I personally would rather have only one of Gustafsson, Oesterle. and Rutta starting and replace them with defenders such as ideally 2 of players like deHaan, Moore, Martinez, Severson, Brodie, or Stone.

Hillman, Gilbert, and Carlsson are intriguing but need at least a year of AHL experience first. I like these 3 prospects because they are defensive defensemen and are needed to complement the glut of puck movers.

Whenever he signs. Jokiharju could impress right away and earn a spot but I feel he shouldn't be rushed like the rest of them and develop under Colliton's staff and system.

Raddysh is a dark horse, IMHO. He could emerge in the next year or so as an unheralded prospect who provides size, strength, and steady defense.
- AEL_Fox

Martinez would be a steal but I don't think the Kings are going to move him, are they? He and Murphy had instant chemistry at Worlds, it was kind of shocking. Are the Devils really shopping Severson? Cause they used him as their #2 this past season and in the playoffs as well as signing him to a nice deal. They definitely want something hefty back for him, I would imagine.

De Haan is the best UFA d-man after Carlson and may be the only UFA d-man I'd be interested in the Hawks picking up. I'm not high on Moore, personally, as he's been declining as the team around him has gotten better. The problem with both these guys is that he's LD and that is still the side that the Hawks have the most stacked players on.

Wahlstrom and Boqvist would be my top choices, but at #8 I think it’s more likely that Wahlstrom will be available.
- DarthKane

If Boqvist is available at 8, you take him. He's Dahlin lite. Tons of flash for a dman, great skating and passing.

I wonder how many people love/want Wilson cried and whined over Bickell's "huge" 4mil cal hit.

Bickell was as physical - did it clean.
Bickell was twice the goal scorer Wilson is
Playoff production isn't even close

Yet pay the hack Tom Wilson FA money?

Good luck to the sucker team that does that and I hope it isnt Chicago
- PatShart

No bickell wasn't near as physical. Occasionally he would throw a big hit and his weight around. And didn't drop the gloves alot.

I personally would rather have only one of Gustafsson, Oesterle. and Rutta starting and replace them with defenders such as ideally 2 of players like deHaan, Moore, Martinez, Severson, Brodie, or Stone.

Hillman, Gilbert, and Carlsson are intriguing but need at least a year of AHL experience first. I like these 3 prospects because they are defensive defensemen and are needed to complement the glut of puck movers.

Whenever he signs. Jokiharju could impress right away and earn a spot but I feel he shouldn't be rushed like the rest of them and develop under Colliton's staff and system.

Raddysh is a dark horse, IMHO. He could emerge in the next year or so as an unheralded prospect who provides size, strength, and steady defense.
- AEL_Fox

Stone is not good. Hardly an improvement. Same type of player. Maybe he is more aggressive. Arizona gave up on him, went with youngsters instead. Not quite sure on Stone as my memory of him blends with others when he was early on trying to stick in Arizona. Just.an offensive dman who never stood out in Arizona. Brodie is Keith size. Last few years he has not had much positive.....before Calgary improved its depth Brodie was small quick type.Skating.was good zaBrodie, maybe avg for Stone. Someone else will surely shoot down their acquisition as they should
.

Y'all sure know how to make a girl feel nice

I'm hopeful that Hayden can take the next step - his hockey IQ is one of the things I've likely most about him. Skating still needs a bit of work, but it's not so out of place that he couldn't be regularly skating at least 3rd line minutes imo. I'd worry about him slide up too much right now, simply because Schmaltz-Kane are so much quicker and Saad-Toews really need more of a playmaker with them, but it could be possible. He's just a generally decent option if a Bickell type is what the team needs.
- L_B_R

You're a valuable part of our online community and conversations are more rich when you post.

I have the same apprehension as well with Hayden, i.e. being fast tracked and slotted higher than he should be. The demotion to Rockford this past season was good for him just as it has been for Forsling (and Schmaltz two seasons ago). Proper slotting is necessary for the Hawks to create a winning formula again, and this goes for the forwards as much as the blueline even though we seem to discuss the latter more frequently.

