Anismov is not a top 6 player on a good team. He can imitate a 2C when he has 2 of the top scoring wingers in the NHL on his wing, but he is 3rd line talent. You put AA with typical 2nd line players and he struggles to contribute and his d game is soft. That is when he is healthy, which seems to be like 75-80% of the time and approaching 30 I wouldn't be surprised to see him wear down more.

I just think the Hawks have a better shot with guys who are on the right side of age 25, have their better years to come and have shown they can contribute offensively in their more limited minutes.
- breadbag

Anisimov is a great 2C....in the AHL!

Seriously though, I think AA is a second line centre, my only issue is his health. He may not be the ideal 2C but he's decent, that being said I would still rather see Schmaltz centering the second line.

Anismov is not a top 6 player on a good team. He can imitate a 2C when he has 2 of the top scoring wingers in the NHL on his wing, but he is 3rd line talent. You put AA with typical 2nd line players and he struggles to contribute and his d game is soft. That is when he is healthy, which seems to be like 75-80% of the time and approaching 30 I wouldn't be surprised to see him wear down more.

I just think the Hawks have a better shot with guys who are on the right side of age 25, have their better years to come and have shown they can contribute offensively in their more limited minutes.
- breadbag

I don't disagree that AA is more of a 3C. My point however was is that given the players mentioned and the current roster, he is a better choice in the top 6 than Hinostroza or Duclair, though I would be willing to put Hayden in there and give him an extended look.

Anismov is not a top 6 player on a good team. He can imitate a 2C when he has 2 of the top scoring wingers in the NHL on his wing, but he is 3rd line talent. You put AA with typical 2nd line players and he struggles to contribute and his d game is soft. That is when he is healthy, which seems to be like 75-80% of the time and approaching 30 I wouldn't be surprised to see him wear down more.

I just think the Hawks have a better shot with guys who are on the right side of age 25, have their better years to come and have shown they can contribute offensively in their more limited minutes.
- breadbag

Nah. He's solid 2C who can play on the PP, kill penalties and is good for 20 goals a year. Contrary to popular belief, that kind of consistency is not easy to find in the NHL and worth something.

Nah. He's solid 2C who can play on the PP, kill penalties and is good for 20 goals a year. Contrary to popular belief, that kind of consistency is not easy to find in the NHL and worth something.
- fattybeef

He is more of a niche 3C that got the luck of who he was playing with. He can stand in front of the net on the PP, but to me, that doesn't make him a legit 2C. When was the last time he did something consistently without Kane (or Panarin or both) on his wings? When he plays with other wingers he generally doesn't provide much offense and I find his game rather disappointing.

He is more of a niche 3C that got the luck of who he was playing with. He can stand in front of the net on the PP, but to me, that doesn't make him a legit 2C. When was the last time he did something consistently without Kane (or Panarin or both) on his wings? When he plays with other wingers he generally doesn't provide much offense and I find his game rather disappointing.
- breadbag

Name another consistent "top 6 winger" Anisimov has played with APART from Kane/Panarin (both top 10 scoring talents in the NHL)
Heck, name another true top 6 winger that was on the roster the past few years.
Saad hasn't been producing like one...
Hossa (only other top 6 winger) spent most of his time on the "3rd line" or with Toews...
Panik? OHHHKKKAAAYYYYY
Schmaltz? a rookie C, ya ok
Hinostroza? yikes.

EDIT: Clarified Hossa as a top 6 player...

He is more of a niche 3C that got the luck of who he was playing with. He can stand in front of the net on the PP, but to me, that doesn't make him a legit 2C. When was the last time he did something consistently without Kane (or Panarin or both) on his wings? When he plays with other wingers he generally doesn't provide much offense and I find his game rather disappointing.
- breadbag

I partially agree with you, I think he's a solid NHL player who can get hot when he's around the net.

My problem is that he just entirely lacks a killer instinct. The core, besides this year, has had a second gear/killer instinct/never say die/step on their throat.... whatever you want to call it, for a long time.

