He may have a 2-way game but Hossa on the backcheck was something else. I think the only player (for the Hawks) I've personally seen with that level of backchecking effort was Kruger. I think also Hossa in board battles was another very elite aspect of his game. I'm not saying Frondell isn't going to have a good 2-way game, but gonna be tough to match Hossa in the areas he was excellent, at least without probably getting more mature, stronger and getting at least a couple years of experience.

That's my long winded way of saying it's tough to find exact comparable as these guys are all pretty unique. Frondell might have some similary to Barkov, maybe some to Hossa, and I'm going to add in a little bit of Draisaitl (probably not going to hit that level of offensive production, I'll admit).
- breadbag

You know i thought a little Draisaitl as well. If Frondell's injuries are behind him i think he will be a very good NHL player.

You know i thought a little Draisaitl as well. If Frondell's injuries are behind him i think he will be a very good NHL player.
- BetweenTheDots

He should be decent. I know there are some belief that he will never be as much of a play driver to become a star player, which might be the case, but hey, sometimes guys are surpass expectations. It will be good to see him on the ice and see what he can do.

The way the compensation schedule is set up, we'll almost exclusively be seeing the type of moves made by STL last summer, where it costs a 2nd to pay $4,680,076. https://puckpedia.com/new...25-2026-offer-sheet-tiers

Most contending teams don't have the money available to offer sheet players in higher tier, as fun as it is to talk about it. But there could come a time when a contending team has a ton of expiring contracts and they decide it's worth gambling away that 28th pick plus.
- 333inthe3rd

I think you are right. The top end guys mostly don't end up in the situation where a team can even make an offer and it has to be an offer that the player is willing to sign. Plus, while we might groan about some the moves GMs make, most of them have their ear to the ground enough with their own players to move them via trade before something huge happens with a legit star player.

Tony Granato was recently on NHL Radio. Seemed to confirm the Hawks see Rinzel, Levshunov, and Vlasik as their longterm core D assets. KK is a wild card still. Granato felt KK was trying to do too much when called up. No comments on others.


Jeff Blashill was on NHL Radio yesterday. Said Frondell will be given every opportunity to make the team. Really high on Knight . . . followed him closely when living near USNDTP and his best friend (I believe Danton Cole) coached Knight. Said he believes that 98 taking the next step is two things -- one, learning to use his smarts to create space (similar to Kucherov) which takes longer than guys who use their legs/speed to create space and two, maturity to do the little things consistently.

2026 UFAs. Starting 7/1/26 teams will only be able to offer six year max contracts to UFAs. Prior to 7/1/26, existing rights holders will still be able to offer eight year max contracts. So, incumbent teams have a two year advantage for the upcoming class. That and the rising cap dynamics show the wisdom of the Hawks strategy of building through the draft primarily.

Lots of mentions of Kaprizov, but seems MN is ready to write a blank check for 8 years to keep him. But I wonder about KFC signing KFC (Kyle Connor) who might want to get closer to home. He and his new bride are both from Michigan.

You know i thought a little Draisaitl as well. If Frondell's injuries are behind him i think he will be a very good NHL player.
- BetweenTheDots

Anton Barksaitl.

Anton Barksaitl.
- paulr

Anton Bustdell

Anton Bustdell
- Chunk

Goes without saying.

Goes without saying.
- paulr

The moment JR called his name…his fate was sealed.