Hayden is an intelligent person and that's not because he's a Yale graduate. Part of it is his upbringing by parents who really stressed education and may even be educators themselves. Couple intelligence with leadership qualities worthy of being a C or A plus his hockey skills as a middle 6 power forward, then you have the makings of a critical cog in the Hawks machine.

How many points did Lucic put up with McDavid? And if a 24 yr old Wilson put up 50 points with all else he brings to the table he is a top 10 power forward in the world, a core guy and would command 7-8 mil per.

Kid wants to win this Stanley Cup and yes he's a bit of a live wire and the other club knows that too.
- Mr Ricochet

By all account, Lucic under performed this season, but what does that really matter when looking at Wilson. I don't think 35 points playing mostly with Ovie and Backstrom at 5v5 is that big of a deal. Wilson has never been a big point producer, which is fine. If he scored more, it would be more impressive. Would 50 points while playing with all-star caliber players make him a top 10 power forward...that might be stretch, but it is subjective.

It's all kind of besides the point. He still goes too far at times. Maybe his past suspensions and such will help him as he matures from his early 20's.

No bickell wasn't near as physical. Occasionally he would throw a big hit and his weight around. And didn't drop the gloves alot.
- vandymeer23

Bickell averaged 4.5 hits per game in the playoffs in 2013-2015 (5.7 in 2015) and Wilson has averaged 3.9 hits per game in the playoffs 2015-2018 (currently averaging 4.6 this playoffs). So, they're pretty similar in that type of physicality.

Wilson and Hartman are quite comparable in terms of points production - they both score more with top 6 players, shocking I know, but neither have reached top 6 production themselves. Hartman's numbers were not as inflated by secondary assists as Wilson, though Wilson plays on the PK and does it pretty well and is more physical. I wasn't comparing them as player styles or anything, simply that their usage and top level results in the regular season have been pretty damn similar.

Also, using Florida as an anti-stat perspective is kind of silly - every team that has won the cup in the last decade has been deep in analytics to help them, even the Kings and Bruins who both had many players of Wilson's ilk. Stats are only as good as the people who are there to apply them, though, which is why there will always be teams like Florida.

Edit to add: My comment was not to knock Wilson but to just to note that 50 points is quite a jump for a player with his development trajectory, even while playing with some of the most gifted offensive players on his team this past season. Not impossible but it's more likely he'll be like Bickell was - 30-35 point reg season but who can step it up in the playoffs, which, as I said above, is good enough for me if he would tone down the predatory nature of his play.
- L_B_R

Just adding, my feeling is similar. I don't think Wilson is a bad hockey player, just would like to see him stay on the edge rather than crossing the line. Not saying the hawks can't use a few more solid physical players, but I hope any they have avoid the garbage.

Bless you.

If there are no signings or trades, I think the defense starts out the same as it ended last season, pretty much, if only because of waivers. Seabrook, Murphy, Oesterle, and Rutta on the right.; Keith, Gustafsson, and Forsling on the left. Honestly, though, they need to decide who out of Gus and Oesterle they want to keep and then move on from the other because they're a bit too similar in style and mistakes. Hopefully Forsling has the season he's shown flashes of having the potential, ala Hjammer at a similar age in 2010.

The issue with the Hawks d-prospects is that they have too many LD and most of them are on ELCs so the Hawks will probably start out with as many waiver exempt guys down as possible, unless they have TVR-like camps and just impress.

Gilbert and Dahlström are intriguing because of their size, and you have to think the latter is at the point where he either needs to move up or out (at 23) but the left is just so full up. Hillman has average size but he's one of the few defensive d-men they have but it'd probably be good for him to spend some time in the AHL. I think Gilbert-Hillman would be a good pairing in the AHL for the next season, and then eventually one of them pairs with Murphy in a shutdown role? Would be nice.

Raddysh might be a wild-card as he's the only signed prospect that plays on the right. I think it's asking a lot for Jokiharju to step right into the NHL at 19 - it's not that common for guys that are top 10/15 picks and the worst thing they could do is rush and then stunt him (which I think they maybe did a bit with Forsling).
- L_B_R

Just getting to respond to this (Work has been crazy) but I really agree about Gustafsson and Oesterle. I'm thinking maybe Stan sent a message that Gus might be the one they go with, given he got the 2 year extension. Oesterle got a lot of minutes early in 2018, but when Feb ended, his minutes started to drop (I think he got a lot less shifts with Keith at that point) and Gus was starting to shine more in comparison.