The last five minutes of a down playoff game, a heated OT, a game up by one with the other team deperate... the Hawks have shown they'll gladly put an opponent in the ground and destroy their hopes. Kane, Keith, Hossa, Hjalmarsson, Toews, Sharp, Seabrook have always found the ability to dig deep and find that killer instinct. They'll make the best decision possible, or force their way through traffic, or eat a puck to a sensitive area to save a goal.

Anisimov, I just don't see that with him. He never seems to get pissed off, or desperate, or in an 'oh $hit' mode. It's probably why the Rangers and Blue Jackets didn't lose much sleep by getting rid of him.

Name another consistent "top 6 winger" Anisimov has played with APART from Kane/Panarin (both top 10 scoring talents in the NHL)
Heck, name another true top 6 winger that was on the roster the past few years.
Saad hasn't been producing like one...
Hossa was mostly 3rd line or with Toews...
Panik? OHHHKKKAAAYYYYY
Schmaltz? a rookie C, ya ok
Hinostroza? yikes.
- Slofire94

I hope you're calling Hossa a 3rd line deployment and not a 3rd line level player. Because if you think Hossa was a 3rd liner...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUJV752DxXk

I hope you're calling Hossa a 3rd line deployment and not a 3rd line level player. Because if you think Hossa was a 3rd liner...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUJV752DxXk
- ObeseOprah

3rd line deployment, 1st line player. My point is Anisimov didn't spend a significant amount of time with big Hoss, who is 110% was still a top 6 player, until his injury forced him out.

Some interesting insights about the Blackhawks in this edition of 31 Thoughts by Elliotte Friedman.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...-bowman-stanley-cup-runs/
- matt_ahrens

oh i see the hawks are "resting" toews for the worlds...he should not play...but he will

He is more of a niche 3C that got the luck of who he was playing with. He can stand in front of the net on the PP, but to me, that doesn't make him a legit 2C. When was the last time he did something consistently without Kane (or Panarin or both) on his wings? When he plays with other wingers he generally doesn't provide much offense and I find his game rather disappointing.
- breadbag

Hes been a fundamentally sound hockey player where ever he has been and had success playing with jack and poop in NYC and Columbus.

Not a flashy player or guy you build a franchise around but in terms of a pedestrian 40ish points a year, with about 20 goals, doesn't do anything stupid, can play both special teams and slot up and down the line up.

Its just not an egregious deal that anyone should be irritated with. Moving Hossa's 5 million gives them 17 in cap space next year if it goes to an even 80 so the AA money is a moot point. Especially for a versatile player that can contribute with all of the things I've already said.

Even if he plays three C he makes what Bonino, Bozak and Sutter make with similar production. He's also the only other NHL center on the roster with any experience which is pretty nuts.

Either way not a deal they absolutely need to positively get off the books or they are screwed for forever and they probably aren't dead in the water either if they move him and spend those dollars elsewhere.

Some interesting insights about the Blackhawks in this edition of 31 Thoughts by Elliotte Friedman.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...-bowman-stanley-cup-runs/
- matt_ahrens

One interesting non-Hawks comment (although something the Hawks could take advantage of) is the fact that it is easier for non-playoff teams to sign UFA college players right now than it is for the ones fighting for play-off positions. They can sign and play these players to burn off one year of their entry level contracts whereas play-off bound teams are more inclined to go with their regular lineups because winning games is still the priority.

The Stan Bowman fantasy that over 30 year old athletes with nothing left to prove are going to magically find the fountain of youth next year is completely absurd. It is far more likely that the play of 2,7,&19 regresses even more as they grow another year older. I'd hope this is a not so subtle hint to those Vets that they sucked this year. Maybe public shaming is a way to motivate those 3 into actually working hard this summer. Regardless, the reality is that the Hawks will probably be a similar looking (non-playoff) team again next year with Stan Bowman in charge.

Hes been a fundamentally sound hockey player where ever he has been and had success playing with jack and poop in NYC and Columbus.

Not a flashy player or guy you build a franchise around but in terms of a pedestrian 40ish points a year, with about 20 goals, doesn't do anything stupid, can play both special teams and slot up and down the line up.

