Theo Fox: Draft: Day 1 Review Thoughts on the Blackhawks trio of trades to ship out Alex DeBrincat + Kirby Dach and bring in Petr Mrazek and trio of 1st round picks in Kevin Korchinski, Frank Nazar, and Sam Rinzel.

UNO…

The tear down has begun and I get the sense the front office isn’t concerned about replacing the production of DCat, Stromme, or any other potential player departures - at least not for the next several seasons.

It’s going to be a rough road.

Six total picks in rounds 2 & 3 today - let’s hope the scouting department is dialed in and some of these turn into meaningful roster players.

Actually a solid point about Centre depth, as in some areas I'd seen the 'rationale' for DeBrincat being available as being... yeh, ok he's young, he's a solid player *but* he's not a centre... solid teams build out from the centre.

Yeh ok, lovely, but well, it sorta only makes sense if you get freaking centreicemen?!

It felt forced... and after so much dangling (like one of those players that dangles but never shoots) -that the GM had to do something ... I guess it makes a little sense in the return was there was no real guarantee that DeBrincat was going to resign in Ottawa. Still - I mean- as mentioned (ok, probably to death) - this one just feels like a 'Ricketts-esque' rebuild, that is more about not paying someone in the future.

Dach? Ok, well I don't know that I would underestimate the impact of that major injury he got a couple years back.

Now, and here's the beauty in this -- that's just the first day of actual moves in this off-season. I mean there isn't much reason to retain Strome, is there? He was at his most effective playing with DeBrincat - and not so much with anyone else.

Mzarek might screw them up slightly, mainly because he's been inconsistent -- hopefully, (for the 'strategy's sake' (tm) he is the .888 save percentage version.

Here's a bit of the thing, in the 2000's it took a lot of drafts (and some lucky trades) build into post-season relevancy - not a couple of drafts ... so I'm happy that KD seems to think he can do it in fast-forward mode. Best of luck to him. I wonder if he actually knows of any examples where what he has in mind has actually worked -- would be interesting to hear. But won't hold my breath.

Article in the Athletic from the Ottawa side of the Debrincat trade. Ottawa GM Dorion said that the trade still would have been made even if Murray was traded to Buffalo exchanging picks 7 and 16. Davidson would have taken 16 and another piece in place of the 7th overall.

Solid look at Korchinski both good and bad: https://www.youtube.com/w...ab_channel=EliteProspects

Well that was an interesting evening last night.

For those who wanted it blown up, you got it. And there will most likely be more departures in the near future.

Have the Hawks bailed too early on Dach? Maybe.

I'll miss ADB. He's proven the naysayers (and me) wrong his entire short career.
"He won't score without McDavid" He has.

"He's one-dimensional" He actually put in the work to be better defensively at the expense of his offense.

"Too small for the NHL" Aside from a few games missed with a positive Covid test, he's played every regular season NHL game during his career.

ADB will succeed wherever he is. However I saw ADB being on this Hawks team as being analogous to the Cubs having Ernie Banks all those years. HOFer, all-star, 512 career home runs and not a single pennant one all those seasons. While entertaining it seemed to be a waste of his time and talent.

I'm sure on KDs picks. Seems like a reach in 2 out of the 3 picks but, only time will tell.

At least there is a buzz about the Hawks again.

Scott Wheeler of the Athletic and his take on the Blackhawks draft -

I can tell you the Blackhawks are really happy with how things went on Thursday. They wanted all three of these kids and they weren’t sure they were going to be able to get them.

It’s not easy, in a risk-averse NHL, to turn zero first round picks into two top-15 ones within a couple of hours. Say what you will about the prices they paid (I think they’ll be happy about the Dach trade and less so about the DeBrincat one long term) and this strategy a year after trading for Seth Jones, but they weren’t shy and they should be looking to the future at this stage.

I was extremely critical of the Blackhawks’ 2021 draft class and still am, but this was a good start to their 2022 class.