I agree with your assessments, but I hope that someone can surprise out of camp.

Bickell averaged 4.5 hits per game in the playoffs in 2013-2015 (5.7 in 2015) and Wilson has averaged 3.9 hits per game in the playoffs 2015-2018 (currently averaging 4.6 this playoffs). So, they're pretty similar in that type of physicality.
- L_B_R

Some people ignore facts and confuse fighting and cheap shots to small players with being physical.

Just getting to respond to this (Work has been crazy) but I really agree about Gustafsson and Oesterle. I'm thinking maybe Stan sent a message that Gus might be the one they go with, given he got the 2 year extension. Oesterle got a lot of minutes early in 2018, but when Feb ended, his minutes started to drop (I think he got a lot less shifts with Keith at that point) and Gus was starting to shine more in comparison.

I agree with your assessments, but I hope that someone can surprise out of camp.
- breadbag

Agree, not only for the sake of the Hawks to be competitive again but it just makes for a more interesting camp and start to the new season. If it's the same set of blueliners as last year (or even the same entire lineup save for a minor tweak as Bowman seems to be hinting toward, at least publicly), camp will be pretty boring as far as the thrill of seeing competition for spots.

The only difference between Tom Wilson and Raffi Torres...is Torres actually had some skill, if he wanted to play that way. But his cheap shots over shadowed any skill he had and turned into cheap shots only

Wilson isnt as skilled as he was, so you'd just be paying for his goonery/hacking

If Boqvist is available at 8, you take him. He's Dahlin lite. Tons of flash for a dman, great skating and passing.
- ObeseOprah

I'd love Boqvist. Might not be the biggest surprise if he's there as there has been some jockey of ranks amongst these prospects.

I'd love Boqvist. Might not be the biggest surprise if he's there as there has been some jockey of ranks amongst these prospects.
- Justin Lowe

I think it will really depend on what a team is looking for, do they want a McDonagh (Dobson), Letang (Boqvist), or Niskanen (Bouchard)?

The group of dmen after Dahlin are roughly in the same tier, some would argue Hughes is above or below that tier.

One thing to note, there will be multiple forwards from picks 5-20 that end up a lot higher in redrafts and hindsight. The highest ranked center, Veleno, is anywhere from 6-12 on most boards (Pretty unheard of for a center). There will be 'steals' from teams to toss out the consensus 'next pick' board and go with who they think will have the biggest impact.

Side thought, Vegas still has extra defensemen: Jon Merrill only played 34 games for them, Clayton Stoner is UFA (and probably too old and slow).

I'd take a flier on Merrill. He's put up decent number when he's had the opportunity to play, and he's still young, 6'3", 205 lbs.

Paraphrasing or quoting Wiz today

Dobson does not think the game fast. He is Seabrook lite. Hughes is his favorite but probably not there when we pick. Ty Smith can push the pace.

Wilson and Hartman are quite comparable in terms of points production - they both score more with top 6 players, shocking I know, but neither have reached top 6 production themselves. Hartman's numbers were not as inflated by secondary assists as Wilson, though Wilson plays on the PK and does it pretty well and is more physical. I wasn't comparing them as player styles or anything, simply that their usage and top level results in the regular season have been pretty damn similar.

Also, using Florida as an anti-stat perspective is kind of silly - every team that has won the cup in the last decade has been deep in analytics to help them, even the Kings and Bruins who both had many players of Wilson's ilk. Stats are only as good as the people who are there to apply them, though, which is why there will always be teams like Florida.

Edit to add: My comment was not to knock Wilson but to just to note that 50 points is quite a jump for a player with his development trajectory, even while playing with some of the most gifted offensive players on his team this past season. Not impossible but it's more likely he'll be like Bickell was - 30-35 point reg season but who can step it up in the playoffs, which, as I said above, is good enough for me if he would tone down the predatory nature of his play.
- L_B_R

Firstly I don't get here much and was going to PM someone, anyone, if they had seen you around. I echo Mr Fox in that it's good to see you posting.

