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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Bold Predictions on Draft Week
Author Message
L_B_R
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.23.2014

Jun 21 @ 11:47 AM ET
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.

- SteveRain

The 2015 legal thing was not settled out of court - the DA dismissed the case. The results were very public - the evidence (or lack thereof) was leaked, there's like an hour long tape of the DA going over everything (including saying he almost charged the accuser with false claim), and more.

But yes, Kane has been staying away more than he did - I was just pointing out the falseness that he never went back at all. The more adult thing Kane did was give up alcohol (at least in-season idk about outside that).

There was only smoke around Keith's wife from what fans with no life were inhaling at the time. Keith and Sharp are still good friends, were just pictured together in Canada the other week. Also, Keith obviously had a kid already so I don't understand that point. I just think it's weird to focus on Keith's personal life's potential impact on his hockey when 1) during his divorce he played the best hockey of his life and 2) he had injuries to recover from that seem more likely to be the root of any perceived issues.

And ngl the whole drunk Crawford thing is funny to me. Hockey players drink a good bit and he wasn't doing anything wrong drinking at a concert. Sucks he hurt himself, but it's not like he was driving (like ROR) or did something to someone else.
wiz1901
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: DraftSite com, IL
Joined: 05.14.2008

Jun 21 @ 11:48 AM ET
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


everybody in the nHL is here...you can text another Gm and go to his room.

All the teams reserve the hotel meeting rooms and do a "predraft sound check" to discuss the options and possible scenarios and trade offers.

So until tomorrow night StanBo and everyone of the will be close associates.
(Note: I cannot remember if the meetings takes place today or the late morning of the actual draft day)

Funny story...with Blackhawk Bob again, this time in Nashville for the draft...we are roaming the NHL hotel and there is a terrace level, and there are no off-limits signs or security so we go up, and start walking the level that WAS the meeting rooms.
We saw there people in the rooms (through the double door cracks) so Bob is up close and trying to make out and recognizable faces in the room (snooping), and he starts to back away and we are leaving and the door bust open with Darryl Sutter and the Calgary contingent leaving.
Darryl has always had puzzling facial expressions to begin with, and the entourage disperses, but Darryl hands back, sizing up up, and then slowly walks towards the elevator (the rest were Cleary going OUT to lunch).
I already think he wonders why we were lurking (other than the fact we are fanatics) ad of course I use the opportunity to say, "I now you are going to pass on Dion Phaneuf so he drops to the Blackhawks?"
He turns pale...they were listening!

glad we got Seabrook one rthose other defenseman...they haves HAD to go defense b/c they were in bad shape throughout the organization...Ryan Getzlaf and Jeff Carter were sitting there.
fattybeef
Joined: 05.04.2010

Jun 21 @ 11:52 AM ET
Toews is already the 2C. Any line Kaner is on is line #1. ........ IMO you put ROR with Kaner and Schmaltz.
- Mr Ricochet


I don't know that there are 30 centers better than Toews. I'd rather have Toews than RoR though. Both would be neat. I think that he would be tough to pry out of Buffalo though. Those assets may be better spent on a defender.
tyweb69
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 07.02.2012

Jun 21 @ 11:54 AM ET
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

Bergevin (sorry I butchered his name last night) has been on a roll lately so I wouldn't rule anything out with him!
fattybeef
Joined: 05.04.2010

Jun 21 @ 11:55 AM ET
Kane is NEVER getting traded. Kane is simply too important to the Hawks on so many levels. He is the face of the franchise. He is the leading scorer by light years. I like what Enzo said - he wouldn't watch anymore. Kane is as likely to be traded by the Hawks as Crosby is likely to be traded by the Penguins.
- Z3Hawk


He's also working out with the younger guys over the summer and helping them along and that is pretty valuable.
stonefire
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Prague
Joined: 10.22.2006

Jun 21 @ 11:57 AM ET
Heard he has been compared to Marian Hossa, guessing more than he's just from the same country. That's pretty high praise.
- kwolf68


Not quite, one is a Czech from Pardubice and the other is Slovak from Stara Lubovna. Used to be the same country by the time Hossa was born, but not anymore
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jun 21 @ 12:08 PM ET
The 2015 legal thing was not settled out of court - the DA dismissed the case. The results were very public - the evidence (or lack thereof) was leaked, there's like an hour long tape of the DA going over everything (including saying he almost charged the accuser with false claim), and more.

But yes, Kane has been staying away more than he did - I was just pointing out the falseness that he never went back at all. The more adult thing Kane did was give up alcohol (at least in-season idk about outside that).

