The only certainty is that the Hawks were a worse team without Panarin, could’ve traded him this summer, next trade deadline, or made moves to open up an additional $3mil for his $9mil contract extension. I thought the goal was winning a cup, not having the longest term contracts?
- EnzoD

Worse team without Panarin? Not quite.

Worse team without Hammer
Worse team without Crow

Seabrook in further decline. Toews getting 10.5 while producing like a 4.5 player. Keith having a bad year. No viable center depth, basically filler guys

That was the return for Eddie Belfour. JR was traded for Zhamnov and a first (or prospect not entirely sure).
- tyweb69

ahh, zhamnov- my favorite player as a kid

Worse team without Panarin? Not quite.

Worse team without Hammer
Worse team without Crow

Seabrook in further decline. Toews getting 10.5 while producing like a 4.5 player. Keith having a bad year. No viable center depth, basically filler guys
- kwolf68

But JVR!

But JVR!
- EnzoD

JVR is a big forward that goes to the net, does the dirty work, and pots 30+ a season.

What's not to like???

JVR is a big forward that goes to the net, does the dirty work, and pots 30+ a season.

What's not to like???


- dahawks8819

Cap hit, term, age, and a much more pressing need on Defense. I would love JVR, but doesn’t seem practical or likely.

JVR is a big forward that goes to the net, does the dirty work, and pots 30+ a season.

What's not to like???


- dahawks8819

His age and much he will want as far as money and term

His age and much he will want as far as money and term
- Scott1977

Oshie signed at the same age with the Caps and that turned out pretty well for them.

Oshie signed at the same age with the Caps and that turned out pretty well for them.
- L_B_R

the Capitals didn't have garbage at defense as well as very suspect center depth. So there's that.

the Capitals didn't have garbage at defense as well as very suspect center depth. So there's that.
- kwolf68

The lower half of their defense was Kempny, Orpik, and a rookie - not exactly the gold standard. I mean, did you really think Orpik would on a cup winning defense? And the Hawks have won cups with suspect center depth before, especially at 2C, but it's also an area that they're obviously hoping to improve if rumors are to be believed. Hawks goalie is better, when healthy, so there's that.

The lower half of their defense was Kempny, Orpik, and a rookie - not exactly the gold standard. I mean, did you really think Orpik would on a cup winning defense? And the Hawks have won cups with suspect center depth before, especially at 2C, but it's also an area that they're obviously hoping to improve if rumors are to be believed. Hawks goalie is better, when healthy, so there's that.
- L_B_R

Their defense is still vastly better than the Hawks. The Capitals had legit top guys. They also had stars playing like stars. Orpik is a turd, but he served a solid role. Kempny may have stunk in Chicago, but he looked more than adequate as a third pairing guy there.

Just because Hawks won with suspect center depth (one year, 2013) doesn't mean you eschew that to sign a winger you may not even need for a price that will further strap this team with aging, expensive players all the while putting yourself into position where you can't address you true needs (D, backup goalie, Center).

If the Hawks were one winger away then sure give him money, sign him and go for it, but this team is not close to being a Cup contender and a fools gold signing without a true altering of the team makeup wreaks of PR-madness. We got JVR, we're going for it. JVR is a solid player, but unless the deal is favorable for the Hawks they need to focus efforts elsewhere.

I agree Crow is a better goalie, but who the hell knows about him at this point. If he's healthy will he return to form? Crow is also part of the aging core of this team. If he's playing at his level, his cap hit is a bargain for the Hawks honestly. His health is a key and may allow the Hawks greater flexibility.

I still loathe the centers on this team. I think Toews will rebound, but after that you don't have anyone who can win a stinking draw. And I am not an AA fan. Love Schmaltz but his work in the circles is abysmal and I don't know if he has the size to stand up at that position over the long haul, although I DO like Schmaltz's instincts for the Center position so I'd be willing to try him there. But 35% faceoff percentage is horrific, ESPECIALLY when you're on a line with Kaner...you want to start with the puck not spend the first 20 seconds of your shift chasing it.

