Draft Prospect Profile:
ETHAN CZATA - C
Height: 6-1
Weight: 175
DOB: 05-29-07 Age: 18

2024-25 NIAGRA OHL 68-21-34-55 (PO: 5-0-2-2) PPG: 0.81 PIM: 72
2025-26 NIAGRA OHL

Czata has good size and scouting reports mention leadership, physical play, compete and drawing penalties. Tallied 7-1-4-5 in WJC. Needs work on skating, passing, and finishing near the goal, defense is noted as a positive. Seems to be targeted for bottom 6 but with improvement could play up also. Seems he will be most useful for NHL teams for his heavy play; could be a defensive oriented 3C if he pans out. CHI may be looking for this type of player if they can get him at a reasonable draft slot.

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 49 (NA)
Wiz: 61

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect...player/897634/ethan-czata
"Positioning effectively and moving with a high level of patience and anticipation, Czata picks up his check early and influences opposing plays, removing options from carriers and switching to bigger threats as they appear. Defending on the puck, he shadows opponents, reduces their space, and engages them when they skate into a dead-end."

Neutral Zone: https://neutralzone.com/n...-reports/ohl-ethan-czata/
"Ethan Czata is a physically engaged, emotionally charged two-way center who plays a power-forward style and contributes in all three zones. His game is built on compete, physicality, and offensive instincts, but he must clean up his skating mechanics, play processing, and puck management to realize his full potential at the NHL level. A late riser, Czata has shown a noticeable uptick in his two-way game and leadership maturity this season. He is not a finished product, but he brings enough projectable traits to warrant mid-round draft consideration, especially for clubs seeking identity and edge in the bottom six.
At 6’1″, Czata already brings a pro frame and a pro-style game. He averages 2.2 hits per game, showing a legitimate physical presence and a willingness to finish checks in all three zones. He draws 0.68 penalties per game, an elite number that reflects his ability to antagonize and impact game momentum. He plays hard, finishes his shifts purposefully, and brings that rare intangible edge every coach values."

Game Highlights 2024-25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRHOs4-Xjxs

Draft Prospect Profile:
ADAM BENAK - C
Height: 5-7
Weight: 164
DOB: 04-10-07 Age: 18

2024-25 YOUNGSTOWN USHL 56-17-42-59
2025-26

Benak is a small, highly skilled player and seems to be a very good facilitator, using elite skating to set up teammates. Reports seem to think he can succeed against bigger players, and can hold his own on defense. Will drop some in the draft because of size concerns. Success in international play and USHL; comparisons to Stankoven and others show that he has a good chance of success. CHI may need size but with extra picks this year a skilled playmaker might be worth taking a chance on.

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 58 (NA)
Wiz: 67

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect.../player/748423/adam-benak
"Benák is known as a playmaking, defensive-sound forward. He is also a highly precise passer, he lands saucer passes through the tiniest of openings on the power play, hits teammates at the far post, and plays a high-pace, give-and-go style that often sees him make several skilled passes in succession."

The Hockey Writers: https://thehockeywriters....l-draft-prospect-profile/
"Adam Benak quickly became a name to watch for the 2025 NHL Draft after his performance at the 2023 and 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He had six goals and 21 points across both tournaments and became the all-time leader in points, surpassing Magnus Paajarvi’s five goals and 15 points. He accomplished the feat on Aug. 6, 2024, against Germany when he posted a hat trick and five points, leading Czechia to a 7-3 win.
In both 2023 and 2024, Benak led Czechia to a silver medal and paced the tournament in goals one year (four, 2023) and assists the other (eight, 2024). After those performances, he left the Czech league and made the trek overseas to join the Youngstown Phantoms in the United States Hockey League (USHL). The tougher competition didn’t seem to faze him, as he posted 17 goals and 59 points in 56 games, leading the team in assists and points. He also played for Czechia at the recently completed U18 World Championship, where he was a leader offensively again with two goals and seven points in four games.
Joining Cam Schmidt and LJ Mooney in the “small, but supremely skilled” category of this draft class, Benak will always have concerns about his size. Standing at a slight 5-foot-7, 161 pounds, he will likely fall into the second or third round like Logan Stankoven, Lane Hutson and Conor Garland before him. But as I always mention when talking about these prospects, that would be a mistake. Benak may be short in stature, but he packs a lot of skill into such a small package.
Similar to the forwards mentioned above, Benak is an electrifying and exciting player to watch. His game is based on speed (both in skating and stickhandling), tenacity, and the willingness to take on defenders almost always bigger and stronger than him. When it comes to his skating, he has been described as one of, if not the top player, in this draft class."