Fancy stats can't compare Hartman and Wilson, they just can't. Sure they can with points, corsi or any other mathematical equation but Wilson puts the fear of God in people while chipping in points where Hartman can't. What does that do for a team both on and off the ice?

I'm a fancy stat guy, don't need to be sold unless you are of the school the FLA owner is. That you can run a Gallant out of town, watch him win a cup, bust down Tallon, then have to bring him back and bring in your pointy head buds to show the old dogs who have 125 yrs hockey experience that your gonna show em how stupid they are. ..........

A damn beautiful thing I say.

Firstly I don't get here much and was going to PM someone, anyone, if they had seen you around. I echo Mr Fox in that it's good to see you posting.

Fancy stats can't compare Hartman and Wilson, they just can't. Sure they can with points, corsi or any other mathematical equation but Wilson puts the fear of God in people while chipping in points where Hartman can't. What does that do for a team both on and off the ice?

I'm a fancy stat guy, don't need to be sold unless you are of the school the FLA owner is. That you can run a Gallant out of town, watch him win a cup, bust down Tallon, then have to bring him back and bring in your pointy head buds to show the old dogs who have 125 yrs hockey experience that your gonna show em how stupid they are. ..........

A damn beautiful thing I say.
- Mr Ricochet

Oh, see I don't like the type of fear Wilson provokes - it's not fear of a big clean hit, it's that this might be the moment he some something suspension worthy, like knees someone or gives them a concussion. Hayden is the player I would like to turn into a Bickell-like guy and I hope he is never feared in such a way. I do want physical and imposing players that are hard to play against on the team, but I'd rather the physicality be not cross the borderline to dirty as much as it does for Wilson.

Also, interestingly, some stats people have researched trends of games post-fight, big hit, etc to see if it impacts shots, goals, wins. I'll find the report I was reading about it a bit ago because it was interesting. Mike Kelly has mentioned that Sportlogiq does something like that as well.

Idk if Tallon is necessarily the savior for Florida either - he did give away two players who are a part of the best line in the playoffs, after all.

Oh, see I don't like the type of fear Wilson provokes - it's not fear of a big clean hit, it's that this might be the moment he some something suspension worthy, like knees someone or gives them a concussion. Hayden is the player I would like to turn into a Bickell-like guy and I hope he is never feared in such a way. I do want physical and imposing players that are hard to play against on the team, but I'd rather the physicality be not cross the borderline to dirty as much as it does for Wilson.

Also, interestingly, some stats people have researched trends of games post-fight, big hit, etc to see if it impacts shots, goals, wins. I'll find the report I was reading about it a bit ago because it was interesting. Mike Kelly has mentioned that Sportlogiq does something like that as well.

Idk if Tallon is necessarily the savior for Florida either - he did give away two players who are a part of the best line in the playoffs, after all.
- L_B_R

Gotchya. Don't like Wilson. I like his 79 hits and 13 points in 18 playoff games. In the bigs since he was 19 and not cuz of cap problems.

Have read, I'd assume, that big hits and hitters aren't as effective mathematically as most believe.

Tallon gave up Marchessault and Smith, 2 1st liners for Vegas. The Army guy was right to bust Tallon down? Army guy was right that he doesn't need hockey people? Wrong to bring him back? Was he right to object to Gallant being fired?

The problem with both these guys is that he's LD and that is still the side that the Hawks have the most stacked players on.
- L_B_R

I don't think so. Assuming neither Murphy or Gus are traded, I think there will be one LD signed:

Keith, Murphy
Gus, Seabs
x, Rutta

Oesterle is 7th or on his way out and Forsling didn't prove anything yet. It might serve him better if he plays heavy minutes in Rockford and to be honest, he might be more valuable to Chicago as a trade chip. For the top 6 D, I think Dahlström is ahead of him now.

I agree with your assessment of Moore, he is a local kid, but that ship has sailed. Depending on the price tag, how about Hickey? Or looking at cheap RD options, I would consider Pateryn.