Oshie signed at the same age with the Caps and that turned out pretty well for them.
- L_B_R

JvR would be a great fit and wouldn’t cost anything to acquire, unless the Hawks try to get his rights and sign him before July 1.

Their defense is still vastly better than the Hawks. The Capitals had legit top guys. They also had stars playing like stars. Orpik is a turd, but he served a solid role. Kempny may have stunk in Chicago, but he looked more than adequate as a third pairing guy there.

Just because Hawks won with suspect center depth (one year, 2013) doesn't mean you eschew that to sign a winger you may not even need for a price that will further strap this team with aging, expensive players all the while putting yourself into position where you can't address you true needs (D, backup goalie, Center).

If the Hawks were one winger away then sure give him money, sign him and go for it, but this team is not close to being a Cup contender and a fools gold signing without a true altering of the team makeup wreaks of PR-madness. We got JVR, we're going for it. JVR is a solid player, but unless the deal is favorable for the Hawks they need to focus efforts elsewhere.

I agree Crow is a better goalie, but who the hell knows about him at this point. If he's healthy will he return to form? Crow is also part of the aging core of this team. If he's playing at his level, his cap hit is a bargain for the Hawks honestly. His health is a key and may allow the Hawks greater flexibility.

I still loathe the centers on this team. I think Toews will rebound, but after that you don't have anyone who can win a stinking draw. And I am not an AA fan. Love Schmaltz but his work in the circles is abysmal and I don't know if he has the size to stand up at that position over the long haul, although I DO like Schmaltz's instincts for the Center position so I'd be willing to try him there. But 35% faceoff percentage is horrific, ESPECIALLY when you're on a line with Kaner...you want to start with the puck not spend the first 20 seconds of your shift chasing it.
- kwolf68

It wasn't just 2013 - who was 2C in 2010? Their best center depth was in 2015 and that was still the weakest team that won the cup. I'm not even claiming the current teams' centers are near any of the cup ones, just that the Hawks have pretty much been historically weak there but won because their wingers were great. But either way, again, they are obviously looking at improving there so Idk why that's a point of contention for signing players that might fill other needs.

Also, I actually like the Caps top defense guys, but they weren't all that celebrated by many people before this cup run and still not many after. Hell, there were people on here talking about how this was the worst defense group to win (Pens the year before would like a word). Either way, the Caps have had better d-corps in the past but it was this year they put it together. I don't know if the Hawks group can do that, but I certainly wouldn't write them off after one season, especially when we know that they're looking for help there as well - again, if rumors are to be believed. The defense does need work, but as the last 4 playoffs have shown, a great goalie can help alleviate some of that weakness. Now how much for the Hawks, that's yet to be seen.

Will JVR prevent the Hawks from affording other players of need? I didn't realize he was going to be asking for $16m, which is about the cap space the Hawks will have simply by the cap going up and Hossa being gone / on LTIR. Obviously the price and term has to be right for JVR, but if you can get a player of his caliber, he improves the top 6 of this team, the same way Oshie did for the Caps. I mentioned him because of the similar age and production leading into their UFA contracts.

Hawks definitely have more pressing needs than a top 6 winger, but they're not going to ignore that just because they have other areas of need as well. Ideally they would find something for all those weaknesses. They definitely do need another center, preferably a checking center, unless they think Kampf will breakout in that role next year (iffy). I'm not one that believe they need that much help on defense - if they could find someone to skate with Keith, that would have a ripple effect to the other pairs that could sort itself out. Idk that for sure, the sample of some of these guys is too small. Maybe they could get another LD like De Haan, but Hillman or Gilbert are also good options, esp the latter imo. Pair them with Murphy, Gus-Seabrook play an offensive 3rd pair, and you've got the start of something.

The thing is, the Hawks have some cap room to make some moves and signing JVR at the right price shouldn't impact that. Emphasis on the right price. I may like JVR and think he'd be a good fit for a "try to win another cup sooner rather than later" but I don't think they should go crazy to get him or anything. Just don't really get the angst at the Hawks talking about him.