I knew from a pair of sources coming in that they loved Korchinski and I’m not surprised to see him selected inside the top-10. That’s the way he was trending after entering the season as more of a fringe first-round guy. He has progressed quickly and has a lot of exciting tools now. He’s a long, smooth-skating, playmaking defender who can rove offensively and has made huge progress defensively after a growth spurt. And though he ranked at No. 17 on my final list, I wrote in my final thoughts column earlier this week that if I could make any late tweaks to my list, moving him up to No. 15 would be one of them. He’s got the gifts to live up to his selection.

And Nazar, I mean … I’m a big fan. Of the player, who is fast as anything, and almost as crafty. But also of the kid, who is the shy juxtaposition of most hockey players and I really enjoyed learning about him this year. He can fly, but there’s more to him than that too. If he can put it all together and fill out (he’s an extremely athletic kid, so I’m not worried about that), his ceiling could be a lot of fun.

Rinzel’s a bit of a risk as a high school-developed kid, but like Korchinski, the upside is high and the tools are high-end. The tools are a lot alike, too. He’s a long, right-shot defender who thrives in transition and can really skate and has a summer birthday (also like Korchinski!) and plenty of runway to untap the potential. Patience will be key here (he’s going back to the USHL next year) but there’s upside. They likely felt comfortable taking that swing with their third pick.

And also from the Athletic's Wheeler with his draft rankings-

Best players available to start Day 2:

19. LHD Lane Hutson
20. C David Goyette
27. RHD Seamus Casey
29. C Jack Hughes
30. RHD Ryan Chesley

No additional 2024 first round choices really stands out to me.

My questions for day 2:

Does KD offload Strome and Kubalik for additional draft capital today or will we finally see a player come back to Chicago?

Does Kane say he wants out and is dealt today? If so, I am wondering if the Devils might be a destination to play with Hughes. They have the assets to get him if Kane would wave. The Rangers seem to be the common sense destination and I would hope that Schneider would be part if the return

Is Murphy the first player dealt today?

With the Flyers needing cap space, could Konecny be a possibility?

Off to drown my sorrows in coffee now so I can figure out who our 2022 ABC line will be. Go Hawks!

My questions for day 2:

Does Stan offload Strome and Kubalik for additional draft capital today or will we finally see a player come back to Chicago?

Does Kane say he wants out and is dealt today? If so, I am wondering if the Devils might be a destination to play with Hughes. They have the assets to get him if Kane would wave. The Rangers seem to be the common sense destination and I would hope that Schneider would be part if the return

Is Murphy the first player dealt today?

With the Flyers needing cap space, could Konecny be a possibility?

Off to drown my sorrows in coffee now so I can figure out who our 2022 ABC line will be. Go Hawks!
- ikeane

Kyle "Stanley" Davidson?

A big part of the Debrincat trade is that they also acquired by default cap space. How they utilize the extra cap space in the next three years should be considered when assessing the trade.

My questions for day 2:

Does Stan offload Strome and Kubalik for additional draft capital today or will we finally see a player come back to Chicago?

Does Kane say he wants out and is dealt today? If so, I am wondering if the Devils might be a destination to play with Hughes. They have the assets to get him if Kane would wave. The Rangers seem to be the common sense destination and I would hope that Schneider would be part if the return

Is Murphy the first player dealt today?

With the Flyers needing cap space, could Konecny be a possibility?

Off to drown my sorrows in coffee now so I can figure out who our 2022 ABC line will be. Go Hawks!
- ikeane

I don't know if Kane decides to stay or go. If he waives it will be for a specific team or two. IMO the Rangers fit the bill - an eastern team, reunite with Panarin, and a good chance at getting another Cup. KD would want a fair price for Kane but there is no market since the NYR may be the only team bidding for his services. I would be happy with a Giroux like return, a 2023 1st (which would most likely be pick 25-32), another 2nd or 3rd rounder and a prospect. Probably have to get a 3rd team involved to eat some cap space.

As for other trades, if not today I think there will be some leading up to free agency next week. Teams will want to clear cap space which the Hawks have and teams that aren't successful with getting their UFA target, may circle back and inquire about Murphy or McCabe, a couple of the only remaining veterans with some trade value.

I also think clubs are reluctant to trade for Kubalik and Strome given their QO's and arb status, when they could be obtained more cheaply after they are not qualified.