LBR - Welcome back. I missed your posts. We need more people like you on this site.

Data/fact based
Professional/Respectful
Modest/Humble
Intellectual/Thought provoking
Knowledgeable
Longer term view/Forward thinking (and willing to think outside the box)

Just curious... are you Canadian?

I am not sure what your full time occupation is but it should be with a hockey club or as a blogger. (No offense JL. You are doing a terrific job with many of the same qualities. I would not want you to stop blogging for the Hawks.)

Just getting to respond to this (Work has been crazy) but I really agree about Gustafsson and Oesterle. I'm thinking maybe Stan sent a message that Gus might be the one they go with, given he got the 2 year extension. Oesterle got a lot of minutes early in 2018, but when Feb ended, his minutes started to drop (I think he got a lot less shifts with Keith at that point) and Gus was starting to shine more in comparison.

I agree with your assessments, but I hope that someone can surprise out of camp.
- breadbag

I compare Oesterle to Leddy. They do not have the gumption/courage/attitude to play defense at a high level. They do not block shots (in fact they step to the side). They do not win board battles. They do not clear people out from in front of the net.They shy away from contact. They like to carry the puck. They are pretty good passers and play pretty well in the offensive zone.

No doubt the kid, 25 yrs old with 5 NHL seasons!!, can go overboard. And IMO when he hits a guy that is vulnerable with his strength and balance he could near kill him, so I do think he let up, or didn't try to mutilate, on Marchessault.

And Torres and Wilson are no hacks as far as skill. I'm not advocating for Wilson cuz he ain't going nowhere. WSH ain't stupid and have been working this kid along for yrs to play top 6, or at least top 9. ........ My point is he is the kind of player the Hawks need even though there are only 20ish (a guess) like him on earth.
- Mr Ricochet

I completely agree

My point about the Raffe comparison is if he keeps going in the direction he's going in, i see a long suspension in his future.

I don't think so. Assuming neither Murphy or Gus are traded, I think there will be one LD signed:

Keith, Murphy
Gus, Seabs
x, Rutta

Oesterle is 7th or on his way out and Forsling didn't prove anything yet. It might serve him better if he plays heavy minutes in Rockford and to be honest, he might be more valuable to Chicago as a trade chip. For the top 6 D, I think Dahlström is ahead of him now.

I agree with your assessment of Moore, he is a local kid, but that ship has sailed. Depending on the price tag, how about Hickey? Or looking at cheap RD options, I would consider Pateryn.
- stonefire

When you consider replacement at any position, you naturally ask if the newbie is really much better. Is the newbie equally bad given the team support from forwards and his pair mate. We have enough offensive guys and Dahlstrom is probably better once he gets an NHL opportunity again. Also right hand side defense, correct?

O concur about Oesterle. Rutta has ability and can make nice plays, is smart just not at all physical. So I believe Bowman trades away his NHL dmen as kids at Rockford compete an internship of sorts
Anyone see Tuulola or samuelson last few playoff games

Martinez would be a steal but I don't think the Kings are going to move him, are they? He and Murphy had instant chemistry at Worlds, it was kind of shocking. Are the Devils really shopping Severson? Cause they used him as their #2 this past season and in the playoffs as well as signing him to a nice deal. They definitely want something hefty back for him, I would imagine.

De Haan is the best UFA d-man after Carlson and may be the only UFA d-man I'd be interested in the Hawks picking up. I'm not high on Moore, personally, as he's been declining as the team around him has gotten better. The problem with both these guys is that he's LD and that is still the side that the Hawks have the most stacked players on.
- L_B_R

Martinez would be my top target but don't know if the Kings are interested in moving him or who the Hawks would have to give up.

Severson's name as a trade chip is getting thrown around a lot on TSN's Off-Season Game Plan series. I know, take TSN articles with a grain of salt. He would be a solid addition but would likely cost more in player/prospect assets than what we can afford.

de Haan is the most realistic and, like you said, the best UFA blueliner after Carlson. One of the better defenders, along with Hickey, on an overall bad Islanders team as far as team defense goes.

Moore isn't high on my list. His play does seem to have trailed off lately.