Since you have done a fantastic job on informing all of us on these players just wanted to say thank you. In your opinion what position to the hawks end up picking and who do you think the hawks should pick and why?
- Scott1977

It looks like the Hawks will be anywhere from 7-13, in theory any of those positions could happen with 1-3 spots being leapfrogged by bubble teams. I’m pretty partial to any of the top 5. If any of those guys fall to you, you’ve got a steal.
Zadina is my favorite, he just looks electric to me. Boqvist could end up being more exciting than any other dman. He has forward skills masquerading as defense.

I’d be nervous about Hughes or Veleno, both have question marks but high ceilings.

Dobson and Bouchard look like they’ll be solid top four defensemen.

I’m hopeful that the Hawks have done their homework on everyone, if I had to pick one from 7-13... Dobson. He has proven he can shut things down, and he’s got the raw skills needed to be a top defender eventually. Good closing ability on d, seems to have the ‘kill’ mentality that our elite guys have had.

It looks like the Hawks will draft 1st overall.
- ObeseOprah

Fixed.

It looks like the Hawks will be anywhere from 7-13, in theory any of those positions could happen with 1-3 spots being leapfrogged by bubble teams. I’m pretty partial to any of the top 5. If any of those guys fall to you, you’ve got a steal.
Zadina is my favorite, he just looks electric to me. Boqvist could end up being more exciting than any other dman. He has forward skills masquerading as defense.

I’d be nervous about Hughes or Veleno, both have question marks but high ceilings.

Dobson and Bouchard look like they’ll be solid top four defensemen.

I’m hopeful that the Hawks have done their homework on everyone, if I had to pick one from 7-13... Dobson. He has proven he can shut things down, and he’s got the raw skills needed to be a top defender eventually. Good closing ability on d, seems to have the ‘kill’ mentality that our elite guys have had.
- ObeseOprah

They could also pick 1, 2 or 3 since those are all up for grabs.

"McDonough still believes they are the right guys for the job as the Hawks enter this new era and uphill battle from mediocrity."

I hope for you fans' sake, they learn a lesson from their rivals east a few hours on 94: Don't give role players long, pricey contracts!

"McDonough still believes they are the right guys for the job as the Hawks enter this new era and uphill battle from mediocrity."

I hope for you fans' sake, they learn a lesson from their rivals east a few hours on 94: Don't give role players long, pricey contracts!
- Red001

Like Anisimov who has been playing bottom 6 almost all year?

I am ok with Q and Bowman coming back. They are not without their faults. They have made mistakes. But they also have some real strengths and have made some great moves. I am not sure if some of the young guys will ever be good or great NHL players. I don't think anyone is positive. But I am willing and curious to see the moves this summer and how the young players develop in 2018/19.

Likely on the 2018/19 roster:
C - Toews, AA, Schmaltz
RW - Kane
LW - Saad
LW or RW - Debrincat, Hayden
D - Keith, Seabs, Murphy, Rutta,
G - Crow (if healthy)

After that there should be no other roster spots guaranteed. That leaves about 8 to 10 open roster spots (if they carry 22 players with the big club). Let the rest of the kids fight for and earn a spot in camp or go down to Rockford to develop some more.

Personally I would like to see Sharp, Wingels, and Kempny resigned.

I would not trade AA this summer. We are lean at center. Let's wait and see how Kampf, Ejdsell, Higmore develop as centers before trading a center.

We could trade Seabs. But with his contract it is unlikely you get much back (other than another bloated contract). We are weak at defense. I would keep him until we see how our young defenders develop. I would sign an experienced backup goalie.

Let Forsberg play a full year at Rockford. He reminds me a lot of Crow in both his style and his inconsistency. Crow stayed in AHL for parts of 5 seasons before he broke through at 26. . Darling played everywhere for several years before he broke through at 26 (though he seems to have regressed this year). Forsberg is 25.