It wasn't just 2013 - who was 2C in 2010? Their best center depth was in 2015 and that was still the weakest team that won the cup. I'm not even claiming the current teams' centers are near any of the cup ones, just that the Hawks have pretty much been historically weak there but won because their wingers were great. But either way, again, they are obviously looking at improving there so Idk why that's a point of contention for signing players that might fill other needs.

Also, I actually like the Caps top defense guys, but they weren't all that celebrated by many people before this cup run and still not many after. Hell, there were people on here talking about how this was the worst defense group to win (Pens the year before would like a word). Either way, the Caps have had better d-corps in the past but it was this year they put it together. I don't know if the Hawks group can do that, but I certainly wouldn't write them off after one season, especially when we know that they're looking for help there as well - again, if rumors are to be believed. The defense does need work, but as the last 4 playoffs have shown, a great goalie can help alleviate some of that weakness. Now how much for the Hawks, that's yet to be seen.

Will JVR prevent the Hawks from affording other players of need? I didn't realize he was going to be asking for $16m, which is about the cap space the Hawks will have simply by the cap going up and Hossa being gone / on LTIR. Obviously the price and term has to be right for JVR, but if you can get a player of his caliber, he improves the top 6 of this team, the same way Oshie did for the Caps. I mentioned him because of the similar age and production leading into their UFA contracts.

Hawks definitely have more pressing needs than a top 6 winger, but they're not going to ignore that just because they have other areas of need as well. Ideally they would find something for all those weaknesses. They definitely do need another center, preferably a checking center, unless they think Kampf will breakout in that role next year (iffy). I'm not one that believe they need that much help on defense - if they could find someone to skate with Keith, that would have a ripple effect to the other pairs that could sort itself out. Idk that for sure, the sample of some of these guys is too small. Maybe they could get another LD like De Haan, but Hillman or Gilbert are also good options, esp the latter imo. Pair them with Murphy, Gus-Seabrook play an offensive 3rd pair, and you've got the start of something.

The thing is, the Hawks have some cap room to make some moves and signing JVR at the right price shouldn't impact that. Emphasis on the right price. I may like JVR and think he'd be a good fit for a "try to win another cup sooner rather than later" but I don't think they should go crazy to get him or anything. Just don't really get the angst at the Hawks talking about him.
- L_B_R

I'd really like to see the Hawks sign JvR then move up to draft Zadina. That would certainly help improve the Hawks depth at forward.

Saad-Toews-DeBrincat
JvR-Schmaltz-Kane
Sikura-Anisimov-Zadina
Hinostroza-??-Hayden
Jurco

Then hopefully Stan finds a way to turn the #27 pick into immediate help on defense.

I'd really like to see the Hawks sign JvR then move up to draft Zadina. That would certainly help improve the Hawks depth at forward.

Saad-Toews-DeBrincat
JvR-Schmaltz-Kane
Sikura-Anisimov-Zadina
Hinostroza-??-Hayden
Jurco

Then hopefully Stan finds a way to turn the #27 pick into immediate help on defense.
- DarthKane

The reality is you can have the Habs defense of the 70's back there(3 HoF'ers) and if the forward play isn't better, it isn't going to matter. I lost count during every game when the opposing team was heading up ice with speed and numbers.

Their defense is still vastly better than the Hawks. The Capitals had legit top guys. They also had stars playing like stars. Orpik is a turd, but he served a solid role. Kempny may have stunk in Chicago, but he looked more than adequate as a third pairing guy there.

Just because Hawks won with suspect center depth (one year, 2013) doesn't mean you eschew that to sign a winger you may not even need for a price that will further strap this team with aging, expensive players all the while putting yourself into position where you can't address you true needs (D, backup goalie, Center).

If the Hawks were one winger away then sure give him money, sign him and go for it, but this team is not close to being a Cup contender and a fools gold signing without a true altering of the team makeup wreaks of PR-madness. We got JVR, we're going for it. JVR is a solid player, but unless the deal is favorable for the Hawks they need to focus efforts elsewhere.

