Prediction time:

Donato goes to UFA

KD signs Ehlers for 5 years at 9.5. Overpay a bit on dollars for one less year.

KD then trades for Mason Marchment. No idea what this would entail.

Just out of curiosity. What would you prefer more? Donato or Duchene on a 3 year deal? I'm leaning towards Duchene. I know he's older, but he still has it.

I am only up to Mondays's post so far.
I have been working feverishly to have a nicefinished mock draft on Lines.com.

Ever get the idea you are low person at work?

Well, yesterday, I was in and out of the admin site, looking at my most recent version, adding profiles, etc. then after dinner, when I tried to get in I was unable, and the version of "my mock" was some old months old template (where the Hawks were in the predaft slot of TWO taking James Hagens !)

I cannot get in. The guy over me left for a week's vacation.

No one let me know. I found out surprisingly in the fog.

Today I talked with the actuall guy in charge of the Lines rebuild of the sports / players part of the site.
They are in the rpocess of migrating tons of info from all the stuff from the old area.

I did a run through of using word press with him

The kicker is they may not be done until next week mid week. So until then I feel castrated from my hockey parts.

I wrote this last night before I read Power's article on Frandell from the Athletic interview at the Buffalo prospect evaluations.

I did this as a tongue and cheek response to some of this sites reservations on Frondell, who I was feeling will be the Hawk pick.

If you use your precious early draft pick on him, you probably adding a power forward. You have reservations about his skating agility, his vision, playmaking, and foot skills, or that his defensive game like most prospects, is still a work in progress. Frondell’s boots have to be part a positive conversation that makes a NHL team draft him because I am they would have liked more views where he displayed higher playmaking ability, and for that matter, a much higher level of explosiveness in many areas, from transition to heavy battle zones. There are certainly not many players as physically advanced, with his best tool being his shot and leg drive. So if he lacks elusiveness, and an explosive gear along with an impressive power skating, you end up pairing him with glinemtes who can drive play and open space which, he at this juncture, cannot. While I am piling on, I would expect him to add keener attack ideas, unless I am over exaggerating his attack skills as an issue.

I will add this to my evaluation. And move him into slot three over Martone.

I think of Frondell as a multi-faceted forward with wto really good shots, one quick/hard from anywhere and another that is too lightning fast to stop on the backside.

I am happy because much to the critics dismay, this is a strong group of prospects up top, that can be excellent additions.
I did notice that all three slots they choose in 3, 25, 34 are ones where grade A guys are still on the board.

Remember weeks ago, I said here this draft "ends" at slot 66 as that is where teams will be taking long shot selections from their favorite longerterm developmental kids?

Well elite prospects new list also sees that 65/66 pick as the last one that you get a prospect with enough to develop and invest and invest in.

I saw a YouTube clip of Frondell. Apparently, as already mentioned, he can play center or wing, he can kill penalties, he can quarterback the power play. He’s physical and has a mean streak.

And he may the closest to being NHL ready.
- paulr

He's not staying with teh team that drafts him he is saying, going back for one more year.

Misa will get the opportubity to stay...

I saw a mock draft, it might have been SI, that had the Hawks taking Spence at #25
- bjphawkfan

I really think the ahwks will atke a goalie of two as Kyle mentioned this drfat last year as where his sights were set.

I don’t have a subscription who do they have Chicago choosing?
- paulr

I can send you a free link if you PM me your email

Frondell and Prokhorov, a 6'5" 209 lb Russian RW (or 6'6"/218 lbs if going by Elite Prospects), scored 20 goals in 43 games last year in the MHL.

Daniil Prokhorov plays the game like he’s trying to leave a mark — literally. There is no player as violent and eager to throw huge hits. He sprints at opponents, seeing red the whole time, and looks to level them. His offence comes from fighting, battling off defenders behind the net to work his way around to the netfront.

He's #72 and this video does not make him look all that good:

https://www.bing.com/vide...BE3F6AB86A16&&FORM=VRDGAR
- Chunk

I don't think mine is available anywhere now.