The Hawks would be lucky if someone made an offer of more than $1.3 mil to any of their RFA's (Jurco, Dulair, Hayden, Hino). Then the Hawks would get a 3rd round pick. I might rather have Hayden than a 3rd round pick. For the others I would take a 3rd round pick in a heart beat.

I wonder where the bidding starts and ends on Hartman??? Would you sign him for $2.5 mil this summer if it meant giving up a 2nd round pick in 2019? Would Nashville match??

They could also pick 1, 2 or 3 since those are all up for grabs.
- fattybeef

Given that we have Jokiharju, Forsling, and Hillman on the horizon, which defenceman would you ideally want to add if Dahlin is gone.? A true puck carrier intrigues me but Dobson is safe pick.

I am ok with Q and Bowman coming back. They are not without their faults. They have made mistakes. But they also have some real strengths and have made some great moves. I am not sure if some of the young guys will ever be good or great NHL players. I don't think anyone is positive. But I am willing and curious to see the moves this summer and how the young players develop in 2018/19.

Likely on the 2018/19 roster:
C - Toews, AA, Schmaltz
RW - Kane
LW - Saad
LW or RW - Debrincat, Hayden
D - Keith, Seabs, Murphy, Rutta,
G - Crow (if healthy)

After that there should be no other roster spots guaranteed. That leaves about 8 to 10 open roster spots (if they carry 22 players with the big club). Let the rest of the kids fight for and earn a spot in camp or go down to Rockford to develop some more.

Personally I would like to see Sharp, Wingels, and Kempny resigned.

I would not trade AA this summer. We are lean at center. Let's wait and see how Kampf, Ejdsell, Higmore develop as centers before trading a center.

We could trade Seabs. But with his contract it is unlikely you get much back (other than another bloated contract). We are weak at defense. I would keep him until we see how our young defenders develop. I would sign an experienced backup goalie.

Let Forsberg play a full year at Rockford. He reminds me a lot of Crow in both his style and his inconsistency. Crow stayed in AHL for parts of 5 seasons before he broke through at 26. . Darling played everywhere for several years before he broke through at 26 (though he seems to have regressed this year). Forsberg is 25.

The Hawks would be lucky if someone made an offer of more than $1.3 mil to any of their RFA's (Jurco, Dulair, Hayden, Hino). Then the Hawks would get a 3rd round pick. I might rather have Hayden than a 3rd round pick. For the others I would take a 3rd round pick in a heart beat.

I wonder where the bidding starts and ends on Hartman??? Would you sign him for $2.5 mil this summer if it meant giving up a 2nd round pick in 2019? Would Nashville match??
- -Doh-

What do you think they will do? Sign top UFAs or stick with the kids and Euros? Sorry not sorry, the flaws in Oesterle, Rutta and Gustafson's play will not go away. They need an entire new defense core. Murphy is not good either, but he's not as bad as the rest.

I am ok with Q and Bowman coming back. They are not without their faults. They have made mistakes. But they also have some real strengths and have made some great moves. I am not sure if some of the young guys will ever be good or great NHL players. I don't think anyone is positive. But I am willing and curious to see the moves this summer and how the young players develop in 2018/19.

Likely on the 2018/19 roster:
C - Toews, AA, Schmaltz
RW - Kane
LW - Saad
LW or RW - Debrincat, Hayden
D - Keith, Seabs, Murphy, Rutta,
G - Crow (if healthy)

After that there should be no other roster spots guaranteed. That leaves about 8 to 10 open roster spots (if they carry 22 players with the big club). Let the rest of the kids fight for and earn a spot in camp or go down to Rockford to develop some more.

Personally I would like to see Sharp, Wingels, and Kempny resigned.

I would not trade AA this summer. We are lean at center. Let's wait and see how Kampf, Ejdsell, Higmore develop as centers before trading a center.

We could trade Seabs. But with his contract it is unlikely you get much back (other than another bloated contract). We are weak at defense. I would keep him until we see how our young defenders develop. I would sign an experienced backup goalie.

