At noon today, Stan Bowman will talk to reporters for the first time since April 9, which means we'll get an official Corey Crawford update for the first time since April 9. I switched to an earlier flight so I can get on the call, but if I'm delayed, @madkenney has you covered.

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) June 21, 2018

- L_B_R

Thanks L_B_R for the update. Hopefully the news is positive.

Thanks L_B_R for the update. Hopefully the news is positive.
- BGKarras

Stan is one of the biggest optimists I’ve ever seen. He’s always happy with his teams, and he’ll be happy to relay the positivity once again today.

At noon today, Stan Bowman will talk to reporters for the first time since April 9, which means we'll get an official Corey Crawford update for the first time since April 9. I switched to an earlier flight so I can get on the call, but if I'm delayed, @madkenney has you covered.

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) June 21, 2018

- L_B_R

Odd that today Stan has the time to meet with reporters ??? Shouldn't he be working the phones the day before the draft instead of this ? Unless there's some sort of major announcement coming ???

Odd that today Stan has the time to meet with reporters ??? Shouldn't he be working the phones the day before the draft instead of this ? Unless there's some sort of major announcement coming ???
- Hawkytalk

doubt it. the normal "we like our team" and "excited for the draft" talk.

well played, Smart Pattie
- wiz1901

Wiz, make sure you hit up the Rodeo Goat for a burger and beverage! That goes for all traveling to the draft. I moved here in Dallas two years ago. The three best spots for good food and atmosphere:

1. Rodeo Goat
2. Moxies
3. Nickel and Rye

Stan is one of the biggest optimists I’ve ever seen. He’s always happy with his teams, and he’ll be happy to relay the positivity once again today.
- TommyHawk

How is that any different than any GM in any sport? Ryan Pace is always excited/happy. In his world the needle is always pointing up and the Bears haven't sniffed the playoffs for 4 or 5 years.

Odd that today Stan has the time to meet with reporters ??? Shouldn't he be working the phones the day before the draft instead of this ? Unless there's some sort of major announcement coming ???
- Hawkytalk

It's unrealistic to think that GM's are on the phone for 24 hours of the day prior to the draft because of the improvements that are needed to be made.....

Odd that today Stan has the time to meet with reporters ??? Shouldn't he be working the phones the day before the draft instead of this ? Unless there's some sort of major announcement coming ???
- Hawkytalk

This may be more effective/beneficial than working the phone. If you are thinking of moving Crawford a positive report to the public may get teams on the fence or worried to inquire (and actually answer Stan’s call).

It's unrealistic to think that GM's are on the phone for 24 hours of the day prior to the draft because of the improvements that are needed to be made.....
- nickmo2699

And there are schedules in place/required for any and all GMs for any sport to have press conferences, etc. Especially around draft time.

Not sure why Stan is criticized for that too. Well, actually, I do know...

And there are schedules in place/required for any and all GMs for any sport to have press conferences, etc. Especially around draft time.

Not sure why Stan is criticized for that too. Well, actually, I do know...
- PatShart

Ultimately the press conference will have been held too late or too early and of course will have been way too positive.

From Pronman's latest Q & A:

Ted B: Would it be a stretch to say that Ruslan Iskhakov is this draft’s version of Alex DeBrincat? He’s small but he’s really strong on the puck, has a great shot, strong skater, high hockey IQ and has great vision.

DeBrincat was more of a goal-scorer than an elite hands guy like Iskhakov, also had massive production in a better league, something Iskahkov hasn’t done yet, though he has produced in international play.

I think most people, me anyway, were pissed that Kane was somehow embroiled in another controversial situation.

Whether it was of his own making or not was not really the point. It was more about his ability (or seeming inability) to make good decisions or at the very least exercise better discretion off the ice and keep his name out of the press for the wrong reasons.

I have no idea if he learned anything at all from that particular incident but the fact that was the last time bad juju seemed to follow in the press is a good sign for me.
- HawkintheD

Ah good point . I was worried for him ,and think he saw chance he may lose everything. Seems much more grounded now .Let's hope so anyway ..

Last night yield little NHL personel interaction, and though folks you would all recognize are about, the circumstances are not conducive of me in a Q & A.

I been thinking about one scenario:

What if the Hawks were to convince the Habs to flip #3 for #8 and land one centre in Artem Anisimov and the Hats then send that #8 slot choice with a winger to Buffalo for Ryan O’Reilly?

The Habs if they REALLY are intent on taking Jesperi Kotkaniemi, unless Wings go off the rails there is pretty decent chance he is still on the board (if his old bosses have assured him their man in Brady Tkachuk)

I think the reality of trading out on the top six in this strong mix of forwards and defenseman dampens the chances of a team trading out, but....