Game Highlights 2024-25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e75O1Un1Pig

Draft Prospect Profile:
OWEN MARTIN - C
Height: 6-0
Weight: 185
DOB: 05-11-07 Age: 18

2024-25 SPOKANE WHL 39-13-21-34 (PO: 20-6-6-12) PPG: 0.87 PIM: 20
2025-26 SPOKANE WHL

This is a player with good size who plays a responsible and consistent game. Scoring is improving, but this year he was providing secondary scoring to previous top picks Berkly Catton and Andrew Cristall. Faceoff success rates a positive mention. Improvement seems to be needed in aggressiveness and physical play. Martin will have the opportunity to make a big jump in 2025-26 as Catton and Cristall make the move to higher leagues. Draft rankings vary, but many have him lower that the CS #54 NA ranking. CHI may like his potential upside, but may wait to see if he falls to a place where he could be a bargain in the draft.

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 54 (NA)
Wiz: 132

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect...player/804375/owen-martin
"Martin is a very proactive player, he’s always working to get above the puck or eliminate off-puck threats. There’s not a spot in the defensive zone that he doesn’t defend well: slot, net-front, boards, end boards, the point. He’s really good at denying space to opponents, angling them up the wall by closing the lane."

The Hockey Writers: https://thehockeywriters....l-draft-prospect-profile/
"Owen Martin is a skilled all-around center who does good work in all three zones. Offensively, he won’t blow people away with high scoring figures, but he’s a steady and consistent player who doesn’t make many mistakes with the puck, even to the point of playing too safe and not taking enough risks.
Even though Martin isn’t an elite point producer, his numbers significantly improved across his two full seasons with the Spokane Chiefs. His confidence on the puck and strong decision-making earned him a spot on Spokane’s second power-play unit. He went from 24 points in 2023-24 to 34 points in 2024-25 — driven in part by his eagerness to crash the net — despite playing 15 fewer games in the latter due to injuries. His plus/minus jumped from minus-12 in his first season to plus-16 in his second, indicating tremendous growth and maturity that NHL teams hope will develop even further.
He improved on offense and defense, the latter of which is probably the most appealing aspect of his game. He has a very high hockey IQ, and uses this to anticipate plays and position himself in passing lanes. He puts himself in the right spot, and his faceoff skill and willingness to block shots make him valuable on defense in general as well as the penalty kill. On the flip side, he needs to improve his on-puck defense, in terms of both taking the puck from players and dishing out hits. In fact, his physicality as a whole needs to improve — he’s sometimes hesitant to get involved in puck battles and often gets pushed away from the puck too easily."

Did the big guys crap the bed, or are the Panthers just too deep? You win when you have multiple 200’ forwards, the Panthers have quite a few of them, more than any other team. Also, I always said that Jones as a #2 or#3, would make a difference, and they have Ekblad and Forsling in front of him. Bill Zito has done an outstanding job of building a team through the draft, FA and trades. The Hawks as KD is currently building them are more draft heavy, however there’s no doubt that after their first pick this year, he’ll need to start adding through trades, because this FA class is nothing to write home about, excluding Marner.
- Angotti

Yeah, I alluded to the depth issue in my second sentence. Fully agree. I was just kind of surprised that guys like Ekholm, Bouchard, etc were the ones with the notable mental gaffes. The first goal was just brutal. A breakdown at the end of the period, brutal. Maybe it was because they were always on the ice (due to no depth).

Yeah, I alluded to the depth issue in my second sentence. Fully agree. I was just kind of surprised that guys like Ekholm, Bouchard, etc were the ones with the notable mental gaffes. The first goal was just brutal. A breakdown at the end of the period, brutal. Maybe it was because they were always on the ice (due to no depth).
- Chunk

I feel like the Oilers wore down a bit, probably a factor of their top guys playing so much and facing tight checking match ups.

