He said he would play football this fall, but not after. Will be strictly hockey after that.
- totem

So after January he goes to the USHL?

Here are Wheeler's winners/otwinners/otlosers/losers in case anyone is interested in the overpaid prospect journalist (as Wiz would call him :lol

Winners:
Islander,Bruins,Blues,Caps,Flames,Shorks,Sens

OT Winners:
Preds,Jets,Ducks,Sabres,Utah,A$$Kraken, Red Wings,Flyers

OT Losers:
BlueJackets,Hocks,Canucks

Losers:
Kings,Pens

And he listed his best players available for day 2:
Spence,Wozniak,Gastrin,Fiddler,Moore

Don't forget NIL money, Chief. Doesn't sound like he's a top tier QB prospect, but he can still possibly make more cash the next three years playing QB than hockey. That said, I assume the Hawks are reasonably comfortable that he's made his choice.
- mohel

He'd have to be a starting QB at a major D1 school to get NIL $.

My only concern is if he goes to football. Otherwise a top tier athlete, not many guys are elite in two sports. And if he stays the hockey course he could become a star player. But there’s going to be a ton of pressure from colleges and part of their sell I’m sure will be to remind him there is the potential for salaries two to three times higher in Pro football.
- paulr

Also two or three times the chance he'll get seriously smoked.

So now we are sitting at 8 forwards drafted in the 1st round and 3 defenseman.

I don't know if they drafted the right guys late in the first round but i appreciate their aggressiveness in doing so. We got much bigger with 3 picks and sounds like they can all skate.

I'm not to concerned about wheelers opinion because the only thing that matters is if these kids can become NHL pros.

I'll be honest you guys seem to like guys who fall in the draft, this is 2 years in a row a guy has fallen you guys wanted the Blackhawks to take.

So now we are sitting at 8 forwards drafted in the 1st round and 3 defenseman.

I don't know if they drafted the right guys late in the first round but i appreciate their aggressiveness in doing so. We got much bigger with 3 picks and sounds like they can all skate.

I'm not to concerned about wheelers opinion because the only thing that matters is if these kids can become NHL pros.

I'll be honest you guys seem to like guys who fall in the draft, this is 2 years in a row a guy has fallen you guys wanted the Blackhawks to take.
- BetweenTheDots

I think some people view that as a better value. But as you say, it only matters if they make the show.

I think some people view that as a better value. But as you say, it only matters if they make the show.
- 6628

I find it interesting they jumped in front of SJ, Phi, and Calgary who had multiple picks in the 1st round to draft that kid. Wonder if KFCs spidey senses were going off

So now we are sitting at 8 forwards drafted in the 1st round and 3 defenseman.

I don't know if they drafted the right guys late in the first round but i appreciate their aggressiveness in doing so. We got much bigger with 3 picks and sounds like they can all skate.

I'm not to concerned about wheelers opinion because the only thing that matters is if these kids can become NHL pros.

I'll be honest you guys seem to like guys who fall in the draft, this is 2 years in a row a guy has fallen you guys wanted the Blackhawks to take.
- BetweenTheDots

I was hoping for a trade of some sorts.
Frondell could play in the NHL after the upcoming season. Vaclav and West? Both are at least 3 years away.

I want the Hocks to improve now. And right now,the only way that happens,if Bedard goes beast mode and the Levshunov/Rinzel/Nazar group get real good by the middle of next year. Otherwise,they are picking top 3....again

I was hoping for a trade of some sorts.
Frondell could play in the NHL after the upcoming season. Vaclav and West? Both are at least 3 years away.

I want the Hocks to improve now. And right now,the only way that happens,if Bedard goes beast mode and the Levshunov/Rinzel/Nazar group get real good by the middle of next year. Otherwise,they are picking top 3....again
- captainserious

I get it, but that's where the 2022 and some of 2023 draft begin to seep into the line up, maybe even 2024.

I know I've been the kool-aid man lately but i think they will be better this year, but still not playoff better.

If I'm right and this is the equivalent of rebuilding a MLB team, it's the following year we see KDs vision really take hold.

I get it, but that's where the 2022 and some of 2023 draft begin to seep into the line up, maybe even 2024.

I know I've been the kool-aid man lately but i think they will be better this year, but still not playoff better.

If I'm right and this is the equivalent of rebuilding a MLB team, it's the following year we see KDs vision really take hold.
- BetweenTheDots

2022 - Nazar,Korch,Rinzel
2023 - Bedard,Moore
2024 - Vanacker,Boisvert,Levshunov

Bedard,Nazar and Rinzel have all showed they are capable of playing in the NHL.

Moore has to prove it, and they gotta give Korchinski a chance,otherwise,it was a wasted pick. He played a year in the NHL,and a year in the AHL. If he has to start the year in the AHL again,I think it might be safe to say the Hocks messed up with that #7 pick in 2022.