Its just not an egregious deal that anyone should be irritated with. Moving Hossa's 5 million gives them 17 in cap space next year if it goes to an even 80 so the AA money is a moot point. Especially for a versatile player that can contribute with all of the things I've already said.

Even if he plays three C he makes what Bonino, Bozak and Sutter make with similar production. He's also the only other NHL center on the roster with any experience which is pretty nuts.

Either way not a deal they absolutely need to positively get off the books or they are screwed for forever and they probably aren't dead in the water either if they move him and spend those dollars elsewhere.
- fattybeef

Makes sense, I agree.

The Stan Bowman fantasy that over 30 year old athletes with nothing left to prove are going to magically find the fountain of youth next year is completely absurd. It is far more likely that the play of 2,7,&19 regresses even more as they grow another year older. I'd hope this is a not so subtle hint to those Vets that they sucked this year. Maybe public shaming is a way to motivate those 3 into actually working hard this summer. Regardless, the reality is that the Hawks will probably be a similar looking (non-playoff) team again next year with Stan Bowman in charge.
- EnzoD

I strongly believe Keith will be back to form next year. He likely hasn't had a normal summer workout program since the 2014 offseason. In 2015 he tore his meniscus:

'It turns out, as Keith revealed Sunday before the Hawks' 4-2 victory over the Oilers, he likely made that play in Game 6 after tearing the meniscus in his right knee a few games earlier.

Keith practiced with the Hawks for the first time since going on injured reserve nearly three weeks ago after having surgery to repair the meniscal tear. He said he suffered it in the Cup final in June but didn't get it checked out until it began hurting him again early this season.

"I took some time off (over the summer) and it felt pretty good," Keith said. "Then I started skating hard the last week or so before camp and I really noticed it and it was bothering me a lot. It was a mutual decision (with the Hawks) to try and get it done rather than try to play through something like that all year and now I feel like I can be at my best." '

In 2016 he took it easy in the offseason again because of the knee:
Per BleacherReport 'The status of Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith for the start of the 2016-17 season is uncertain as he recovers from a knee injury. '

He took off the Worlds for 2016, and he was up in the air for the start of the season.



I can't speak for the 2017 offseason, but he was day-to-day at one point in early April with something. It could have been something that had to be rehabbed, or just an annoying temporary injury.

As many people know, Keith's normal offseason routine is freakish. The dude does workouts that would make most people keel over after about 15 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4OhSYhpHmc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKnLLwuXP7k

If he has no injuries going into this offseason, I fully expect him to be back in tip top shape for next year. Hopefully we'll have a partner for him that he won't have to babysit. If Chara can make a comeback at 40, Keith can make one at 35. Two Norris Trophies, 3 cups, couple of gold medals, a Conn Smythe, LET'S GO!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1St2bJTc_04

I strongly believe Keith will be back to form next year. He likely hasn't had a normal summer workout program since the 2014 offseason. In 2015 he tore his meniscus:

'It turns out, as Keith revealed Sunday before the Hawks' 4-2 victory over the Oilers, he likely made that play in Game 6 after tearing the meniscus in his right knee a few games earlier.

Keith practiced with the Hawks for the first time since going on injured reserve nearly three weeks ago after having surgery to repair the meniscal tear. He said he suffered it in the Cup final in June but didn't get it checked out until it began hurting him again early this season.

"I took some time off (over the summer) and it felt pretty good," Keith said. "Then I started skating hard the last week or so before camp and I really noticed it and it was bothering me a lot. It was a mutual decision (with the Hawks) to try and get it done rather than try to play through something like that all year and now I feel like I can be at my best." '

In 2016 he took it easy in the offseason again because of the knee:
Per BleacherReport 'The status of Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith for the start of the 2016-17 season is uncertain as he recovers from a knee injury. '

He took off the Worlds for 2016, and he was up in the air for the start of the season.



I can't speak for the 2017 offseason, but he was day-to-day at one point in early April with something. It could have been something that had to be rehabbed, or just an annoying temporary injury.

