utah 3rd overall if Misa doesn't fall to them. Just wonder what young forward or towards the Hawks target. If Hawks are looking for size possible player to look would be Anton Wahlberg from Buffalo. Doubt Buffalo would do this but perterka kleber Wahlberg 9th overall for the 3rd overall and Richardenson as a base a of a trade.

I wonder if Hawks are thinking about the same thing that Utah 3rd overall if Misa doesn't fall to them. Just wonder what young forward or towards the Hawks target. If Hawks are looking for size possible player to look would be Anton Wahlberg from Buffalo. Doubt Buffalo would do this but perterka kleber Wahlberg 9th overall for the 3rd overall and Richardenson as a base a of a trade.
- Scott1977

Peterka alone would likely require the 3rd and more. He's a 23 year old RFA that's already proven himself in the NHL (and was creeping up on 1PPG pace). I'd be all for the Hawks making a move for him, but they'd be the ones paying, not Buffalo.

Peterka alone would likely require the 3rd and more. He's a 23 year old RFA that's already proven himself in the NHL (and was creeping up on 1PPG pace). I'd be all for the Hawks making a move for him, but they'd be the ones paying, not Buffalo.
- Chunk

I don't know about that the trade could be expanded

Peterka alone would likely require the 3rd and more. He's a 23 year old RFA that's already proven himself in the NHL (and was creeping up on 1PPG pace). I'd be all for the Hawks making a move for him, but they'd be the ones paying, not Buffalo.
- Chunk

The question is, why does Buffalo want to trade an almost PPG 23 year old. I know the rumors are out there, but what is their thought process. The other question is, why is Kevyn Adams still employed.

The question is, why does Buffalo want to trade an almost PPG 23 year old. I know the rumors are out there, but what is their thought process. The other question is, why is Kevyn Adams still employed.
- Angotti

Rumor is he wants out and there are others feeling the same. Due to the lack a of direction and losing culture.

The question is, why does Buffalo want to trade an almost PPG 23 year old. I know the rumors are out there, but what is their thought process. The other question is, why is Kevyn Adams still employed.
- Angotti

Well…it is BUF. Would love to see them get out of their own way at some point and rise up the ranks in the East. Good question on Adams. They have some decent young talent but haven’t been able to do anything with it.

The question is, why does Buffalo want to trade an almost PPG 23 year old. I know the rumors are out there, but what is their thought process. The other question is, why is Kevyn Adams still employed.
- Angotti

Buffalo is always a strange one. They have a bunch of young players who look good on paper, but they never win. I also think they have an internal cap which hamstrings them a bit. Peterka needs a new deal, and Buffalo seems to want/need to do something drastic this offseason. They moved out Cozens at the TDL, and they have a lot of high end blue liners.

Add in the fact they just hired Jarmo (never one to shy away from a big trade) to work with Adams, and I think they are ripe for a lot of change.

Peterka alone would likely require the 3rd and more. He's a 23 year old RFA that's already proven himself in the NHL (and was creeping up on 1PPG pace). I'd be all for the Hawks making a move for him, but they'd be the ones paying, not Buffalo.
- Chunk

Now Chunky, don't feed the troll

Well, Peterka does fit the narrative, he has speed and is willing to engage in board battles. I didn’t know he was German, maybe he helps with Reichel’s development. What a crap show Buffalo is. Unless KD gets blown away, I would not move the #3 pick, just draft the BPA on your board.

Now Chunky, don't feed the troll
- Assman22

It's not like there's a lot else to discuss right now, so why not some crazy trade talk? Otherwise, we can talk about... 5/3rd arena renovation, Chicago Steel playing there starting 2026, everything you wanted to know about new Hawks asst coach Mike Velucci, how Mike Peca is going to turn Bedard into... Mike Peca, debate ad nauseum who the Hawks will take between Hagens, Frondell, Martone and Desnoyers.

Sucks not having a writer for the team.

Scotty's no troll. He just loves him some trades.