Vanacker and Boisvert aren't playing until next year,and even then,they might start in the AHL - because of the myth - over marinate or whatever they call it

If a-man truly doesn't he missed some ass kicking battle between Oilers and Flame in the day...
- wiz1901

A couple of hours before the draft I headed to the atrium of the JW. I immediately saw Buium who I talked to in Vegas so I congratulated him on the WJC and told him I wasn't looking forward to seeing him against the Hawks for the next 10 years. He laughed and said, "We'll see."

I ran into Jen Wheaton who was Carey Price's performance coach for years and now has lots of clients in Hockey. She's working with coaching staff's on communication with players because NHL coaches now feel that the players have all the power and the coach has to find a new way to talk to them. She pointed out that when you remove Sullivan and Cooper from last year's numbers the average tenure was +/- 2 years. She told me that the reason Carle didn't take any NHL coaching job this season is that he thinks NHL coaches are set up to fail with their short stints and he did not want to disrupt his family and career to be fired after two seasons. Going to wait for the perfect opportunity.

Vegas and Nashville drafts were comparable to 32 ring circuses with so much going on in every direction and so many NHL people around. This was more like a corporate award event where the CEO congratulates the top performers. The Theater is big but there is no concourse just a lobby. After each player was picked they went off stage. Frondell was one of the few players who eventually made there way to their original seat after being picked. Lots of people got pictures with him. I took a selfie and told him I thought the Hawks got the best player in the draft. He looked me right in the eye and said, "For sure they got the best." Have to love that.

I sat in an aisle seat across from where half of the top 60 were seated. After each pick a few of the guys who got passed over would get up and walk out of the theatre to the lobby while the player went up and met Bettman. They would all come back to their seats for the next pick. I watched Ryker Lee do it 10+ times. Just before the Hawks pick I said it is all lined up for the hometown boy to get picked. The Hawks passed him and he walked out again. Then finally he was picked. He had a huge smile. After he went to meet Bettman, his crew worked their way out and I talked to family briefly and they were all happy. The Dad said he was still shaking. Looking forward to watching his career.

I sat next to a husband and wife who were die hard Kings fans. The guy was as opinionated and passionate as me so we had many back and forths. I hate when teams trade down but he thought it was a good move. We went back and forth on the statistical history of picks after the first 2 rounds and I could sense his long held belief was being challenged. He is in finance so he quickly realized the long shot nature of what he had been promoting. The Kings drafted a Dman but he thought all along that it was going to be another buy who is still available this morning.

His mood changed a bit and he told me that this draft was not what he was expecting. Not every team interviewed their players. There were technical difficulties He hated the woman who interviewed the guys after they were picked. He had mocked her questions all night. The wife called the event emotionless and lacking the passion that she expected. As they kept talking I realized I was looking in the mirror. Me, the ultimate contrarian was getting a large dose of my own medicine.

My kid had sat with the other SMWW attendees. He called as the draft ended and wanted to get dinner. We ate at Lazy Dog outside the Theatre. Bill Daly was a the next table. I never interrupt people eating so I left him alone. We walked back to the Courtyard through the JW. I has scoped out some signage that said 2025 NHL Draft LA by Upper Deck earlier. I saw that is was velcrowed around a pole and could easily be removed. I quickly pulled it down and folded it under my arm. My kid said, "Dad what are you doing? You are embarassing me." I marched right out of the lobby and across the street to my room. I now have another 4x8 banner for my garage.

I'm having a hard time getting him out of bed for the 2nd round. I don't know anybody left in the draft. I'm guessing there won't be a lot of fans there anyway.

2022 - Nazar,Korch,Rinzel
2023 - Bedard,Moore
2024 - Vanacker,Boisvert,Levshunov

Bedard,Nazar and Rinzel have all showed they are capable of playing in the NHL.

Moore has to prove it, and they gotta give Korchinski a chance,otherwise,it was a wasted pick. He played a year in the NHL,and a year in the AHL. If he has to start the year in the AHL again,I think it might be safe to say the Hocks messed up with that #7 pick in 2022.

Vanacker and Boisvert aren't playing until next year,and even then,they might start in the AHL - because of the myth - over marinate or whatever they call it
- captainserious

From what I've seen i think Bowman and KD have done a nice job assembling a top 4 defensive core
Vlasic, Rinzel, Arty, and ?????
I like my options, EDM, KK, Allan

Bedard, Frondell top 6
Nazar, Moore, Vanacker, Greene,
Boisvert forwards who win you hockey games because of their style of play, Nastrasil sounds like he's the same kind of player

With all these top 100 picks outside the 1st round I'm sure we'll get some nice surprises down the road.

He's doing this all through the draft.