The Oilers have some depth but some of those guys Arvidsson, Henrique, Janmark, Brown, Frederic, Skinner, and Kane, were underwhelming and below expectations.

Arvidsson 2 points
Brown 1
Kane 1
Henrique 1
Skinner 0
Janmark 0
Frederic 0

The teams that win have those depth guys step up a little bit, and Edmonton didn't. I guess maybe too many depth guys that have seen their best years already. I mean, regular season Arvidsson was a 60 point player a couple year ago. Henrique was ~50 point guy. Skinner has really fallen off but a couple years removed from scoring 82. Kane was typically about a 50 point player. Brown and Frederic are both able to contribute about 30 points. Janmark typically chips in a little.

Just saying, they had some guys that can contribute depth scoring who didn't managed much of anything. Add in a few defensive errors and a big difference in goaltending (let's not pretend it was even, it wasn't close) and that's the series. The Oilers had a case for how bad the refs were early in the series, but after the first 3 games or so, things got much less crazy on that front.

Kris Knoblauch seems like a good coach, but he also isn't hugely experienced at the NHL level with this being his second NHL season since he took over "in season" last year. Maybe a more experienced coach would have gotten more out of their depth players?

At the end of the day, Bob stopped about 92% of his shots while Edmonton's goalie were about 85%. Some defensive errors sure, but also Edmonton's goalies rarely made the big stop when they needed too. Bob came up huge at times.

I feel like the Oilers wore down a bit, probably a factor of their top guys playing so much and facing tight checking match ups.

The Oilers have some depth but some of those guys Arvidsson, Henrique, Janmark, Brown, Frederic, Skinner, and Kane, were underwhelming and below expectations.

Arvidsson 2 points
Brown 1
Kane 1
Henrique 1
Skinner 0
Janmark 0
Frederic 0

The teams that win have those depth guys step up a little bit, and Edmonton didn't. I guess maybe too many depth guys that have seen their best years already. I mean, regular season Arvidsson was a 60 point player a couple year ago. Henrique was ~50 point guy. Skinner has really fallen off but a couple years removed from scoring 82. Kane was typically about a 50 point player. Brown and Frederic are both able to contribute about 30 points. Janmark typically chips in a little.

Just saying, they had some guys that can contribute depth scoring who didn't managed much of anything. Add in a few defensive errors and a big difference in goaltending (let's not pretend it was even, it wasn't close) and that's the series. The Oilers had a case for how bad the refs were early in the series, but after the first 3 games or so, things got much less crazy on that front.

Kris Knoblauch seems like a good coach, but he also isn't hugely experienced at the NHL level with this being his second NHL season since he took over "in season" last year. Maybe a more experienced coach would have gotten more out of their depth players?

At the end of the day, Bob stopped about 92% of his shots while Edmonton's goalie were about 85%. Some defensive errors sure, but also Edmonton's goalies rarely made the big stop when they needed too. Bob came up huge at times.
- breadbag

I agree with some of this but to Floridas credit they had a fortress around Bob, it was difficult for the Oilers to do anything after the initial shot on goal.

I've got to give credit where credit is due, good move by Zito trading for Seth Jones, back to back titles for that org. Although Marchand was a great trade as well that OT winner was huge.

I've got to give credit where credit is due, good move by Zito trading for Seth Jones, back to back titles for that org. Although Marchand was a great trade as well that OT winner was huge.
- BetweenTheDots

So you're saying that Marchand/S Jones acquisitions were better than the Weise/Flieschman deal o those many years ago

I agree with some of this but to Floridas credit they had a fortress around Bob, it was difficult for the Oilers to do anything after the initial shot on goal.
- BetweenTheDots

They did protect him, however Bread is right, Bob was so much better than Edmonton’s goalies, it wasn’t close. Show me a good third line and I’ll show you a contender. That’s why I’d love to get Lundell, he can be the Hawks second line center until they find another center with more offense, then eventually Lundell moves to the third line, maybe.

They did protect him, however Bread is right, Bob was so much better than Edmonton’s goalies, it wasn’t close. Show me a good third line and I’ll show you a contender. That’s why I’d love to get Lundell, he can be the Hawks second line center until they find another center with more offense, then eventually Lundell moves to the third line, maybe.
- Angotti

$19 mil in cap space - 16 guys signed with Ekblad & Bennett needing new deals

$19 mil in cap space - 16 guys signed with Ekblad & Bennett needing new deals
- Assman22

Yeah, not sure what Florida will do, however I’m hoping that KD will be in contact with Bill Zito after the dust settles in South Florida.

