So long as he doesn’t sign in Toronto
- paulr

That too

Got it

In other news

@NHLRumourReport
Chris Johnston: Jonathan Toews is likely deciding between Winnipeg and Colorado - Chris Johnston Show

Would rather see him in Winnipeg.
For whatever reason I'd hate to see him in Col.
- captainserious

Kane won't sign in either of those cities.

More profiles, some candidates for that newly minted round 7 pick from BOS.

Draft Prospect Profile:
WILSON BJORCK - C
Height: 6-0
Weight: 165
DOB: 01-13-06 Age: 19 (Undrafted 2024)

2024-25 DJURGARDENS JR SWE 43-28-39-67 (PO: 9-1-8-9) PPG: 1.56 PIM: 98
2025-26 DJURGARDENS

Bjorck had an impressive jump in scoring (1.56 PPG) this year and got on the draft ranking radar. Scouting report mentions scoring, motor, defense, and willingness to go to the net. Needs to add some weight and strength. Passed over last year, so drafting team would have 3 years before signing rights expire. Profile sounds a bit like Marcus Kruger (who is still playing for Djurgardens).

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 60 (EU)
Wiz:

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect...ayer/799216/wilson-bjorck

The Hockey Writers: https://thehockeywriters....l-draft-prospect-profile/
"An overage forward prospect, Wilson Björck could see himself drafted after a productive 2024–25 season. With a solid all-around game and a strong motor, a team may take a late-round flier on the 19-year-old. He’s capable of playing on both the wing and at center.
Across 43 regular-season games in Sweden’s J20 Nationell, Björck recorded 28 goals and 39 assists for 67 points. That was the second-highest point total in the league, only surpassed by his 17-year-old brother and teammate, Viggo, who’s a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. The elder brother nearly tripling his draft-year point-per-game production this season (0.59 to 1.56) definitely boosts his stock. He added nine playoff points in as many games.
Björck had a 10-game stint with Djurgårdens IF’s professional team, but didn’t record a single point. The bright side here, though, is that his production is fairly similar to Pierre Engvall and Elmer Soderblom at this age—the former being an established bottom-six forward in the NHL, and the latter getting to that level....
In terms of on-ice play, Björck isn’t super skilled but fairly well-rounded. Offensively, he has a knack for getting in the right areas for his teammates to pass to. He doesn’t shy away from the net-front and can score from medium range, even without a necessarily high-end shot. Additionally, he displays good vision—this is most noticeable in the offensive and neutral zones, where he makes smart plays. He’s a decent skater with good speed, also.
Björck’s motor is arguably the biggest standout trait in his game. He could use a boost in strength, as he can get overpowered despite having about a league-average frame, but the effort is there. He’s the one who battles for pucks on his lines, and he does a good job of winning those battles. That’s not exclusive to the offensive zone, however—he’s perhaps more relentless defensively."

Draft Prospect Profile:
ROMAN LUTTSEV - C
Height: 6-1
Weight: 174
DOB: 04-01-06 Age: 19 (Undrafted 2024)

2024-25 YAROSLAVL JR MHL 51-30-36-66 (PO: 8-2-1-3) PPG: 1.29 PIM: 26
2025-26 YAROSLAVL

Not much info but another player who had a big jump in scoring after being passed over in the 2024 draft.

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 52 (EU)
Wiz:

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect...ayer/835461/roman-luttsev
"Hard nosed checking center, motoring around the ice looking to break up plays and then turning into a shooting threat off the rush."

Draft Prospect Profile:
NATHAN LECOMPTE - C
Height: 5-10
Weight: 165
DOB: 01-19-07 Age: 18

2024-25 CHICOUTIMI QMJHL 56-14-35-49 (PO: 8-1-4-5) PPG: 0.88 PIM: 26
2025-26 CHICOUTIMI QMJHL

Nathan LeCompte was #204 in the Central Scouting midterm rankings, but by the end of the season he had dropped off the list. He is a smaller player with a decent scoring touch, and did well in points on a good Chicoutimi team. In games I saw he was active and in the play. Likely did not show the size, strength and scoring for a team to draft him this year, and so must bulk up and improve, looking toward the 2026 draft. He is the son of Eric LeCompte, the Blackhawks first round pick in 1993 (#24 overall). Chicoutimi will return 2025 eligibles Guite, Huang, and Gosselin so LeCompte will have help in improving next year.