Daniil Prokhorov
Another tall forward who plays a physically imposing style creating chances in the offensive zone. He basically is tough to play against. He is strong on the puck, and a quite agile and mobile at his size. He really isn’t the play driver who entered the zone with dazzle, looking for his next outlet. He holds off checkers, plays effectively on the move and when he is in the cycle. He is not going create looks with smart reads and thread needle passes; he beats you with aggressive play while he has the puck. He is good in maintaining possession and he loves crashing the front. May end up being the most formidable grad of the class, owing to the fact he wants to make noise in his shifts by momentum changing contact that service notice. Still has much work to do in improving his vision and sense, and improving the many things unrefined in his current game; you want him seeing the openings and options he has connecting with his teammates in the attack zone. When he learns his position better defensively,there will be a more defined reason why an NHL team might take him at anytime in the draft, because, he does use his violent checking and physicality to set the tone. He may not bring lightning to every shift, but in the bigs, I am pretty sure you are getting the thunder.

Yes and Ryabkin is a true scorer. Something this group is sorely missing more of
- Assman22

He's not high on my second round

Ivan Ryabin LC 6 170 2007-04-25
Russian battler who seemed advanced above most of his 2025 class, due to his relentless boots to the ground work ethic on both ends of the rink. This high skilled gifted offensive threat has both high end hockey sense, and elite level skills in the tool box. An elusive skater with superb East-West lateral agility, he has good vision and is a terrific creator. A double threat as both shooter and offensive generator. He’s the kind of playmaker that quickly adjust to his linemates as his hands and stickhandling make him a threat to get to the net and finish when he does. Trusted to on the ice for key situations. His elusiveness can leave the defenders flat-footed in the tracks. He shift mid season to Muskegon might have downgraded his draft status, since he got caught several times getting lost in the moment, and unable to maintain composure to continue to make game changing plays.

Prediction time:

Donato goes to UFA

KD signs Ehlers for 5 years at 9.5. Overpay a bit on dollars for one less year.

KD then trades for Mason Marchment. No idea what this would entail.

Just out of curiosity. What would you prefer more? Donato or Duchene on a 3 year deal? I'm leaning towards Duchene. I know he's older, but he still has it.
- Chunk

Hmmm…I think I go Donato over Dutch. If Donato comes anywhere close to what he did last year especially.

Duchene can still play but weren’t there some character issues attributed to him in the past? Maybe he’s cleaned that up, Idk.

If Ehlers can stay healthy I don’t mind that and would sign him and let Donato walk.

There is some speculation that Donato reaches UFA and someone pays something the Hawks aren’t comfortable offering. In which case I think you’d have to be fine to let him walk.

Prediction time:

Donato goes to UFA

KD signs Ehlers for 5 years at 9.5. Overpay a bit on dollars for one less year.

KD then trades for Mason Marchment. No idea what this would entail.

Just out of curiosity. What would you prefer more? Donato or Duchene on a 3 year deal? I'm leaning towards Duchene. I know he's older, but he still has it.
- Chunk

Agree, odds are good that Donato is gone. I still think the writing was on the wall when a deal wasn't done by early Feb to resign him.

I would rather have Donato over Duchene. Duchene higher skill, but he was beyond useless for Dallas when push came to shove in the playoffs. His game is ready to fall off a cliff pretty hard.

Donato on the other hand is working hard day in and day out. His effort on the ice this last season specifically was the right kind of example for the younger crowd to emulate.

Rangers traded Kreider today to Anaheim. Details: https://puckpedia.com/trade/983

Agree, odds are good that Donato is gone. I still think the writing was on the wall when a deal wasn't done by early Feb to resign him.

I would rather have Donato over Duchene. Duchene higher skill, but he was beyond useless for Dallas when push came to shove in the playoffs. His game is ready to fall off a cliff pretty hard.

Donato on the other hand is working hard day in and day out. His effort on the ice this last season specifically was the right kind of example for the younger crowd to emulate.
- breadbag

That’s the other reason I’d keep him if they can. Also supposed to be a good guy in the locker room.