$19 mil in cap space - 16 guys signed with Ekblad & Bennett needing new deals
- Assman22

I think Ekblad was gone the moment they traded for Jones.

I see your Shea McClellin and raise you Cade McNown
- Assman22

He was supposed to be the most "NFL Ready" QB.

So you're saying that Marchand/S Jones acquisitions were better than the Weise/Flieschman deal o those many years ago

- vabeachbear

Elbows ranks the Florida Jones trade just behind the Chicago Kimmo Timonen trade.

Friendly reminder that the buyout window starts 48 hours after the end of the playoffs. https://puckpedia.com/salary-cap/buyouts

OUR PLAYOFFS START TODAY!

WOOOO HOOOOOOO!

Now we trade 3rd overall to Detroit for Debrincat. Sign Kane. Sign Toews. Get back to business...okay, that was red font.

Ryan Danato resigned for 4 years @ 4mil aav.

Ryan Danato resigned for 4 years @ 4mil aav.
- BGKarras

Beat me to it, Blackhawks App just dinged me.

I'd say that was a good deal by KD.

Assume it will be hard for many to female dog about that contract. Surprised a bit, i'd assume he could've gotten a bit more in FA.

Makes me wonder if that wasn't agreed to along time ago and for some reason, didn't get announced til now.

Beat me to it, Blackhawks App just dinged me.

I'd say that was a good deal by KD.

Assume it will be hard for many to female dog about that contract. Surprised a bit, i'd assume he could've gotten a bit more in FA.

Makes me wonder if that wasn't agreed to along time ago and for some reason, didn't get announced til now.
- vabeachbear

Sorry Bear... I thought he was a going somewhere else. Maybe he sees something to the team that we all have missed. Grass isn't greener on the other side. I'm glad he's staying.

Sorry Bear... I thought he was a going somewhere else. Maybe he sees something to the team that we all have missed. Grass isn't greener on the other side. I'm glad he's staying.
- BGKarras

Solid deal for a solid guy
Will be able to easily move him in 2 years at the trade deadline if necessary.
I don't expect him to replicate last year,but he's a solid hockey player and the Hocks need those.
Hope Kyle signs at least 1 top 6er...or trade or RFA or whatever

Friendly reminder that the buyout window starts 48 hours after the end of the playoffs. https://puckpedia.com/salary-cap/buyouts
- 333inthe3rd

Speaking of buyouts, it sounds like TJ Brodie will be one of the Hawks buyouts. Not a lot of savings, but just no roster spot for him...plus he doesn't have much left in the tank anyway, no reason to not give his roster spots to one of the kids.

https://www.prohockeyrumo...o-buy-out-t-j-brodie.html

Saw this on twit/x
TRADE 🔄 Forward Erik Haula is back in Smashville!

The Devils receive defensemen Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 4th round draft pick.


Minor trade,but at least things are picking up.

First Donato then this,huge dominos

Solid deal for a solid guy
Will be able to easily move him in 2 years at the trade deadline if necessary.
I don't expect him to replicate last year,but he's a solid hockey player and the Hocks need those.
Hope Kyle signs at least 1 top 6er...or trade or RFA or whatever
- captainserious

I'm thinking his agent got back to him and said it doesn't look like you are going to get much more than what the blackhawks are offering.

I think he's a solid two way player. It'd be a great deal if in fact he gets around 25G 25A per season hope improving his skating gives him that consistency.

Speaking of buyouts, it sounds like TJ Brodie will be one of the Hawks buyouts. Not a lot of savings, but just no roster spot for him...plus he doesn't have much left in the tank anyway, no reason to not give his roster spots to one of the kids.

https://www.prohockeyrumo...o-buy-out-t-j-brodie.html
- spudrock512

He's got a min contract, couldn't you just send him to Rockford. Seems too low to use a buyout on. Probably doesn't matter, but you don't really save any money, why use a buyout.

EDIT; I was wrong, i was looking what his buyout would be, that's not his contract, don't want him on the ice for the Hawks, even once