Saw this the other day on puck gm found interesting imo kk from Carolina to Chicago for a 4th. Initially said pass but he could fill that second line center roll kick nazar to top line winger along with frondell also gives Boisvert more time to develop. Downsize contract 4 more years at around 4.5 million good defensely and on faceoffs but offense question mark. In his defense he was drafted way to high. Thoughts?

https://chicago.suntimes....av-nestrasil-trades-notes

Hawks had intel that one of the teams drafting between No. 29 and No. 34 was planning to take West, and Davidson decided to act upon a hunch that West is going to hit as a prospect.

“I just really wanted to get back into the first round and take what I thought was a grand-slam hack,” Davidson said. “I was swinging for the fences and figured, ‘Why not? Let’s go for a big one here.’ So that’s what I did.”

It'd be great if they can be right like they were with Rinzel

https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/06/27/blackhawks-nhl-draft-vaclav-nestrasil-trades-notes

Hawks had intel that one of the teams drafting between No. 29 and No. 34 was planning to take West, and Davidson decided to act upon a hunch that West is going to hit as a prospect.

“I just really wanted to get back into the first round and take what I thought was a grand-slam hack,” Davidson said. “I was swinging for the fences and figured, ‘Why not? Let’s go for a big one here.’ So that’s what I did.”

It'd be great if they can be right like they were with Rinzel
- BetweenTheDots

Hard to trade up for a project especially after taking a project a few picks prior.

Gibson to Detroit for Mrazek and two picks

I find it interesting they jumped in front of SJ, Phi, and Calgary who had multiple picks in the 1st round to draft that kid. Wonder if KFCs spidey senses were going off
- BetweenTheDots

Would’ve rather they went with Ravensbergen with the trade up.

Would’ve rather they went with Ravensbergen with the trade up.
- Assman22

Considering there is only 5-10 top 6 forwards per draft class, i love the move, go big or go home.

Considering there is only 5-10 top 6 forwards per draft class, i love the move, go big or go home.
- BetweenTheDots

Even just after taking a huge gamble on Nestrali a few picks prior?

Even just after taking a huge gamble on Nestrali a few picks prior?
- Assman22

Absolutely it's a numbers game, you always need forwards to play roles as well and if one them hits, fantastic, but if they both hit then KD and crew will dominate the NHL for years but i doubt it. 6 foot 6 guys who can skate undoubtedly will be a pain in the ass to play against just like our bigger defenseman will be

Couple more WHL profiles...

Draft Prospect Profile:
NATHAN BEHM - RW
Height: 6-2
Weight: 198
DOB: 04-18-07 Age: 18

2024-25 KAMLOOPS WHL 59-31-35-66 PPG: 1.12 PIM: 12
2025-26 KAMLOOPS WHL

Behm right now is a skilled offensive forward who needs improvement in defense and physical play; scouting reports mention low hit numbers and he only had 12 PIM last season. Scouting report mentions that if there is improvement is some areas then Timo Meier might be an NHL comparison. Highlights show nice handling, shot, and some good passes including stretch passes.

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 44 (NA)
Wiz: 37

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect...player/577109/nathan-behm
"With reach, handling skill, and a knack for pulling pucks through traffic, Behm slices through opponents in spectacular fashion. He taps pucks through defender’s triangles off his backhand, just outside of their reach, and leans into their space to complete the slot cut. From there, Behm subtly changes the angle inside the release or fakes before passing. A strong first-touch player, he moves pucks to the middle of the rink instantly and launches one-timers past goaltenders."

Neutral Zone: https://neutralzone.com/n...-reports/whl-nathan-behm/
"Nathan Behm is a power forward prospect with an NHL-ready frame and a versatile offensive toolkit. Behm demonstrates strong puck-protection skills, a quick release, and an ability to create offensive opportunities for himself and his linemates from below the goal line. His blend of size, skating, and skill gives him potential at the professional level, but his consistency, defensive effort, details and willingness to engage physically are areas that need to be there every shift for him to maximize his impact."

Game Highlights 2024-25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMbw_gn3FBs
- totem

HAWKS #66 - NATHAN BEHM - good scorer, needs to add physical play

My profiule on

Nathan Behn
Big scoring right shot left wing with top nine capabilities ho still has a few warts in his game. He is a very good skater for a big framed kid. There is some scoring prowess already in place along with some faster tempo, and have provided production through his carries on a team without a strong possesion teammates. Actually fine first step in his game, and good accelerltion and true scorer’s touch at times. Needs to use his size more to his advantage and improve on handling the puck when at top speed. He can rip off dangerous shots with power from all different angles that beat Dub goalies cleanly.

Even just after taking a huge gamble on Nestrali a few picks prior?
- Assman22

You go with low risk with a top ten pick and after that you go for the ceiling, like they did with Rinzel, and actually Nazar as well due to his injury concerns. JMHO

Shift by shift of Mason West. Not hard to see the traits KD liked from this big kid. Kid moves freely nothing clunky about him. ..... https://www.youtube.com/w...ab_channel=ProspectShifts

Sumpf good pick in round 4. 20 yo C, good scoring, teammate of Desnoyers.

Expecting a d-man or two soon for CHI.