I heard yes. If they didn'tlike him... they would have just kept Kero.

He can be valuable in the AHL and with his NHL experience, in a pinch, I think could step up in a 4th line C position.
- Justin Lowe

Kinda running out of contract spots:

CF shows 44 contracts issued - with Jurco, DuClair, and the likes of Franson, Clendenning, Glass, Svedberg, Tootoo, Bouma, now Chaput as unsigned.

Add a couple of FA outsiders and there are only 4 spots left.

David Perron's agent, Allan Walsh told @stevecarprj: "There's been significant interest in David today. David has loved his time in Las Vegas. He loves his teammates. It's a very special group. But he's forced to look at other opportunities."

Kinda running out of contract spots:

CF shows 44 contracts issued - with Jurco, DuClair, and the likes of Franson, Clendenning, Glass, Svedberg, Tootoo, Bouma, now Chaput as unsigned.

Add a couple of FA outsiders and there are only 4 spots left.
- StLBravesFan

They have some room still. I anticipate there will be some moves still which could free up some spots.

Also, I have heard that they loved that Rockford group and are happy to keep a lot of them there so other than guys like DiDomenico, Franson and Glass - I don't think there will be a ton of turnover.

I’m all for getting some size as well, but what happens if/when you draft all these 6’3” 220 lbs guys and they can’t skate fast/well enough? A lot of these guy said are 17-18 yrs old. They are going to get bigger before they make it to the NHL. I’d much rather get guys with speed, skill and know what to do with the puck instead of simply being bigger.
- Chunk

I told wiz that I wanted to move up to around #20 to snag Merkely but honestly also told wiz if someone grabs Merkely anyehere before ehetevet our second pick in round one, that I want Samuelson's kid. He could balance out one pair and although comiyy d yo college, he sounds close to NHL ready - you think his dad taught him well? Howe ver, wiz said that was too early when skill guys are still on the board. Samuelson wound up as the first pick in round two going to shuffle off to Buffalo. I don't think he stays long in college.

Arthur Staple
@StapeAthletic

Tavares list just about finalized, it appears.

Leafs, Sharks, Stars are in, as mentioned a couple days ago. Believe the Bruins are in as well.

Canadiens and Vegas not on the list as of now.

#Isles will get in there too, of course.

Arthur Staple
@StapeAthletic

Tavares list just about finalized, it appears.

Leafs, Sharks, Stars are in, as mentioned a couple days ago. Believe the Bruins are in as well.

Canadiens and Vegas not on the list as of now.

#Isles will get in there too, of course.
- pdx2ord

Makes sense. Suprised TBL not playing.

So StanBo selected his first 6 picks with every guy 6’ or under and less than 200lbs. The only 6’+ and 200lb + guys he drafted are a goalie and a 7th rounder. Lmao looks like another tank is in the cards. #LoseForHughes #FireStanleyBowman
- EnzoD

I hope the NHL doesn’t become a “tank league”where aside from a few teams most teams are focused on getting a lottery pick. I supposed the one good thing about so many teams making the playoffs is that more teams actually focus on winning.

W E S T W O R L D. Gah, this show is ridiculously frustrating sometimes. I thought the finale finally gave me a grasp on everything that is going on...But nooooo, the show runners decided to hit me with a post-credit scene that puts me back to square one haha. Season 3 can't come soon enough!

UPDATE:

I commented the same thing on twitter as well.

Hearing Hawks want to get feedback on a few free agents (Hutton and heard JVR, Neal and a "multiple defencemen" as well) before the go back to the trade market.

I've heard the Faulk proposal back from carolina is a little rich for their blood right now. They want to see what the free agency route could look like for them.

That also applies to Duclair and Jurco... if there is mutual interest from a couple UFA forwards, I heard those guys will not be qualified. I suspect only 1 will be back anyway.
- Justin Lowe

It’s nice to see Stan doing his homework, but hopefully he can actually pull the trigger on some significant deals, starting with signing JvR.

It’s nice to see Stan doing his homework, but hopefully he can actually pull the trigger on some significant deals, starting with signing JvR.
- DarthKane

For the right price. Even I, someone who loves JVR's game, know that they can't just blow their wad on some of these UFA options.

Arthur Staple -

Sounds like Tampa and/or Nashville could round out Tavares’ list of visitors starting Monday. Might end up being six teams instead of five, plus #Isles.