Let Forsberg play a full year at Rockford. He reminds me a lot of Crow in both his style and his inconsistency. Crow stayed in AHL for parts of 5 seasons before he broke through at 26. . Darling played everywhere for several years before he broke through at 26 (though he seems to have regressed this year). Forsberg is 25.

The Hawks would be lucky if someone made an offer of more than $1.3 mil to any of their RFA's (Jurco, Dulair, Hayden, Hino). Then the Hawks would get a 3rd round pick. I might rather have Hayden than a 3rd round pick. For the others I would take a 3rd round pick in a heart beat.

I wonder where the bidding starts and ends on Hartman??? Would you sign him for $2.5 mil this summer if it meant giving up a 2nd round pick in 2019? Would Nashville match??
- -Doh-

Hartman has cooled off last 5 games or so. With that I see his value decreasing.

Given that we have Jokiharju, Forsling, and Hillman on the horizon, which defenceman would you ideally want to add if Dahlin is gone.? A true puck carrier intrigues me but Dobson is safe pick.
- jhawk59

Boqvist.

I don't think any of those are "safe picks" necessarily. But def take most skilled with the most tools.

Boqvist is an exceptional skater and has the most potential to be a real game breaker outside of Dahlin. Not just a good player but blow games up like Karlsson or Subban and at only an inch shorter. Though not as thick as PK he is built similar to Karlsson and has the potential to be a steal at the third overall pick.

I'd be happy with Bouchard at 7 or 8 too. He's probably the 'safest' since he already has NHL size and sounds like mobility. Plus one of those captain \ character types they like to grab.

Given that we have Jokiharju, Forsling, and Hillman on the horizon, which defenceman would you ideally want to add if Dahlin is gone.? A true puck carrier intrigues me but Dobson is safe pick.
- jhawk59

I don't think we have any kind of shortage of puck moving defensemen. Outside of Seabrook, and Murphy, that is virtually all that we have. Pick the best two and go from there. (I personally am partial to Rutta and Gustafson). I like what I've read about Bouchard, but I don't claim to have any kind of additional knowledge or expertise on any of these soon-to-be draftees.

Given that we have Jokiharju, Forsling, and Hillman on the horizon, which defenceman would you ideally want to add if Dahlin is gone.? A true puck carrier intrigues me but Dobson is safe pick.
- jhawk59

Boqvist, he has the rushing ability reminiscent of Keith, back when Keith would do 3 or 4 long rushes up the ice a game. The only difference is that Boqvist has moves that get him all the way to the net, he's electric.

I don't know if Boqvist has the defensive game that Keith does though, especially early in his career when he transitions to smaller ice.

Justin Lowe: New Era With the Same People
As you know by now, I will admit when I'm wrong.

I was hearing that Joel Quenneville was on his way out. Contrary to what I was told, it looks like he is staying put.

John McDonough has come out of hiding to let the world know that he is keeping Stan Bowman and Joel Quenneville around for the 2018-19 season.
- Justin Lowe

And what's that usual quote about insanity?

According to the AHL, the @GoIceHogs have released Henrik Samuelsson from his PTO and signed him to a standard player contract.#Blackhawks https://t.co/hBTW6BbqNS

— The Rink (@TheRinkOfficial) April 6, 2018

I am ok with Q and Bowman coming back. They are not without their faults. They have made mistakes. But they also have some real strengths and have made some great moves. I am not sure if some of the young guys will ever be good or great NHL players. I don't think anyone is positive. But I am willing and curious to see the moves this summer and how the young players develop in 2018/19.

Likely on the 2018/19 roster:
C - Toews, AA, Schmaltz
RW - Kane
LW - Saad
LW or RW - Debrincat, Hayden
D - Keith, Seabs, Murphy, Rutta,
G - Crow (if healthy)

After that there should be no other roster spots guaranteed. That leaves about 8 to 10 open roster spots (if they carry 22 players with the big club). Let the rest of the kids fight for and earn a spot in camp or go down to Rockford to develop some more.