As many people know, Keith's normal offseason routine is freakish. The dude does workouts that would make most people keel over after about 15 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4OhSYhpHmc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKnLLwuXP7k

If he has no injuries going into this offseason, I fully expect him to be back in tip top shape for next year. Hopefully we'll have a partner for him that he won't have to babysit. If Chara can make a comeback at 40, Keith can make one at 35. Two Norris Trophies, 3 cups, couple of gold medals, a Conn Smythe, LET'S GO!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1St2bJTc_04
- ObeseOprah

Keith, despite his mental lapses this year, is the most physically elite of the three this year. He can still skate with anyone. But what made the Hawks great was that 2 was the best defenseman in the NHL, which he will never be again. Seabrook and Toews, on the other hand have had ALL of their physical abilities deteriorate at an alarming rate. 7+19 are the issue at their cap hits, not 2.

Keith, despite his mental lapses this year, is the most physically elite of the three this year. He can still skate with anyone. But what made the Hawks great was that 2 was the best defenseman in the NHL, which he will never be again. Seabrook and Toews, on the other hand have had ALL of their physical abilities deteriorate at an alarming rate. 7+19 are the issue at their cap hits, not 2.
- EnzoD

Agreed, Jeff Marek still thinks Keith has the best value/Cap hit of any player in the league. Especially once Tavares signs his new deal.

I think we're going to learn to live with Seabrook as a 3-5 defenseman instead of a 2-3 defenseman. As the cap goes up each year his $6M per year won't seem as big of a slice of our pie. He's still serviceable in all three situations. Yes he's slower, and his mistakes are amplified by AHL defensemen, but he can shed some pounds and get a little quicker.

The Seabrook of old is gone, but we're stuck with his contract until the next CBA or until we eat half in a lopsided deal. I'd rather stick with him and see what we can do as the cap goes up and our prospect pipeline is replenished.

Keith, despite his mental lapses this year, is the most physically elite of the three this year. He can still skate with anyone. But what made the Hawks great was that 2 was the best defenseman in the NHL, which he will never be again. Seabrook and Toews, on the other hand have had ALL of their physical abilities deteriorate at an alarming rate. 7+19 are the issue at their cap hits, not 2.
- EnzoD

I think some of that with Keith this year was due to trying to play a different role than he is used to (babysitting), and now towards the end of this sucky season, just motivation. That's why I agree that he will probably have a bounce back year next year.

Seabrook came out and said he was out of shape at camp, so if he does get back into shape this summer, I think he can also have a bounce back year.

Who the hell knows with Toews...depends on if he tries to get even leaner, or if he tries to put on muscle this offseason.

Interesting point on Henri Jokiharju: He has 71 points in 63 games in the WHL this year.

That's 1.126 points per game.

The conversion (per Volman) for WHL to NHL points is 0.29. Meaning for every 1 point per game you score in the WHL you'll score 0.29 points per game in the NHL.

I did the math and it looks like Henri would have 26.7 points in a full 82 game season in the NHL.

27 points isn't bad for a rookie season. One thing I know about defensemen, their point production is heavily correlated to their Power Play time. No PP time, no points pretty much. Check out 'Hockey Abstract', a great book, for more charts and analysis. Don't believe me? Look up Alex Pietrangelo before and after Kevin Shattenkirk was traded.

So if Henri were to get a solid amount of PP time next year or in two years, he's likely to be around 35-40 points. If he doesn't, probably hovering around 15-20.

Something to look forward to, because if the Hawks don't get a lottery pick we might not see the kid next season.

Tempted to ask everyone to vote first -- fourth choice whom we choose with our first of two first round choices. I did not notice the date/time the draft order with the ping pong balls is held.

Just have to detect the vibe on this board. I do not think my opinion changes hereafter.

Interesting point on Henri Jokiharju: He has 71 points in 63 games in the WHL this year.

That's 1.126 points per game.

The conversion (per Volman) for WHL to NHL points is 0.29. Meaning for every 1 point per game you score in the WHL you'll score 0.29 points per game in the NHL.

I did the math and it looks like Henri would have 26.7 points in a full 82 game season in the NHL.