I agree Crow is a better goalie, but who the hell knows about him at this point. If he's healthy will he return to form? Crow is also part of the aging core of this team. If he's playing at his level, his cap hit is a bargain for the Hawks honestly. His health is a key and may allow the Hawks greater flexibility.

I still loathe the centers on this team. I think Toews will rebound, but after that you don't have anyone who can win a stinking draw. And I am not an AA fan. Love Schmaltz but his work in the circles is abysmal and I don't know if he has the size to stand up at that position over the long haul, although I DO like Schmaltz's instincts for the Center position so I'd be willing to try him there. But 35% faceoff percentage is horrific, ESPECIALLY when you're on a line with Kaner...you want to start with the puck not spend the first 20 seconds of your shift chasing it.
- kwolf68

His FO% was 40. FOs are so over-rated anyway.

If the Hawks do land JVR, the trade for TVR will soon follow. To placate Q.
- z1990z

yeah, the whole reason to get JVR is to lure TVR back!

You are not winning a cup with Panarin on your roster.

He disappears when big boy hockey is played.

Can we all please just get over this already!!!!!


- dahawks8819

That use to be true but the last three years haven't really been the case a lot of games didn't have a lot of hitting and if the rest of the team is playing good you could still when a cup with a star absent. It has happened before.

Dude, how many times have I told you I am not trying to sell you or anyone else on a player. Been telling you that for 2-3 blogs now. Save yourself the keystrokes selling me on a guy you've sold to me in 7-8-9 posts. I got that you liked him after the first post.

Same for your dislike of Tkachuk, a player I have opinions on cuz I saw him live 2-3 times. I got it on your first post. My opinion is the kid is a monster and one of a few who can skate with world class talent and battle like monsters in the crease to clean things up who can't skate with world class players.

Other than Bouchard and Kotkaniemi I don't think I posted totals on any prospect. I'm a foundation guy when speaking of kids, not points. It ain't how good a kid is at 18 it's how good he is at 25, that I understand watching 15-16 yr olds trying to make a USHL roster and if he has the foundation to improve to compete at that level. ... But the 87 put up by Dman Bouchard and 1/2 point per game Kot put up vs men has to be mentioned and taken into account.

In the same way I would have to take into account Merkley was the first ever rookie to lead OHL Dmen in points and did so being 16 yrs old for half a season. But despite that and his skills admittedly being 2 or 3rd amongst prospects there is nooooooooooo way if I were running the Hawks use the 8th on a kid that was thrown off his own bench in game TWICE by two different coaches, suspended by his own team for that, AND his defensive zone play by his OWN admission HAS been an after thought.

McKenzie has reported that GM's and some scouts have the kid on their no draft list. Won't draft him period, not the 1st or the SEVENTH rd! These people know things about him besides what is already known, things not made public. There is zeeeeero chance I take a kid like that with the 8th

That 8th is gold and they can't miss, can't. If Merkley is there and the Hawks still have the 27th they have a decision to make based on what their scouts have on the kid.

Still too early for me to have my wish list but feel safe saying I'd love the Finn to drop to me at 8, think if Hughes was 6 ft tall he'd be in the conversation with Dahlin, think Wahlstrom will be a minimum 30+ goal scorer in the bigs, think whomever takes Bouchard in the top 10 has a ton of balls as the kid has the makings of a Doughty with average skating though I'm not sure he gets there and Tkachuk will be a 60+ point 225lb beast that will be a difference maker at the NHL level.

I would be fine today with Kot, Hughes, Wahlstrom or Tkachuk at 8. After looking at the fancy stats on Boqvist at The Athletic, his two concussions this yr, his poor in zone play and his 3 yr projection to get to the bigs I wouldn't take him at 8. ...... Those are my definitives 3 days before the draft.
- Mr Ricochet

What are you even talking about? When have I ever said anything approaching that you are trying to sell me on a player or me you. Just hockey discussions. You might just want to drink a tad less coffee. You and one thousand others daily type and type and type singing the praises of the great Tkachuk ad nauseam. I try to balance it a bit. I, like Merkley’s billets, like Merkley. I realise that there are many that don’t over his attitude. Unless it is exposed that he is a serial bank robber I just can’t believe he is that bad a teen.