Central Scouting Final Ranking: NR
Wiz:

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect...er/679655/nathan-lecompte

Draft Prospect Profile:
MATEJ PEKAR - RW (Pronounced like: Pay-kosh)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 158
DOB: 09-07-08 Age: 17

2024-25 SEATTLE WHL 64-17-15-32 (PO: 8-1-4-5) PPG: 0.50 PIM: 58
2025-26 SEATTLE WHL

A good scorer in the lower Czechia leagues, Pekar had 10 points in 19 games in international play, then came over to Seattle for most of the WHL season. Is a small player, quick and fast; spent some time adjusting to North American hockey and scoring was not as good as might be expected. Is usually in the mix in the offensive zone, but needs work on defense and playing more inside. He thus ranks as a late pick, or could slide through and look to the 2026 draft. He is one of the youngest players in the draft with a September birthday. Seattle was a struggling team this year but should improve.

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 179
Wiz:

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect...r/930791/matej-peka%C5%99

Neutral Zone: https://neutralzone.com/n...-reports/whl-matej-pekar/
"Matej Pekar is an undersized, quick, and offensively-inclined winger whose value lies in his speed, puck skill, and tenacity on the forecheck. He consistently flashes high-end offensive instincts and displays the confidence to attack defenders with the puck, but his impact fluctuates due to inconsistency in compete level and a tendency to play on the perimeter. While his slight frame and engagement level raise concerns, his skating base and skill package warrant a mid-to-late round consideration as a developmental winger with scoring upside....
At 5’10”, 163 lbs, Pekar is significantly undersized for NHL projection. While he competes, he doesn’t consistently win physical battles (47% 50/50 win%) and can be knocked off pucks against stronger opposition. He gets hit more than he hits a lot for an undersized speedy forward (0.72 H-) and will need to add strength to survive pro contact."

Game Highlights 2024-25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4EW-OCXnUc

I've been going back and forth with Dots for weeks that they could/should move the #3OA for a high level active player. He's not a fan of the move. I find great joy and entertainment in the post by Seravalli.

EDIT: OK, "weeks" may be a stretch.
- Chunk

He says say he's open to it, but he also says the deal has to make sense for us.

So i take it you aren't going to the Blackhawks draft day party, 😁

https://www.nhl.com/news/...-from-tampa-bay-lightning

I wouldn't mind a trade like this

More profiles, some candidates for that newly minted round 7 pick from BOS.

Draft Prospect Profile:
WILSON BJORCK - C
Height: 6-0
Weight: 165
DOB: 01-13-06 Age: 19 (Undrafted 2024)

2024-25 DJURGARDENS JR SWE 43-28-39-67 (PO: 9-1-8-9) PPG: 1.56 PIM: 98
2025-26 DJURGARDENS

Bjorck had an impressive jump in scoring (1.56 PPG) this year and got on the draft ranking radar. Scouting report mentions scoring, motor, defense, and willingness to go to the net. Needs to add some weight and strength. Passed over last year, so drafting team would have 3 years before signing rights expire. Profile sounds a bit like Marcus Kruger (who is still playing for Djurgardens).

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 60 (EU)
Wiz:

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect...ayer/799216/wilson-bjorck

The Hockey Writers: https://thehockeywriters....l-draft-prospect-profile/
"An overage forward prospect, Wilson Björck could see himself drafted after a productive 2024–25 season. With a solid all-around game and a strong motor, a team may take a late-round flier on the 19-year-old. He’s capable of playing on both the wing and at center.
Across 43 regular-season games in Sweden’s J20 Nationell, Björck recorded 28 goals and 39 assists for 67 points. That was the second-highest point total in the league, only surpassed by his 17-year-old brother and teammate, Viggo, who’s a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. The elder brother nearly tripling his draft-year point-per-game production this season (0.59 to 1.56) definitely boosts his stock. He added nine playoff points in as many games.
Björck had a 10-game stint with Djurgårdens IF’s professional team, but didn’t record a single point. The bright side here, though, is that his production is fairly similar to Pierre Engvall and Elmer Soderblom at this age—the former being an established bottom-six forward in the NHL, and the latter getting to that level....
In terms of on-ice play, Björck isn’t super skilled but fairly well-rounded. Offensively, he has a knack for getting in the right areas for his teammates to pass to. He doesn’t shy away from the net-front and can score from medium range, even without a necessarily high-end shot. Additionally, he displays good vision—this is most noticeable in the offensive and neutral zones, where he makes smart plays. He’s a decent skater with good speed, also.
Björck’s motor is arguably the biggest standout trait in his game. He could use a boost in strength, as he can get overpowered despite having about a league-average frame, but the effort is there. He’s the one who battles for pucks on his lines, and he does a good job of winning those battles. That’s not exclusive to the offensive zone, however—he’s perhaps more relentless defensively."
- totem

Sounds a bit like Shaw.

He says say he's open to it, but he also says the deal has to make sense for us.