27 points isn't bad for a rookie season. One thing I know about defensemen, their point production is heavily correlated to their Power Play time. No PP time, no points pretty much. Check out 'Hockey Abstract', a great book, for more charts and analysis. Don't believe me? Look up Alex Pietrangelo before and after Kevin Shattenkirk was traded.

So if Henri were to get a solid amount of PP time next year or in two years, he's likely to be around 35-40 points. If he doesn't, probably hovering around 15-20.

Something to look forward to, because if the Hawks don't get a lottery pick we might not see the kid next season.
- ObeseOprah

Henri is a small and soft euro-smurf who will never amount to anything other than AHL fodder.

Tempted to ask everyone to vote first -- fourth choice whom we choose with our first of two first round choices. I did not notice the date/time the draft order with the ping pong balls is held.

Just have to detect the vibe on this board. I do not think my opinion changes hereafter.
- jhawk59

Quinton Hughes.

5. Adam Boqvist, D, 5'11", 170 lbs.
The second best defenseman in the draft, Adam Boqvist is a right handed D that seems to always be in short supply in the NHL.
Known primarily for his offensive abilities, it's surprising that Boqvist wasn't considered for forward with his toolset of wrist shot/skating. Boqvist would be a bigger name if it weren't for Dahlin, but the planet Jupiter of this draft's solar system tends to take up all of the press clippings for 2018. Boqvist shares many similarities with Dahlin, both are Swedish defensemen and have played in Sweden's junior and pro leagues. Both are offensive defensemen with slick moves and a pinpoint wrist shot.
Boqvist, though, is a righty and only 5'11". He's not afraid to carry the puck in alone, something that players in lesser leagues and in juniors are often able to do because of smaller/lesser competition: https://www.youtube.com/w...tch?v=6Awl9cY2fqA#t=2m37s

He will be dangerous inside the blueline, with the ability to cleverly deke and drag his way around forwards looking to pinch him against the blueline. His elusiveness with the puck makes him exhausting to track down: https://www.youtube.com/w...tch?v=7PBrJD5uzRk&t=2m37s

Boqvist is likely to earn top PP minutes in his career, his hands and playmaking ability are too much for most coaches to pass up. Boqvist has simply been a dominant offensive force when on the ice.

Defensive abilities: there's little footage of him actually taking rushes against. There are multiple examples of him skating the puck out of trouble or completing a long stretch pass. One video showed him making a blind backhand pass off the back boards to his partner, something that gives most Blackhawks fans nightmares at this point... but it worked.
He has the confidence, ability, and speed to be a solid defenseman in the NHL. But there just isn't enough evidence or commendations of his defensive abilities to accurately recommend this.
Boqvist's junior rights were drafted by the London Knights, so he could start next season there or remain in Sweden with his parent club. He's had difficulty holding a spot on Brynas, only cracking 15 games against the big boys. Not to draw hyperbolic comparisons... but Erik Karlsson had trouble putting up points in the Swedish league even in the year after he was drafted, 10 in 45.
Boqvist projects to be a dangerous and gifted offensive defenseman, although question marks remain about his ability to play a shutdown game.

Best case scenario: John Klingberg, Shayne Gostisbehere
Worst case scenario: John Moore, Marco Scandella
Plausible scenario: Hampus Lindholm, Tyson Barrie
- ObeseOprah

If you go for defenseman instead of a forward, here is what i want my scouts to get a strong read on (and as GM, when they do all the testing i want to ask or get a strong indication):

* can make a play, a pass at speed
*already shows willingness to make simple play and not outdo more than necessary to advance puck
*could he be someone who can stick with an on rushing forward like Keith can....to possess speed to do so is half the assignment; willingness and smarts to do it well also counts.
*does he have some compete in him. I want a dman willing to battle at least with stick and not shy away from a puck battle for puck control along boards. This is all in the mind and attitude of a player no matter his size. You either compete hard, moderate, almost non existent. Which one is it.

We have gifted talented offensive dmen here now (as in next year Jokijarju, Tuulola, Snuggerud) who may be ready as soon as Boqvist is for NHl. There are more to varying degree like Kryz and Mitchell (ok, Mitchell and Carlsson many feel will be the best of all our prospects). Most of these guys if they show enough at Rockford, they get an nhl look. Similar to Dahlstrom.