Personally I would like to see Sharp, Wingels, and Kempny resigned.

I would not trade AA this summer. We are lean at center. Let's wait and see how Kampf, Ejdsell, Higmore develop as centers before trading a center.

We could trade Seabs. But with his contract it is unlikely you get much back (other than another bloated contract). We are weak at defense. I would keep him until we see how our young defenders develop. I would sign an experienced backup goalie.

Let Forsberg play a full year at Rockford. He reminds me a lot of Crow in both his style and his inconsistency. Crow stayed in AHL for parts of 5 seasons before he broke through at 26. . Darling played everywhere for several years before he broke through at 26 (though he seems to have regressed this year). Forsberg is 25.

The Hawks would be lucky if someone made an offer of more than $1.3 mil to any of their RFA's (Jurco, Dulair, Hayden, Hino). Then the Hawks would get a 3rd round pick. I might rather have Hayden than a 3rd round pick. For the others I would take a 3rd round pick in a heart beat.

I wonder where the bidding starts and ends on Hartman??? Would you sign him for $2.5 mil this summer if it meant giving up a 2nd round pick in 2019? Would Nashville match??
- -Doh-

Nice analysis of one way to proceed. I agree with most of it. Doubt the Hawks would re-sign either Kempny or Hartman especially if Q is confirmed to return as head coach.

I, too, wouldn't give up Hayden for a 3rd rounder. Prefer to retain Hinostroza but would trade Jurco and Duclair for draft picks or other assets.

Although I agree that he may not be a lock now, but I do envision Sikura earning a top-9 winger spot at training camp. His composure, steady play, and ability to make quick plays in his brief stint so far have proven to me that he has what it takes to stick. Could he stand to develop more in Rockford? Sure. But if he can contribute substantially to the Hawks now and not hurt the team defensively, then I think that is worthy of a starting role.

And what's that usual quote about insanity?
- BobP.

Exactly correct Bob. We will see what Stan Bowman does. But status quo with the roster will end similarly next year.

It looks like the Hawks will be anywhere from 7-13, in theory any of those positions could happen with 1-3 spots being leapfrogged by bubble teams. I’m pretty partial to any of the top 5. If any of those guys fall to you, you’ve got a steal.
Zadina is my favorite, he just looks electric to me. Boqvist could end up being more exciting than any other dman. He has forward skills masquerading as defense.

I’d be nervous about Hughes or Veleno, both have question marks but high ceilings.

Dobson and Bouchard look like they’ll be solid top four defensemen.

I’m hopeful that the Hawks have done their homework on everyone, if I had to pick one from 7-13... Dobson. He has proven he can shut things down, and he’s got the raw skills needed to be a top defender eventually. Good closing ability on d, seems to have the ‘kill’ mentality that our elite guys have had.
- ObeseOprah

Since hawks are picking also in the first round late probably 27-31 who is the sleeper player on defense side and forward side that might just fall when hawks are picking late in the 1st round?

Likely on the 2018/19 roster:
C - Toews, AA, Schmaltz
RW - Kane
LW - Saad
LW or RW - Debrincat, Hayden
D - Keith, Seabs, Murphy, Rutta,
G - Crow (if healthy)


- -Doh-

I would like to see something like this at forward:

Duclair-Schmaltz-Kane
Sikura-Anisimov-DeBrincat
Saad-Toews-Hinostroza
Hayden-Kampf-Wingles
Jurco/Sharp

3 fast, skilled scoring lines with a legit 4th line to take care of the dirty work. Lots of depth and LOTS of speed.