So i take it you aren't going to the Blackhawks draft day party, 😁

https://www.nhl.com/news/...-from-tampa-bay-lightning

I wouldn't mind a trade like this
- BetweenTheDots

Ha! No. I went to the Bears draft party the year they drafted Cedric Benson. Most disappointing event I've ever been to.

I wouldn't mind a trade like that either. It all depends on what the market is. There are a lot more teams looking to acquire than there are selling, or moving pieces out.

A bit off topic... I keep hearing people talk about a trade with BUF for both Peterka and Byram, and I don't get it. What/who would go the other way, and does adding Byram really move the needle that much? Sure he is a good player, but the Hawks already have Rinzel, and Arty who could/should be on the PP. Byram seems like the guy they expect KK to become, and KK doesn't have a history of concussions. I like Peterka, but the Byram piece throws me for a loop.

Ha! No. I went to the Bears draft party the year they drafted Cedric Benson. Most disappointing event I've ever been to.

I wouldn't mind a trade like that either. It all depends on what the market is. There are a lot more teams looking to acquire than there are selling, or moving pieces out.

A bit off topic... I keep hearing people talk about a trade with BUF for both Peterka and Byram, and I don't get it. What/who would go the other way, and does adding Byram really move the needle that much? Sure he is a good player, but the Hawks already have Rinzel, and Arty who could/should be on the PP. Byram seems like the guy they expect KK to become, and KK doesn't have a history of concussions. I like Peterka, but the Byram piece throws me for a loop.
- Chunk

Byram is an offensive defenceman, a guy that quarterbacks the powerplay, he moves the puck up ice quickly and efficiently, he skates extremely well and he’s not terrible defensively. Then as you say are the injuries.

Byram is an offensive defenceman, a guy that quarterbacks the powerplay, he moves the puck up ice quickly and efficiently, he skates extremely well and he’s not terrible defensively. Then as you say are the injuries.
- paulr

Right, so where would he fit on the Hawks? They have three guys like that already (or at least they are expected to be).

I'm asking rhetorically, as I'm trying to figure out why anyone would promote the Hawks trading for him.

Right, so where would he fit on the Hawks? They have three guys like that already (or at least they are expected to be).

I'm asking rhetorically, as I'm trying to figure out why anyone would promote the Hawks trading for him.
- Chunk

Chunk, I’ve seen you discuss trades before and you have, correctly, argued that you can trade for a player that you don’t really need as trade bait for a subsequent trade. Or if a player, Byram for example, is better than, Korchinski for example, you move Korchinski in a trade.

If the Hawks could trade for Peterka and Byram I’m sure KD has investigated, but I don’t know if I see a fit unless Buffalo are interested in draft picks or prospects. And I hope for Buffalo fans Adams isn’t doing yet another retool.

Chunk, I’ve seen you discuss trades before and you have, correctly, argued that you can trade for a player that you don’t really need as trade bait for a subsequent trade. Or if a player, Byram for example, is better than, Korchinski for example, you move Korchinski in a trade.

If the Hawks could trade for Peterka and Byram I’m sure KD has investigated, but I don’t know if I see a fit unless Buffalo are interested in draft picks or prospects. And I hope for Buffalo fans Adams isn’t doing yet another retool.
- paulr

Darn you and your memory! That does make sense, but I find it a bit far fetched for this offseason - and I would bet against KD trading Korchinski at this point in time.

Darn you and your memory! That does make sense, but I find it a bit far fetched for this offseason - and I would bet against KD trading Korchinski at this point in time.
- Chunk

Thinking out of the box is what Davidson will need to do to piece the team together. I’m with you in building by trying to target an NHL ready player and I’m not opposed to KD trading the third pick. I just don’t see Robertson’s game as being something KD is trying to build with or build around especially for such an important pick. Robertson isn’t a great skater, he’s neither quick or fast. He isn’t particularly good defensively and he didn’t show well in the playoffs.

Thinking out of the box is what Davidson will need to do to piece the team together. I’m with you in building by trying to target an NHL ready player and I’m not opposed to KD trading the third pick. I just don’t see Robertson’s game as being something KD is trying to build with or build around especially for such an important pick. Robertson isn’t a great skater, he’s neither quick or fast. He isn’t particularly good defensively and he didn’t show well in the playoffs.
- paulr

Anything KD says is smoke screen including mixing the type of players he has. He can mix them up, but it doesn't mean now or at #3.
Hagens will be the pick.

Anything KD says is smoke screen including mixing the type of players he has. He can mix them up, but it doesn't mean now or at #3.
Hagens will be the pick.
- rpeters01

Very possible because Hagens might not score 50 goals, he has the chops to set that many up in a season.