That’s the other reason I’d keep him if they can. Also supposed to be a good guy in the locker room.
- HawkintheD

There’s a real simple solution. KD changes his mind about Toews, apologizes and signs him to a short term deal and he gets the best possible player to guide the younger players.

Rangers traded Kreider today to Anaheim. Details: https://puckpedia.com/trade/983
- 333inthe3rd

The Anaheim Ducks acquired Chris Kreider and a 2025 4th round pick #104 Anaheim Ducks orig) from the New York Rangers for Carey Terrance and a 2025 3rd round pick #89 (Tor)

The Anaheim Ducks acquired Chris Kreider and a 2025 4th round pick #104 Anaheim Ducks orig) from the New York Rangers for Carey Terrance and a 2025 3rd round pick #89 (Tor)
- wiz1901

14 slot switch

There’s a real simple solution. KD changes his mind about Toews, apologizes and signs him to a short term deal and he gets the best possible player to guide the younger players.
- paulr

*sad trombone sound*

*sad trombone sound*
- Chunk

Thought it was a trumpet but either way

Thought it was a trumpet but either way
- HawkintheD

I believe really any member of the brass family would suffice.

The Anaheim Ducks acquired Chris Kreider and a 2025 4th round pick #104 Anaheim Ducks orig) from the New York Rangers for Carey Terrance and a 2025 3rd round pick #89 (Tor)
- wiz1901

Did the Ducks need to reach the salary cap floor?

Did the Ducks need to reach the salary cap floor?
- BetweenTheDots

Kinda. If they resign all of their UFAs/RFAs to their projections they are barely over at $74M. Likely, they are banking on Kreider coming back better hoping he can stay healthy.

Wouldn't surprise me if he reverted back closer to form for the last two years of his contract.

Did the Ducks need to reach the salary cap floor?
- BetweenTheDots

If the Ducks are not a playoff team next year, Kreider could fetch a better return at the deadline.

Anaheim has two salary retention slots available for next season. They also have six spots left to fill, and $32 mill in cap space. Far from being finished this offseason, anyway. They have to sign McTavish, also.

Did the Ducks need to reach the salary cap floor?
- BetweenTheDots

They do, so do the Hawks. I would have taken Kreider for the two years remaining on his contract, he scored >20 goals on a down season this past year. A trade for a young forward plus Kreider and I’d be happy. I’d rather not commit to a long term contract in free agency for a 28/29 year old, and that’s the current age of most first time free agents. Would I take Donato over Kreider, probably, the issue is that Donato wants a minimum of four years. Kreider fits the timeline, in two years guys like Vanacker and Boisvert will be ready, along with the 3rd OA.

If the Ducks are not a playoff team next year, Kreider could fetch a better return at the deadline.

Anaheim has two salary retention slots available for next season. They also have six spots left to fill, and $32 mill in cap space. Far from being finished this offseason, anyway. They have to sign McTavish, also.
- 333inthe3rd

It's an interesting trade, because the Rangers sold low on him. If Kreider was retained and has any sort of bounce back season, he would have fetched a lot more for them.

Rangers seem like a team that will fight off doing an actual rebuild just because they have an elite goalie and they always remain a top UFA destination location. Might be what holds them back from being a real cup threat too.

14 slot switch
- wiz1901

15.

@NHLRumourReport
Pierre LeBrun: Jonathan Toews' camp is narrowing the list down to a handful of teams, with the Jets and Avalanche among them - The Athletic

Anaheim is probably oart of the list, because of Q. Other than that..maybe New Jersey,Ottawa,Tanpa? Looks like he wants to play for a contender or playoff team if Col and Winnipeg are high on his list.

@NHLRumourReport
Pierre LeBrun: Jonathan Toews' camp is narrowing the list down to a handful of teams, with the Jets and Avalanche among them - The Athletic

Anaheim is probably oart of the list, because of Q. Other than that..maybe New Jersey,Ottawa,Tanpa? Looks like he wants to play for a contender or playoff team if Col and Winnipeg are high on his list.
- captainserious

I hope it isn't the Avs. They already have a Toews. Too confusing.