For the right price. Even I, someone who loves JVR's game, know that they can't just blow their wad on some of these UFA options.
- L_B_R

I agree, they need to be very strategic in what they do, so when they feel the new wave is ready to make some noise they aren't cap prisoners. I say eat Hossa's contract and let season 2 development league play out

I agree, they need to be very strategic in what they do, so when they feel the new wave is ready to make some noise they aren't cap prisoners. I say eat Hossa's contract and let season 2 development league play out
- BetweenTheDots

I don't think they not try to get good UFAs (or players via trade) and do nothing - that's potentially wasteful of the prime and/or final years of some of the core. They just don't need to overpay.

Asking some of the kids to step into role before they're ready could hurt them more than help their development - look at how the Yotes and such have ruined players by rushing them.

So StanBo selected his first 6 picks with every guy 6’ or under and less than 200lbs. The only 6’+ and 200lb + guys he drafted are a goalie and a 7th rounder. Lmao looks like another tank is in the cards. #LoseForHughes #FireStanleyBowman
- EnzoD

So what? Is everyone big, clumsy and slow in the NHL that you watch? Hawks had a great draft.

So what? Is everyone big, clumsy and slow in the NHL that you watch? Hawks had a great draft.
- Z3Hawk

You don't know if they had a great draft anymore than someone saying they had a crummy draft. Won't know for at least a couple years I'd think.

I don't think they not try to get good UFAs (or players via trade) and do nothing - that's potentially wasteful of the prime and/or final years of some of the core. They just don't need to overpay.

Asking some of the kids to step into role before they're ready could hurt them more than help their development - look at how the Yotes and such have ruined players by rushing them.
- L_B_R

That's why i said they need to be very strategic, don't remember saying they should tank this season. Also please don't compare the Yotes to the Hawks, a franchise that doesn't know what they are doing. As far as the final years of the core are wasted maybe but based on what I've seen other than Kane, the rest of them are above average NHL hockey players at best. It was a nice run

Now we can see more clearly how the next few years probably shake out. It is not all bad but Rocky needs to temper his expectations if, indeed, he is somewhat disallusioned with their performance last year. It may be that he is or upset with the effort from his top playerss last yeat than anything else.

Bowman does not appear too concerned as we heard little about them actually close to trading a draft choice. A very likely outcome came about after they made inquiries, maybe some offers but were rebuffed. As part of a rebuild churns along slowly - because they do not want really suck - there was probably a limit to what Bowman would surrender in a trade. He will try to do what he can in free agency. Without the Hossa contract moved, throwing a top market dollars at a dman may be his best recourse. I Cole cannot play at speed, either, which is why he sat in his second year in Pittsburgh and then was traded. If you go for Cole then know that either him or Murphy is to be used as a second pair. Which is out of their element.

I bet both Toews and Seabrook play secondary minutes until the time comes when their on ice ability has decreased badly enough to warrant press box visitation. May come about after one more season? Which coincidentally is when SOME prospects begin to pop up in Chicago

You think next draft Bowman would consider a Wahlstrom or Tkachuk type? That power forward is last on his to acquire list. I think he hopes the grit and size and power forward comes from finding a lower draft choice who develops.

This all probably makes Z3 a happy camper. Myself and I am sure some of the fanbasr not ahteeing 100% but understand Bownan"s direction.
- jhawk59

[url]

It is true - Z3 is a very happy camper.

David Perron's agent, Allan Walsh told @stevecarprj: "There's been significant interest in David today. David has loved his time in Las Vegas. He loves his teammates. It's a very special group. But he's forced to look at other opportunities."
- walleyeb1

Both Person and Neal are (will) be 30 year old and both are looking for one more big contract. Maybe if they were two years younger, but Vegas doesn't want to pay big dollars for them at their age and at this junction both in the players' and the young team's career. Smart management

Vegas does appear interested in game changers like Karlsson from Ottawa. They like to draft players and they have rebuffed inquiries for C Glass.

Vegas may fall back point wise regular season but they have enough even if no Karlson from Ottawa and even if they replace both Perron and Neal. They will be dangerous in the playoffs again especially if Fleury is a tower of strength

The Jets need to ratchet up their intensity in the playoffs. Too often Vegas was playing better, trying harder. The Jets have both size and speed in multiple; they had a goaltender break through; and Big Buff intimation still means so much. Who wants to risk being crushed by a Mac truck?

On the other hand, the Blackhawks are in big trouble. Fan base season ticket and alumni are saying no to renewing and their ticket prices are too high, at least some for sure. Quenneville solution is to be the line mixer but he pales to Babcock who came up with LW lock and will continue to advance with Toronto.