There was only smoke around Keith's wife from what fans with no life were inhaling at the time. Keith and Sharp are still good friends, were just pictured together in Canada the other week. Also, Keith obviously had a kid already so I don't understand that point. I just think it's weird to focus on Keith's personal life's potential impact on his hockey when 1) during his divorce he played the best hockey of his life and 2) he had injuries to recover from that seem more likely to be the root of any perceived issues.

And ngl the whole drunk Crawford thing is funny to me. Hockey players drink a good bit and he wasn't doing anything wrong drinking at a concert. Sucks he hurt himself, but it's not like he was driving (like ROR) or did something to someone else.

- L_B_R


Well when Crawford falls off a curb or whatever it was and can't play....yeah it's more then just players drinking a good bit. I don't care what these guys do off the ice to be perfectly honest. However when it impacts their performance or availability then I have no issue if the team decides to cast them off.

Think it's time for many to realize that Keith is not regaining his old form. Ill gladly eat crow if it happens, but watching this guy live or on tv it's obvious that he has lost a major step that was the key to his game as he gets bodied around as bad as Toews does vs larger sized guys and is exposed. I believe Keith was on a historical path for posting the worst shooting percentage with a certain amount of shots on goal. Guy has no business sniffing a PP.

I cant' find anything on Kane settling. I did find stuff on those talks "possibly happening" but nothing ever being reported as done. So as a believer in actual links, can't say he ever did. Sad thing is, Kane or the DA should have prosecuted this woman for false accusations and if I"m a Buffalo tax payer not a fan of having false claims and money wasted on them.
Mr Ricochet
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Joliet, IL
Joined: 04.19.2009

Jun 21 @ 12:10 PM ET
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.

- wiz1901


No, I ain't trolling you Wiz especially a day from the draft....... I just liked the question, is there a Dcat that will slide in this draft and if so who might that be.

I'm not familiar enough with Pronman to have an opinion other than he's connected. But what I like most about him is he obviously doesn't go with the crowd and gives his "own" opinions on players. ....Refreshing for a nationally known guy.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jun 21 @ 12:10 PM ET
I don't know that there are 30 centers better than Toews. I'd rather have Toews than RoR though. Both would be neat. I think that he would be tough to pry out of Buffalo though. Those assets may be better spent on a defender.
- fattybeef


Isn't ROR a royal @ss bag?

I watched that final of US vs Canada and vs a depleted team on both sides I didn't notice ROR a helluva lot.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jun 21 @ 12:20 PM ET
He's also working out with the younger guys over the summer and helping them along and that is pretty valuable.
- fattybeef



Not to mention he's constantly getting better and better.

I can't say the same for 2 or 7 or 19. Kane has improved his weakness. You would think after posting that embarrassing shot percentage Keith would work on his shot and accuracy. Lets hope he did...…….

SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jun 21 @ 12:23 PM ET
Not that it was realistic but I man could dream....

Have to think with Trotz going to NYI, Tavares isn't going anywhere.

Onward...…...
L_B_R
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.23.2014

Jun 21 @ 12:24 PM ET
Well when Crawford falls off a curb or whatever it was and can't play....yeah it's more then just players drinking a good bit. I don't care what these guys do off the ice to be perfectly honest. However when it impacts their performance or availability then I have no issue if the team decides to cast them off.

Think it's time for many to realize that Keith is not regaining his old form. Ill gladly eat crow if it happens, but watching this guy live or on tv it's obvious that he has lost a major step that was the key to his game as he gets bodied around as bad as Toews does vs larger sized guys and is exposed. I believe Keith was on a historical path for posting the worst shooting percentage with a certain amount of shots on goal. Guy has no business sniffing a PP.

I cant' find anything on Kane settling. I did find stuff on those talks "possibly happening" but nothing ever being reported as done. So as a believer in actual links, can't say he ever did. Sad thing is, Kane or the DA should have prosecuted this woman for false accusations and if I"m a Buffalo tax payer not a fan of having false claims and money wasted on them.

- SteveRain
If the Hawks had cast Crawford off after what accounts to a dumb accident that could happen to anyone they wouldn't have won their 3rd cup. Good thing they stuck with him through his "issues". I get that it sucked to have impacted him playing, but injuries are why teams have backups and replacement players.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Jun 21 @ 12:25 PM ET
Not to mention he's constantly getting better and better.