The talk about the Bruins wanting out of slot 8 to get in the top 5 or 6...might Hagens be the target?
You get a very reliable high skilled guy that is a building block piece with few chinks in his armor except his height.

Very possible because Hagens might not score 50 goals, he has the chops to set that many up in a season.

The talk about the Bruins wanting out of slot 8 to get in the top 5 or 6...might Hagens be the target?
You get a very reliable high skilled guy that is a building block piece with few chinks in his armor except his height.
- wiz1901

I’m fine whoever KD selects as I have no way to compare guys in different leagues. If Desnoyers and Frondell are considered strong two way players and have a really high hockey IQ as suggested they’d be my choice. But if scouts see these guys as middle or bottom six forwards I’d guess KD would look at Hagens or possibly Martone?

Ha! No. I went to the Bears draft party the year they drafted Cedric Benson. Most disappointing event I've ever been to.

I wouldn't mind a trade like that either. It all depends on what the market is. There are a lot more teams looking to acquire than there are selling, or moving pieces out.

A bit off topic... I keep hearing people talk about a trade with BUF for both Peterka and Byram, and I don't get it. What/who would go the other way, and does adding Byram really move the needle that much? Sure he is a good player, but the Hawks already have Rinzel, and Arty who could/should be on the PP. Byram seems like the guy they expect KK to become, and KK doesn't have a history of concussions. I like Peterka, but the Byram piece throws me for a loop.
- Chunk

Ha Ha, I got you beat. I went to the NFL Draft at Radio City Music hall the year the Bears drafted Chris Williams.......


Jerry Angelo loved him some pre-injured OTs

Very possible because Hagens might not score 50 goals, he has the chops to set that many up in a season.

The talk about the Bruins wanting out of slot 8 to get in the top 5 or 6...might Hagens be the target?
You get a very reliable high skilled guy that is a building block piece with few chinks in his armor except his height.
- wiz1901

I went back the last couple days to watch guys highlights, I know they are highlights, but i will say, in Hagens' videos, at least half of his highlights were assists not the goals he scores. That was diffent than most of the others.

Ha Ha, I got you beat. I went to the NFL Draft at Radio City Music hall the year the Bears drafted Chris Williams.......


Jerry Angelo loved him some pre-injured OTs
- vabeachbear

The Bears drafted 3,4,6 in the first round of 1965. Butkus and Sayers were 3&4.
Who was #6?

Hint: a pretty good player but he signed with the AFL.

Ha Ha, I got you beat. I went to the NFL Draft at Radio City Music hall the year the Bears drafted Chris Williams.......


Jerry Angelo loved him some pre-injured OTs
- vabeachbear

The only one that could have topped that was when they traded up for Mitch. There was just no reason to do it at all.

The Bears drafted 3,4,6 in the first round of 1965. Butkus and Sayers were 3&4.
Who was #6?

Hint: a pretty good player but he signed with the AFL.
- rpeters01

Dang, my first guess was going to be Doug Buffone...

The Bears drafted 3,4,6 in the first round of 1965. Butkus and Sayers were 3&4.
Who was #6?

Hint: a pretty good player but he signed with the AFL.
- rpeters01

Steve DeLong. He did play one season with the Bears after San Diego.

Lazerus and Powers podcast dropped
Saw these posts on X..can't listen to their podcast not sure if any of you have?

Some info on Peterka and Byram

@WallMaz35
The Athletic’s @ByScottPowers with some info regarding the #Blackhawks offseason plans:
"Maybe midway through last season [Davidson] was getting a little impatient and I think he was more willing this offseason to explore a big move..."

"But I think what he saw at the end of this season with getting those guys signed [Moore, Rinzel, Greene] and the fact that Nazar started progessing and even later in the year Bedard looked a little better. I think he's become more patient..."

"I think they're going to go as young as they can this year. Defensively, besides for Connor Murphy, it's all gonna be young guys. Among the forwards they're going to prioritize Ryan Greene, Landon Slaggert, Colton Dach and Oliver Moore."

Powers also reiterated that he doesn't think the Hawks will pursue Mitch Marner or Nikolaj Ehlers in free agency. Mentions that the Hawks don't believe those two players are the types you win with in the playoffs.

Final note is that he poured cold water on the JJ Peterka and Marco Rossi rumors. Rossi is a definite no because of his size. As for Peterka, the Hawks like them but they don't have the assets. The Sabres want NHL talent in return and the Hawks don't have that.


Well,looks like Peterka and Byram are a no go...But no mention of Robo for #3

Ha Ha, I got you beat. I went to the NFL Draft at Radio City Music hall the year the Bears drafted Chris Williams.......


Jerry Angelo loved him some pre-injured OTs
- vabeachbear

So no one was there for the Gabe Carimi pick? You guys are slacking.