Mac Bergevin would then have a now centre, and a developing centre (to go along with last year's pick of Ryan Poeling) to parade around the microphones and get back so good vides after the goal subtraction the Dome acquisition brought to town.

I honestly don't think the top six slots are easy to trade for full value, and probably only a small chance those teams move....

Ultimately the press conference will have been held too late or too early and of course will have been way too positive.
- HawkintheD

I guess we will have to wait and hear what he has to say. I don't understand the all criticism so far.

I guess we will have to wait and hear what he has to say. I don't understand the all criticism so far.
- BGKarras

I’ve never understood the criticism in regard to the PR/politics/poker game...whatever you want to call it.

I’m not sure what some people expect him to say...

There’s a pretty good chance we’ll suck again this year. Move along, nothing to see here.

I think most people, me anyway, were pissed that Kane was somehow embroiled in another controversial situation.

Whether it was of his own making or not was not really the point. It was more about his ability (or seeming inability) to make good decisions or at the very least exercise better discretion off the ice and keep his name out of the press for the wrong reasons.

I have no idea if he learned anything at all from that particular incident but the fact that was the last time bad juju seemed to follow in the press is a good sign for me.
- HawkintheD

Agreed....Kane was putting himself in bad situations and since then I don't believe he has gone back to Buffalo in the offseason. That's not a coincidence.

There has been a LOT of smoke around a few guys on this team the past few years and 1 guy got divorced and his game has been off for a bit. INjury? Sure.....Just have to wonder if the off ice issues also weigh him down.

Also had drunk Crawford spraining his ankle and hawks making him face the music with the media.

All in the past....and with age, hopefully many guys have grown up.

From Pronman's latest Q & A:

Ted B: Would it be a stretch to say that Ruslan Iskhakov is this draft’s version of Alex DeBrincat? He’s small but he’s really strong on the puck, has a great shot, strong skater, high hockey IQ and has great vision.

DeBrincat was more of a goal-scorer than an elite hands guy like Iskhakov, also had massive production in a better league, something Iskahkov hasn’t done yet, though he has produced in international play.
- Mr Ricochet

You PURPOSEFULLY posted this because you know I love arguing with that little nerd-ball Prohman, didn't you.

The real answer in my opinion is DeBrincat has elite hands in the area of shooting and if Corey denies that, he again is lost in himself.
The cat is not a east west dangler with the puck, he slips in, and his hands (those same hands that hold the stick, as in stickhandle) can quickly adjust and let it go.
and let's talk about
Ruslan Iskhakov
On my board, he is in the #169 slot.
Instead of you =going to Draftsite to read the profile I wrote here it is:
Midget forward who was able to amass 107 points in 50 games after transferring to the Slovakia Under 18 league. A high end attacker with great vision, passing skills and elusiveness. Needs to develop his on-ice vision and his shot.


Nothing like propping a Russian ANY of us has seen more than twice to lofty draft status based on his play.

One issue that I think could be very important in the Hawks thinking regarding Wahlstrom is he shoots RIGHT. An offensive force winger that shoots RIGHT - put him on his offwing as the LW on Kane’s line. For those missing Panarin there you go. I love Zadina too but he is a LEFT shooting RW - great player but not for Kane. We already have a RW for Toews. What should be done with Saad is this - you finally move him to his off-wing where he can penetrate for his shots easier making him Toews’ left shooting RW. My job is done. lol
- Z3Hawk

Zadina is better than Wahlstrom, you take best player available

And there are schedules in place/required for any and all GMs for any sport to have press conferences, etc. Especially around draft time.

Not sure why Stan is criticized for that too. Well, actually, I do know...
- PatShart

For me personally, I am just sick of the "talking points" or propaganda this organization has evolved into. This team hasn't won a playoff series since they raised the cup. IF the mantra truly is "One goal" and that "one goal" is to contend for a championship yearly, well over the last 3 years......I would argue only 2015-16 iced a team with a roster that could have made a run SHOULD they have beaten another beast in STL.

I was ripped last year for calling out the Hawks warts by many, and glad they finished 1st overall in the west, but were exposed promptly by Nashville.

Hawks panic and deal their best overall defenseman and their 2nd best overall player and what did they get back? A retread who looks as interested as the moronic "bros" who parade around in their t shirt jerseys and stand up to go take a leak during the play...…..and "captain America" Connor Murphy who is a turnstyle.

The Hawks got worse....and supposedly brought in some D man whisperer in Ulf Samuelsson, who BTW may be my 2nd most hated NHL Player behind Konstantinov, and what D man truly progressed? They traded Kempny. What did ULF bring?