With the extra cap space and the acquisition of additional draft picks maybe the Hawks can make offers to a young RFA or two in the summer of 2023, 2024 or 2025. For teams near the cap they may not be able to match. That could supplement and expedite the rebuild.

Day 1 of the draft was quiet for the Hawks. Hopefully KD gets his act together and things pick up on day 2.

5 picks in round 2 & 3 (combined), I wonder if KD will look to convert a couple of those 3rds into another 2nd.

I don't know if Kane decides to stay or go. If he waives it will be for a specific team or two. IMO the Rangers fit the bill - an eastern team, reunite with Panarin, and a good chance at getting another Cup. KD would want a fair price for Kane but there is no market since the NYR may be the only team bidding for his services. I would be a happy with a Giroux like return, a 2023 1st (which would most likely be pick 25-32), another 2nd or 3rd rounder and a prospect. Probably have to get a 3rd team involved to eat some cap space.

As for other trades, if not today, I think there will be some leading up to free agency next week. Teams will want to clear cap space which the Hawks have and teams that aren't successful with getting their UFA target, may circle back and inquire about Murphy or McCabe, a couple of the only remaining veterans with some trade value.

I also think clubs are reluctant to trade for Kubalik and Strome given their QO's and arb status, when they could be obtained more cheaply after they are not qualified.
- boilermaker100

I would QO Strome and Kubalik. It is an overpay for sure. But if they both have a decent start to the season they can be moved for a mid round pick in season. If they have a hot start the return could be a 2nd or 3rd. If they suck you just have a short term commitment.
Strome could play with Kane. Kubalik could play with Toews. Then all four could be traded at the TDL.

A big part of the Debrincat trade is that they also acquired by default cap space. How they utilize the extra cap space in the next three years should be considered when assessing the trade.
- Ztra

Debrincat instantly becomes one of the wise old men of the Ottawa Senators at age 24, the same age as Thomas Chabot. 2 years older than the captain Brady Tkachuk. He will play on a line with Ottawa's best player Tim Stutzle who just turned 20. Ottawa is still trying to add another veteran player Jakob Chychrun, also 24 years old.

Some people might not think so but Kyle Davidson was the absolute star of day 1 of the draft.

Hoping Hawks end up w/ Beck and Seminoff in round 2. LFG KD!

Day 1 of the draft was quiet for the Hawks. Hopefully KD gets his act together and things pick up on day 2.

5 picks in round 2 & 3 (combined), I wonder if KD will look to convert a couple of those 3rds into another 2nd.
- DarthKane

If Luneau is gone prior to 39, trade back in the 2nd and still end up w/ Beck & Seminoff plus another pick. Eat a bad contract to add additional capital a la the Mrazek trade. Keep the pedal to the metal at this point.

A big part of the Debrincat trade is that they also acquired by default cap space. How they utilize the extra cap space in the next three years should be considered when assessing the trade.
- Ztra

Travis Yost wrote this morning on TSN

"In a league that’s increasingly youthful, the days of extensive, multi-year development cycles are long gone. Teams are aggressively injecting young players into the lineup – if not because they are friendlier to the salary cap rules, then because they are the ones generally driving the performance bus. "

Great start by Davidson. Comes into the draft with nothing for day 1 and blows the doors off the lock box that excluded the Hawks. I am impressed with a rookie GM who knows exactly what he wants to do.

Could Ottawa possibly move ADB at the next TDL for more than the Hawks received last night?

Also that Dach trade really bothers. The kid they drafed with his pick better turn out because this could look really bad on KD's resume in a few years.

Kyle "Stanley" Davidson?
- Rota's Rooter

Fudge, I did it again

Could Ottawa possibly move ADB at the next TDL for more than the Hawks received last night?

Also that Dach trade really bothers. The kid they drafed with his pick better turn out because this could look really bad on KD's resume in a few years.
- 67hawks

Dach had been nothing short of a disappointment. Great trade imo.

The 6 picks in the 2nd & 3rd rounds are critical. KD needs at least 2 of those guys to turn into contributing NHLers. Anything beyond that is a bonus.

Considering how quickly he gave up on Dach, i hope he has more patience with the kids he at least drafts.