According to the AHL, the @GoIceHogs have released Henrik Samuelsson from his PTO and signed him to a standard player contract.#Blackhawks https://t.co/hBTW6BbqNS

— The Rink (@TheRinkOfficial) April 6, 2018

- DarthKane

Confusing.
So he does not (his rights) belong to Arizona
He is free to sign with Chicago, or have his rights acquired from Rockford. Because the planned Rockford sign keeps an organizational roster space open.
And to have both Martinsen and Samuelson in Chicago lightens the angst from not anyhow grabbing Tzachuk.

I can imagine, tbough, that someone (Q or Bowman) desire only two among Hayden/Martinsen/Samuelson in the same line up. They still refrain from extra toughness. Then perhaps rotational strategy or the old fashioned earn your playing time

Confusing.
So he does not (his rights) belong to Arizona
He is free to sign with Chicago, or have his rights acquired from Rockford. Because the planned Rockford sign keeps an organizational roster space open.
And to have both Martinsen and Samuelson in Chicago lightens the angst from not anyhow grabbing Tzachuk.

I can imagine, tbough, that someone (Q or Bowman) desire only two among Hayden/Martinsen/Samuelson in the same line up. They still refrain from extra toughness. Then perhaps rotational strategy or the old fashioned earn your playing time
- jhawk59

I think this largely depends on how Hayden and the others develop. When he was sent down, they wanted Hayden to get more experience in all situations and he was scoring a bit more. I'm hoping for more collaboration between Kane and the younger guys. It seemed to have worked quite well for Hino, Hartman, and Schmaltz.

They are just keeping Quenneville to fire him in January.

"McDonough still believes they are the right guys for the job as the Hawks enter this new era and uphill battle from mediocrity."

I hope for you fans' sake, they learn a lesson from their rivals east a few hours on 94: Don't give role players long, pricey contracts!
- Red001

Like Kruger, Seabrook, Panik, Toews... for starters - and I imagine there are more...

Unfortunately I think we are there already and have been so for awhile.

I was going to use the top quote anyway - but if that is the case: ie (McDonough) 'believes that ....'

Ik- so fair enough - he can believe what he wants, but my belief is that the man knows marketing -but considering the success the Hawks had came on so quickly after he cam on, it seems to have given him the impression that he knows hockey, and his cheap marketing stunts actually mean something out on the ice.

It doesn't and for all of the feel-good stories he thinks he has generated (on the ice) - you can point at as many failures -- by this I mean bringing back ex-Hawks from successful teams of the past. I think the only one that even came close to working was Versteeg -and then only because of circumstance - the team certainly did not succeed because of the presence of then #23 - it didn't really have any impact ... pretty much like every other 'welcome back Kotter' narrative that has been used over and over again.

Basically, McDonough is this era's Pulford in my opinion. He was right about Hossa over Havlat - mainly due to Marty's durability even if there were no other reasons like 2 way forward ability and leadership ... but then again I mean seriously, making Panarin a scapegoat was a big fat fail for the team overall (that and Crawford's 2018).

My guess is that Corey cracked it with one too many odd man breaks and decided one more and he wasn't playing any more .... ok, maybe that happened with a goalie in my Summer League ... the point being - he and all of the goalies have faced way too many of these. Ulfie... why is that? You were a cheap player in the 90's - and apparently your defensive coverage schemes involve a d-man regularly playing at the opponents' goal line or below ... i imagine you probably blame the forwards for not covering the point ... and ok - so that is actually a thing ... but I mean say the forwards are not always expecting a guy like 56 to be rubbing his nose on the glass (not because he hit someone of course) -behind the opposition's net... and then have a quick breakout pass come from the other side to the open point - and poof, presto ... another 2 on 1.

If they say that team defense wins championship -- I think it is fair to say that lack of it, as well as some selfish play generally puts a team into contention for winning the draft lottery.

I don't mind Q and Bowman being back as much as I do being lectured (as a fan) about hockey from some guy that obviously knows diddly squat about the game.