Well, Peterka does fit the narrative, he has speed and is willing to engage in board battles. I didn’t know he was German, maybe he helps with Reichel’s development. What a crap show Buffalo is. Unless KD gets blown away, I would not move the #3 pick, just draft the BPA on your board.
- Angotti

I'm pretty sure Reichel played with Peterka (and Stutzle) during a World Junior Championship (or something similar) a few years back.

Buffalo is a crap show, but it seems there are a good number of teams that will be looking to mix things up on their roster this offseason. There are a few new GM's, teams like Vancouver, NYR, NSH who all disappointed this year, lots of new coaches who will have input into what they want and don't want on their teams. There could/should be a lot of movement going on this summer. Should be fun to watch at least.

Based on the comments from the new Islanders GM, it seems they will not be likely to trade down from #1 and seems pretty likely they are going with Matthew Schaefer.

Corey Pronman wisdom off today's Athletic:
3. Chicago Blackhawks

"The big question for Chicago at No. 3 isn’t just who the best player available is — it’s how the Blackhawks want to build around Connor Bedard. The entire conversation hinges on whether the organization views Bedard as a long-term center, particularly someone who can be a 1C on a contending team. If they do, the path likely shifts toward wingers or complementary skill. If they don’t, the focus becomes finding the right center to play with or support him.

That leads to three primary options: Jake O’Brien, Frondell and Desnoyers. O’Brien is the most skilled of the group — he’s a dynamic playmaker who could be the type to feed Bedard the puck in dangerous areas.
But Frondell and Desnoyers aren’t far behind him in pure talent and bring more complete, two-way games.
Both have legitimate offensive upside, can skate and have the kind of center traits you want if Bedard ends up needing to move to the wing.

(So O'Brien isn't that high a selection for all teams not Blackhawks?}
He goes on:
"The Blackhawks have also prioritized speed in how they draft and build their forward group. That’s why it’s hard to see someone like Martone fitting here with his so-so footspeed, unless they’re just blown away by him due to his size, skill and compete and think Bedard can be a 1C on a contender.

If Misa gets to No. 3, he’d likely be the pick. He’s the top forward in the class, has the high-end skating and skill, versatility to play center or wing, and gives them flexibility in how they use Bedard long term.

Hagens seems unlikely. Despite being a high-end skater and extremely skilled, Chicago already has drafted a lot of smaller forwards high and using another top pick on a sub-6-footer alongside Bedard probably doesn’t fit.

My lean would be toward Desnoyers here. Frondell would also be a strong option. Either could fill the Jonathan Toews role to Bedard’s Kane."



I alwasy say, "follow the board" but I am very happy Corey isn't the one at the might.

Brock Nelson signs in COL for 3X$7.5M. Good get for the Avs I think. That should give them a solid second line going into next year.

It also pushes Toews that much closer to going to WPG.

Corey Pronman wisdom off today's Athletic:
3. Chicago Blackhawks

"The big question for Chicago at No. 3 isn’t just who the best player available is — it’s how the Blackhawks want to build around Connor Bedard. The entire conversation hinges on whether the organization views Bedard as a long-term center, particularly someone who can be a 1C on a contending team. If they do, the path likely shifts toward wingers or complementary skill. If they don’t, the focus becomes finding the right center to play with or support him.

That leads to three primary options: Jake O’Brien, Frondell and Desnoyers. O’Brien is the most skilled of the group — he’s a dynamic playmaker who could be the type to feed Bedard the puck in dangerous areas.
But Frondell and Desnoyers aren’t far behind him in pure talent and bring more complete, two-way games.
Both have legitimate offensive upside, can skate and have the kind of center traits you want if Bedard ends up needing to move to the wing.

(So O'Brien isn't that high a selection for all teams not Blackhawks?}
He goes on:
"The Blackhawks have also prioritized speed in how they draft and build their forward group. That’s why it’s hard to see someone like Martone fitting here with his so-so footspeed, unless they’re just blown away by him due to his size, skill and compete and think Bedard can be a 1C on a contender.