I can't say the same for 2 or 7 or 19. Kane has improved his weakness. You would think after posting that embarrassing shot percentage Keith would work on his shot and accuracy. Lets hope he did...…….

- SteveRain


Does Keith even know how to take a wrist or snap shot? You’d think a Conn Smythe, 2x Norris and 3x Cup winner could learn how to have a quick release snapper from the point instead of his patented half windup clapper into shin guards or wide of the net....
walleyeb1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Petersburg, IL
Joined: 09.25.2014

Jun 21 @ 12:30 PM ET
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


I think they’re making a bigger deal out of this than it is. I hear it’s just a conference call in for reporters.
pdx2ord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Portland, OR
Joined: 09.02.2015

Jun 21 @ 12:34 PM ET
Well when Crawford falls off a curb or whatever it was and can't play....yeah it's more then just players drinking a good bit. I don't care what these guys do off the ice to be perfectly honest. However when it impacts their performance or availability then I have no issue if the team decides to cast them off.

Think it's time for many to realize that Keith is not regaining his old form. Ill gladly eat crow if it happens, but watching this guy live or on tv it's obvious that he has lost a major step that was the key to his game as he gets bodied around as bad as Toews does vs larger sized guys and is exposed. I believe Keith was on a historical path for posting the worst shooting percentage with a certain amount of shots on goal. Guy has no business sniffing a PP.

I cant' find anything on Kane settling. I did find stuff on those talks "possibly happening" but nothing ever being reported as done. So as a believer in actual links, can't say he ever did. Sad thing is, Kane or the DA should have prosecuted this woman for false accusations and if I"m a Buffalo tax payer not a fan of having false claims and money wasted on them.

- SteveRain


In his long interview explaining why Kane was never even charged, much less indicted or prosecuted, the DA said he had seen text evidence of the woman looking for a settlement, but it was not entertained. He also explained why he ultimately did not charge her as he did not want to discourage other people from coming forward with accusations.

Doesn't stop the SJW crowd who love to post "rapist" every time the NHL or Hawks tweet or talk about Kane, which I wish they would realize actually hurts their cause of supporting victims and ending rape culture (a noble one) more than helps.
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

Jun 21 @ 12:35 PM ET
Zadina is better than Wahlstrom, you take best player available
- ObeseOprah


I think the Hawks would view that they would have to move up for Zadina and won’t - if they are interested in a winger they will see these two as close enough. At some point you need a high scoring elite Right shooting LW for Kane. However, Zadina and Boqvist have been volatile as the draft has inched closer. If you drill down on Zadina’s numbers he was effective in Halifax in the Q over 1 season but the year before was totally ineffective in Pardubice with only 1 goal and 1 assist in 25 games. For Boqvist injury/concussion concerns have materialized. Have read some predicting Boqvist being available to the Hawks at 8 which would have been unheard of only a short time ago. After 1 and 2 the rest of the top 10 is not easily predictable.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jun 21 @ 12:37 PM ET
If the Hawks had cast Crawford off after what accounts to a dumb accident that could happen to anyone they wouldn't have won their 3rd cup. Good thing they stuck with him through his "issues". I get that it sucked to have impacted him playing, but injuries are why teams have backups and replacement players.
- L_B_R


Don't disagree, and that's why the Hawks fell off the map this year. There back up goaltending was a dumpster fire.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jun 21 @ 12:38 PM ET
Does Keith even know how to take a wrist or snap shot? You’d think a Conn Smythe, 2x Norris and 3x Cup winner could learn how to have a quick release snapper from the point instead of his patented half windup clapper into shin guards or wide of the net....
- EnzoD


I'm sure he does, but he's prefer to drag along the blue line and fire wide or get it blocked.

I watched the Washington PP and realized how nice it was to have point guys who actually have a clue. Amazing how that works...…..
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

Jun 21 @ 12:39 PM ET
Well when Crawford falls off a curb or whatever it was and can't play....yeah it's more then just players drinking a good bit. I don't care what these guys do off the ice to be perfectly honest. However when it impacts their performance or availability then I have no issue if the team decides to cast them off.

Think it's time for many to realize that Keith is not regaining his old form. Ill gladly eat crow if it happens, but watching this guy live or on tv it's obvious that he has lost a major step that was the key to his game as he gets bodied around as bad as Toews does vs larger sized guys and is exposed. I believe Keith was on a historical path for posting the worst shooting percentage with a certain amount of shots on goal. Guy has no business sniffing a PP.