I actually do know that Bobby is just lining up the "facts" from a closed group of his scouting friends and packaging it as his draft list.

I know it because it is my goal each year to me MORE accurate than his list.
Did it once.
I tied (with the same four first round misses) once,
but usually they are on task up to around pick 50.

BUT....this year is actually different and he said so too...really divergent opinions on whether to go with the guys who are ranked (and ranked different by each NHL team) in terms of best player available or the need based selections.


That's why this so fun...the posts from the last two blogs will be here to look back on, see what everyone said and how it shook out.

It is silly to quibble over dee or forward or Zadina over Brady, because in 200 hours we see what the true professions sought out and selected as their best opinions, not yours, Bobby McKenzies, or mine.
- wiz1901

wiz - agreed - there is very little in the Draft that is predictable. Actually adds a little fun as almost anything seems possible after the first couple of picks.

I am gonna save this post in my files, Z3Hawk, because I am thoroughly convinced he is the best the entire family has to offer.

Now both our opinions are out there (Mine has been in my DraftSite profiles for months), and some one is going to incorrect...
- wiz1901

wiz - just like I didn’t gloat when DeBrincat was a success I won’t gloat when Tkachuk isn’t. lol. However, I will tip my hat if I am wrong. I actually hope that Tkachuk does OK I just don’t think he has a ceiling high enough for a high pick.

What are you even talking about? When have I ever said anything approaching that you are trying to sell me on a player or me you. Just hockey discussions. You might just want to drink a tad less coffee. You and one thousand others daily type and type and type singing the praises of the great Tkachuk ad nauseam. I try to balance it a bit. I, like Merkley’s billets, like Merkley. I realise that there are many that don’t over his attitude. Unless it is exposed that he is a serial bank robber I just can’t believe he is that bad a teen.
- Z3Hawk

It would be very disappointing to see the Hawks reach on a 5’11” offensive D with defensive issues on ice and potential attitude issues off ice that is rated 15+ in most drafts.... if Boquist and/or Hughes are available on D and especially over Tkachuk. He’s a physical beast that plays the game with passion and responsibility from every scouting report I’ve read from those who are paid to write them. I cannot see a better fit for the Hawks in filling the skilled power forward void to complement the small but highly skilled Kane, Debrincat and Schmaltz

Crazy that the Rangers have 5 picks of the first 50 players drafted....#9, 26,28,39,48

I'd really like to see the Hawks sign JvR then move up to draft Zadina. That would certainly help improve the Hawks depth at forward.

Saad-Toews-DeBrincat
JvR-Schmaltz-Kane
Sikura-Anisimov-Zadina
Hinostroza-??-Hayden
Jurco


Then hopefully Stan finds a way to turn the #27 pick into immediate help on defense.
- DarthKane

Dream on

It would be very disappointing to see the Hawks reach on a 5’11” offensive D with defensive issues on ice and potential attitude issues off ice that is rated 15+ in most drafts....especially if Boquist and/or Hughes are available on D and especially over Tkachuk. He’s a physical beast that plays the game with passion and responsibility from every scouting report I’ve read from those who are paid to write them.
- EnzoD

Enzo, forget Hughes and Tkachuk. Neither of those guys are sliding thru Arizona, Ottawa, Detroit or Vancouver. They will be gone - unless Stanbo spends to move up.

Think Zadina or Bouchard as the selection.

Enzo, forget Hughes and Tkachuk. Neither of those guys are sliding thru Arizona, Ottawa, Detroit or Vancouver. They will be gone - unless Stanbo spends to move up.

Think Zadina or Bouchard as the selection.
- RickJ

You think Zadina slips to 8 after being #3 almost all year?? I’d be thrilled with any of the strong forwards with talent in The Finnish Kopitar , Wahlstrom, Tkachuk, or Zadina