If Misa gets to No. 3, he’d likely be the pick. He’s the top forward in the class, has the high-end skating and skill, versatility to play center or wing, and gives them flexibility in how they use Bedard long term.

Hagens seems unlikely. Despite being a high-end skater and extremely skilled, Chicago already has drafted a lot of smaller forwards high and using another top pick on a sub-6-footer alongside Bedard probably doesn’t fit.

My lean would be toward Desnoyers here. Frondell would also be a strong option. Either could fill the Jonathan Toews role to Bedard’s Kane."



I alwasy say, "follow the board" but I am very happy Corey isn't the one at the might.
- wiz1901

I really don't know who they are going to draft but looking at the top 10 prospects as much video as i can, i believe they will draft Frondell unless Misa falls to them. I just don't see that much talent in Desnoyers, i see Des being a 3rd line center

This whole Bedard not a center is crap

Brock Nelson signs in COL for 3X$7.5M. Good get for the Avs I think. That should give them a solid second line going into next year.

It also pushes Toews that much closer to going to WPG.
- Chunk

Good, Nelsons skills are diminishing right before our eyes just like Zibadejad

Watching Sakic making so many right moves until the Rantanen trade... now just made another bad move for his team.

I really don't know who they are going to draft but looking at the top 10 prospects as much video as i can, i believe they will draft Frondell unless Misa falls to them. I just don't see that much talent in Desnoyers, i see Des being a 3rd line center

This whole Bedard not a center is crap
- BetweenTheDots

Desnoyers is a good player who scouts believe is the best two way forward with the highest IQ in the draft. If KD and his staff believes he projects as a Toews, Bergeron, Kopitar, Barkov he will be Chicago’s choice.

I think that if Toews were to go to the Peg, he would face tremendous pressure to produce. Hometown boy and all. Not unlike Eddie O. The Ducks seem like a perfect situation playing for Q. Less pressure and a guy who knows Toews and won't put pressure on him to produce his old numbers.

Good, Nelsons skills are diminishing right before our eyes just like Zibadejad

Watching Sakic making so many right moves until the Rantanen trade... now just made another bad move for his team.
- BetweenTheDots

Based on what exactly? There is nothing in his metrics (regular season or playoffs) to indicate this at all. In my viewings, he was still a strong defensive player who added some nice points as well.

I think that if Toews were to go to the Peg, he would face tremendous pressure to produce. Hometown boy and all. Not unlike Eddie O. The Ducks seem like a perfect situation playing for Q. Less pressure and a guy who knows Toews and won't put pressure on him to produce his old numbers.
- bjphawkfan

Damn, I keep forgetting Q is back and that Anaheim is a team. You aren't kidding one bit about there being low/no expectations there. They bank on the opposing team fans filling half the stadium.

I think that if Toews were to go to the Peg, he would face tremendous pressure to produce. Hometown boy and all. Not unlike Eddie O. The Ducks seem like a perfect situation playing for Q. Less pressure and a guy who knows Toews and won't put pressure on him to produce his old numbers.
- bjphawkfan

Toews wasn’t really that productive with Chicago. I don’t think he had even a single point a game season? I’m pretty sure whoever signs Toews isn’t as concerned about his production as they are about the intangibles that made him such a great player and leader.

Toews wasn’t really that productive with Chicago. I don’t think he had even a single point a game season? I’m pretty sure whoever signs Toews isn’t as concerned about his production as they are about the intangibles that made him such a great player and leader.
- paulr

He had three-ish. He had 48pts in 47 in 2012-13. He also had 57 in 59 in 2011-12, and 81 in 82 in 2018-19.

At this point in his career, he's likely going to be a 3C on a contender or pushed into 2C duty on an imperfect team. I'd say the ideal scenario is for him to be his usual 200'self and add about 35-ish points. I think most would be really happy with that.