To have a really smooth quarterback able to skate or pass it.....do you want this elite dman whom is not probably ready for 1-2 years or do you want one of the forwards SAY BOTH AVAILABLE our pick. If we didn't have so many offensive dmrn coming along.....the only thing you figure is that sooner or later some of them replace our not good enough current offensive dmen

Stan knew this season Q was under orders - heck, he was left without much choice but to play these offensive dmen. They all will bring draft choices or be part of a trade. It is a constant review process each year if someone comes along and can take your job.

So, some already preference for Tzchuck over anyone....well some would go Dahlin then Tzchuck.

Considering: We have a lot of offensive dmen in our pipeline. Them as well as Boqvist - how much better than our current group. If not Dahlin might just go with a forward is how i go.

I don't disagree that AA is more of a 3C. My point however was is that given the players mentioned and the current roster, he is a better choice in the top 6 than Hinostroza or Duclair, though I would be willing to put Hayden in there and give him an extended look.
- TheTrob

I thought Toews was our (overpaid) 3C?!?!?!
We can't have TWO overpaid 3C's on the roster?!

You cannot have it both ways. You cannot say Anisimov is only a 2C because he is playing with a top 6 LW and RW. Then say Toews is not a 1C even though he is not playing with a top 6 LW and RW. The definition of a 2C is that he is playing on the 2nd line with a top 6 LW and RW. The definition of a 1C is that he is playing on your top line with a top 6 LW and RW.

If Toews with Saad and a legitimate top 6RW he will score 25 goals, 66 to 76 points , play a 200 game, play in all situations, win faceoffs, be a plus 15 and shut down the opponents top lines. If he plays with the flavor of the week on his RW (like this year) he will score less.

If Anisimov plays with Kane and a legitimate top 6 RW he will score 20+ goals, 40+ points, play in all situations, be a plus. If he plays part of the time on the 3rd line with Mickey the mope on his wings he will be less effective.

I am not suggesting that Toews is the best 1C in the league or Anisimov is the best 2C. But the Hawks could win a cup with them as 1C and 2C. They won in 2010 with Bolland as the 2C. They won in 2013 with Bolland /Handzus as 2C. They won in 2015 with Brad Richards/Vermette as 2C.

This is still a team game. Who your linemates are matters.

Look at Winnipeg. Put Toews between Laine and Ehlers and he probably has stats similar to Scheifele.

You cannot have it both ways. You cannot say Anisimov is only a 2C because he is playing with a top 6 LW and RW. Then say Toews is not a 1C even though he is not playing with a top 6 LW and RW. The definition of a 2C is that he is playing on the 2nd line with a top 6 LW and RW. The definition of a 1C is that he is playing on your top line with a top 6 LW and RW.

If Toews with Saad and a legitimate top 6RW he will score 25 goals, 66 to 76 points , play a 200 game, play in all situations, win faceoffs, be a plus 15 and shut down the opponents top lines. If he plays with the flavor of the week on his RW (like this year) he will score less.

If Anisimov plays with Kane and a legitimate top 6 RW he will score 20+ goals, 40+ points, play in all situations, be a plus. If he plays part of the time on the 3rd line with Mickey the mope on his wings he will be less effective.

I am not suggesting that Toews is the best 1C in the league or Anisimov is the best 2C. But the Hawks could win a cup with them as 1C and 2C. They won in 2010 with Bolland as the 2C. They won in 2013 with Bolland /Handzus as 2C. They won in 2015 with Brad Richards/Vermette as 2C.

This is still a team game. Who your linemates are matters.

Look at Winnipeg. Put Toews between Laine and Ehlers and he probably has stats similar to Scheifele.
- -Doh-

Just so strange to me that virtually everyone on here gives Keith a "no question" pass for a bad year+ because he has finally had someone other than Hammer by his side, yet Toews, Seabs, Kane, etc. don't get the same dispensation. Toews' performance, once put back with Kane, was entirely different.

Must be the money/value question and that alone.