Ironically, at least Pulford knew the game ... of course it was the game as it existed in the late Original 6 period ... but I guess technically -it was still the game. McD doesn't even have that...

Here are the draft rankings according to an aggregate of 6 sources (ISS Hockey, Marek, Hockeyprospect.com, Scott Wheeler, Dobber, McKenzie)
1. Rasmus Dahlin, D
2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW
3. Filip Zadina, LW
4. Brady Tkachuk, LW
5. Adam Boqvist, D
6. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW
7. Evan Bouchard, D
8. Quinton Hughes, D
9. Noah Dobson, D
10. Joe Veleno, C
11. Joel Farabee, LW
12. Barret Hayton, C

I'll be posting a few write-ups on each guy so we can have a sense of what each guy brings to the table, and who they might compare to. If anyone wants to take a crack at any of them, let me know.


11. Joel Farabee, LW, 5'11", 161 lbs.
A Boston Univ. commit, Joel Farabee is an American Left Wing on every version of the US National teams he has played on.
He'll be continuing the pedigree of high-profile players who have recently attended BU of late (Tkachuk, McAvoy). This also means that anyone who drafts Farabee will have to wait until at least late March next year for him to arrive.

Although he is speedy and under 6'0", Farabee can tailor his game to physical matches. Joel can bull his way to the net, and as he's doing it flash plenty of impressive hands.

He has a lethal shot, and his backhand can be equally as deadly. His two way play has been commended in at least a few scouting reports, but most of the praise centers on how deadly he is with the puck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvlUFgbyPJY

Best case scenario: Jonathan Marchessault, Artemi Panarin
Worst case scenario: Michael Frolik, Tomas Tatar
Plausible scenario: Nik Ehlers, Jonathan Huberdeau
- ObeseOprah

We are blessed to have this information. Thanks for your effort.

Teams whose players totally all buy in the coach's mantra have the best opportunity to mask any deficient or vulnerable part of their game. Even the star players put forth a descent effort DEFENSIVELY

So now a segway to Babcock coaching style. Does he let stars coast on defensive responsibilities? I am tempted to say, no. I used to think L Ruff, Peeters, Tippet were demanding and were into the reward and punishment system if you did not play up to their expectations.

Our coach Q can be this way, but it is comical and a black eye on him when he comes down on a young newbie but allows the superstar to get away with poor defensive effort. I am sure you can harken when Pirri drew his wrath (to name one example which stands out).

Now imagine if you had an entire group of forwards, each line really committed to defense. A team could expect to employ several offensive puck movers at the expense of a second or third dman who is physical.

Certainly we might trot Hillman and Murphy out as that sort of dman. This means one plays in a second pair, which is too much for Murphy let alone his skating. Hillman being basicly a rookie next season is a lot to request a regular second pair. It is not unreasonable, though, if this scenario occurs. Oh please sign trade for a (one more) physical dman or at least let's see what L Carlsson brings.

What would it take to get Q and Bowman in sync as far as that we have a better opportunity for success. Poor record, dwindling attendance. Would this mean McDonough questions if the team is making progress in even a partial rebuild.

Turn the clock ahead and try to imagine. "Turn the beat around" but do not play the song with that title at the games. Young fans would detest that even more than the frustrating team out on the frozen pond.

Nice analysis of one way to proceed. I agree with most of it. Doubt the Hawks would re-sign either Kempny or Hartman especially if Q is confirmed to return as head coach.

I, too, wouldn't give up Hayden for a 3rd rounder. Prefer to retain Hinostroza but would trade Jurco and Duclair for draft picks or other assets.

Although I agree that he may not be a lock now, but I do envision Sikura earning a top-9 winger spot at training camp. His composure, steady play, and ability to make quick plays in his brief stint so far have proven to me that he has what it takes to stick. Could he stand to develop more in Rockford? Sure. But if he can contribute substantially to the Hawks now and not hurt the team defensively, then I think that is worthy of a starting role.
- AEL_Fox[/quote


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