So today when Stan comes out and lauds how much talent will be there at 8, well....great......but HOW are you going to close the growing gap between your team and the top teams in the league? Your vaunted core has a 3 yr shelf life left, maybe, and if you can't realistically see yourself competing...….TO me......you blow this whole thing up....you build around Kane, make him captain, and trade off guys to acquire picks/prospects, and move along.

Instead I fear they will put another band aid on this sinking ship, much like 2016-17, and 2017-18 and that has gotten them all of ZERO playoff wins. That is the definition of insanity..

Odd that today Stan has the time to meet with reporters ??? Shouldn't he be working the phones the day before the draft instead of this ? Unless there's some sort of major announcement coming ???
- Hawkytalk

Yes.
No.
Maybe.

My plan is to be surprised if he makes two good choices without moving down.

Btw Texax stars AHL lost to Toronto Marlies in AHL championship
- jhawk59

You DO NOT move out of slot eight, period.

If it gets you a REAL impact NHL player, consider it.

But we need to make the pick, because despite what anybody says about someone lower might be better later, there are really save options in front of the organization and you cannot by-pass the restocking chance.

Agreed....Kane was putting himself in bad situations and since then I don't believe he has gone back to Buffalo in the offseason. That's not a coincidence.

There has been a LOT of smoke around a few guys on this team the past few years and 1 guy got divorced and his game has been off for a bit. INjury? Sure.....Just have to wonder if the off ice issues also weigh him down.

Also had drunk Crawford spraining his ankle and hawks making him face the music with the media.

All in the past....and with age, hopefully many guys have grown up.
- SteveRain

Tbf Kane doesn't avoid Buffalo completely - he was in Buffalo just last week and he goes back 3-4 times in the summer to visit family/friends if twitter/instagram are to judge. He doesn't avoid going there altogether, he just doesn't spend the entire summer there like years past. Smart imo. Also iindicates he probably wouldn't ever okay a trade back.

A for Keith, he was going through his divorce during the 2014-15 season and won a Conn Smythe. Didn't seem to weigh him down then. He already had a girlfriend who went down to the ice post cup-win. Idk if you should look deeper into his relationships looking for answers when age/injury is more likely.

Last night yield little NHL personel interaction, and though folks you would all recognize are about, the circumstances are not conducive of me in a Q & A.

I been thinking about one scenario:

What if the Hawks were to convince the Habs to flip #3 for #8 and land one centre in Artem Anisimov and the Hats then send that #8 slot choice with a winger to Buffalo for Ryan O’Reilly?

The Habs if they REALLY are intent on taking Jesperi Kotkaniemi, unless Wings go off the rails there is pretty decent chance he is still on the board (if his old bosses have assured him their man in Brady Tkachuk)

I think the reality of trading out on the top six in this strong mix of forwards and defenseman dampens the chances of a team trading out, but....

Mac Bergevin would then have a now centre, and a developing centre (to go along with last year's pick of Ryan Poeling) to parade around the microphones and get back so good vides after the goal subtraction the Dome acquisition brought to town.

I honestly don't think the top six slots are easy to trade for full value, and probably only a small chance those teams move....
- wiz1901

I still don't think O'Reilly is getting traded, but I'd love if the Hawks went up to #3 somehow to get Zadina. His highlights have been my favorite to watch, as things just seem to get way more exciting when he has the puck.

Bergevin might be even more up a creek though if he has the massive contracts of ROR, Weber, and Price. They've got some room, but as Hawks fans we know it's dangerous to have that much cap space in so few of players.

Kane was in Buffalo just last week and he goes back 3-4 times in the summer to visit family/friends if twitter/instagram are to judge. Kane was coming back from Buffalo last year when he gave his first class seat up for a military service man. He doesn't avoid going there altogether, he just doesn't spend the entire summer there like years past.

Keith was going through his divorce during the 2014-15 season and won a Conn Smythe. Didn't seem to weigh him down then. He already had a girlfriend who went down to the ice post cup-win.
- L_B_R

Pont is pre drama, Kane was in Buffalo all summer and had the cab thing and then the legal thing. I will have to look it up but I believe they settled out of court with the results sealed.

There was tons of smoke around Kelly Rae and some Hawks players. You also had the trainers suicide.

Point is lots of bad ju-ju and now most of these guys are grown up with kids (Crawford) or will be soon.

I still don't think O'Reilly is getting traded, but I'd love if the Hawks went up to #3 somehow to get Zadina. His highlights have been my favorite to watch, as things just seem to get way more exciting when he has the puck.

Bergevin might be even more up a creek though if he has the massive contracts of ROR, Weber, and Price. They've got some room, but as Hawks fans we know it's dangerous to have that much cap space in so few of players.
- ObeseOprah

Heard he has been compared to Marian Hossa, guessing more than he's just from the same country. That's pretty high praise.