I cant' find anything on Kane settling. I did find stuff on those talks "possibly happening" but nothing ever being reported as done. So as a believer in actual links, can't say he ever did. Sad thing is, Kane or the DA should have prosecuted this woman for false accusations and if I"m a Buffalo tax payer not a fan of having false claims and money wasted on them.

- SteveRain


Kane did not settle - there was legally absolutely no case.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jun 21 @ 12:40 PM ET
In his long interview explaining why Kane was never even charged, much less indicted or prosecuted, the DA said he had seen text evidence of the woman looking for a settlement, but it was not entertained. He also explained why he ultimately did not charge her as he did not want to discourage other people from coming forward with accusations.

Doesn't stop the SJW crowd who love to post "rapist" every time the NHL or Hawks tweet or talk about Kane, which I wish they would realize actually hurts their cause of supporting victims and ending rape culture (a noble one) more than helps.

- pdx2ord


Nobody won there, and I just think as rightful as it is to charge somebody IF evidence is there for a charge, it's also rightful to charge somebody with false claims because I'd bet there are people out there....cough....Dan Bernstein......who think Kane is a rapist and wont' come off that view point. As soon as that whole thing was brought forward Kane's reputation took a hit and he lost fans he will never recover .
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Jun 21 @ 12:42 PM ET
Does Keith even know how to take a wrist or snap shot? You’d think a Conn Smythe, 2x Norris and 3x Cup winner could learn how to have a quick release snapper from the point instead of his patented half windup clapper into shin guards or wide of the net....
- EnzoD

Hawks prospect Mitchell, who has been described as Keith lite due to his similar game, also has the issue of not being able to get his point shots through to the net like Keith. Hopefully Denver coaches are helping him with that as he enters his sophomore year.

This also begs the question of should the Hawks also find new instructors who provide specialized skills training beyond the head coach and assistant coaches. Is there such a thing as a shooting instructor at the NHL level? Is there a coach or instructor that does this already for the Hawks?

Goalies have Jimmy Waite who I think does a great job, but not sure if I can say the same thing for Yanic Perreault as faceoff instructor. Much like Ted Dent who didn't have a strong track record of churning out fully developed and ready prospects to graduate to the Hawks, Perrault's track record doesn't seem to be strong either. He helped out Kruger immensely but that's about it. Schmaltz did improve from 30% to 40% from year 1 to year 2 but not sure how much of that is attributable to Perrault versus experience and confidence.
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

Jun 21 @ 12:46 PM ET
Does Keith even know how to take a wrist or snap shot? You’d think a Conn Smythe, 2x Norris and 3x Cup winner could learn how to have a quick release snapper from the point instead of his patented half windup clapper into shin guards or wide of the net....
- EnzoD


Perhaps Keith’s greatest weakness is his complete inability to understand the importance of just getting his shot through. Other teams have killed the Hawks doing that very thing including LA in the Conference Final. Keith - blocked slappers all the time. We need our older dog to learn a new trick.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Jun 21 @ 12:47 PM ET
I think the Hawks would view that they would have to move up for Zadina and won’t - if they are interested in a winger they will see these two as close enough. At some point you need a high scoring elite Right shooting LW for Kane. However, Zadina and Boqvist have been volatile as the draft has inched closer. If you drill down on Zadina’s numbers he was effective in Halifax in the Q over 1 season but the year before was totally ineffective in Pardubice with only 1 goal and 1 assist in 25 games. For Boqvist injury/concussion concerns have materialized. Have read some predicting Boqvist being available to the Hawks at 8 which would have been unheard of only a short time ago. After 1 and 2 the rest of the top 10 is not easily predictable.
- Z3Hawk

Many draft sites have Boqvist already dropping out of the top 10. I think you're right that the concussions may be a reason for his stock dropping.
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

Jun 21 @ 12:50 PM ET
Isn't ROR a royal @ss bag?

I watched that final of US vs Canada and vs a depleted team on both sides I didn't notice ROR a helluva lot.

- SteveRain


ROR actually played great on the big ice previous to the Bronze medal game. Whether it is considered arrogant or not Canada rarely or ever can get up for bronze medal games.
Return of the Roar
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Solidly grounded in reality, IL
Joined: 07.27.2009

Jun 21 @ 12:51 PM ET
Perhaps Keith’s greatest weakness is his complete inability to understand the importance of just getting his shot through. Other teams have killed the Hawks doing that very thing including LA in the Conference Final. Keith - blocked slappers all the time. We need our older dog to learn a new trick.
- Z3Hawk


Quick release wrist shot, and consistently having a guy in front of the goalie would go a long way to help.
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