Coach Q will be out if they do not win enough for ticket sales will drop if the team is not competitive. Meanwhile to be competitive you need more grit, more size and muscle and Bowman practically ignores that; he hopes that he finds enough of that from minor league and later round draft choices. Bowman and dad could be out after next season

TT and TvR for Saad
- DarthKane

Revisionist history. TT is lazy and has a limited ceiling. When did TVR become coveted?

I think they did really well, in the respect that they landed
A) a dynamic push attacker who is projected an equal of an NHL impact forward in terms of vision, attack skill, scoring ability & fast thinking-wise.
2) A second attacking defender already goodbon his zone with 3 junior seasons and a steady improvement projecting him as a second smart set up attack whose upside is as high as a second pairing. That is a good thing. (The word was the reason for record amounts of defensemen being taken, was that this class is going to be exempt in the Seattle expansion with teams setting themselves up with pieces to replace the possible dee-men lost.
3) Jake Wise can develop into an Nhler who plays above the 3rd line centre tag I gave him (When I write my evaluations I try to go the opposite of so many of the guys who do it, who throw projections around like these are more than junior players.
4) Nordgren is a fearless fiesta battler and attacker who projects to a top six role, BUT, a lot has to do with gaining strength and adding more quickness.
5) Phillipp the c/w is a guy who can think and play fast, but he is gonna have to really improve his all around 200 foot game and his toughness. Meowwwe!

They added both centre depth and dee-man depth, and at this point, that is all you get as an indication of nhl results, and I too like the draft.

Came back into this post to add this : I noticed the hawks put up a ton of video footage and interviews- I loved the video they took in the room weeks ago where the scouts make their case at each rung of the draft list and the discussion Boqvist. AND the prospect post-interviews...Nordgren beaming about Kane, calling himself a goal scorer, and saying just as I did above that more lower body makes his feet faster...and Jake Wise SO happy to be a hawk,”had a feeling was hoping”- and the talk about the last two guys- last year, almost there entire draft was so very different than mine and so many were so divergent I was feeling left out in the cold, out of what I thought was kinda my element;I never saw so many of their selections it was like I failed with the draft in my home city.
This year not so - I not only liked the selection was so comfortable with my knowing their background
- wiz1901

Wiz - Nice words. Found it just such an exciting couple of Draft days.

Both Person and Neal are (will) be 30 year old and both are looking for one more big contract. Maybe if they were two years younger, but Vegas doesn't want to pay big dollars for them at their age and at this junction both in the players' and the young team's career. Smart management

Vegas does appear interested in game changers like Karlsson from Ottawa. They like to draft players and they have rebuffed inquiries for C Glass.

Vegas may fall back point wise regular season but they have enough even if no Karlson from Ottawa and even if they replace both Perron and Neal. They will be dangerous in the playoffs again especially if Fleury is a tower of strength

The Jets need to ratchet up their intensity in the playoffs. Too often Vegas was playing better, trying harder. The Jets have both size and speed in multiple; they had a goaltender break through; and Big Buff intimation still means so much. Who wants to risk being crushed by a Mac truck?

On the other hand, the Blackhawks are in big trouble. Fan base season ticket and alumni are saying no to renewing and their ticket prices are too high, at least some for sure. Quenneville solution is to be the line mixer but he pales to Babcock who came up with LW lock and will continue to advance with Toronto.

Coach Q will be out if they do not win enough for ticket sales will drop if the team is not competitive. Meanwhile to be competitive you need more grit, more size and muscle and Bowman practically ignores that; he hopes that he finds enough of that from minor league and later round draft choices. Bowman and dad could be out after next season
- jhawk59

Don't think Vegas will make playoffs this year

Winnipeg was just so irresponsible with the puck against Vegas

CC is healthy, Hawks are in the playoffs, barely

I bet every home game will be sold out

Do you know the Lightning are one of the lightest teams in hockey?

Don't think Vegas will make playoffs this year

Winnipeg was just so irresponsible with the puck against Vegas

CC is healthy, Hawks are in the playoffs, barely

I bet every home game will be sold out

Do you know the Lightning are one of the lightest teams in hockey?
- BetweenTheDots

I think that the NHL does not want the next expansion team to do as well as Vegas did the entire race out of gate to finish line. The Caps had a team which was able to withstand adversity and just a tad better each step along the playing trail. They called out Vegas with a good strategy. The strategy was like giving Vegas a taste of their own medicine,. And Vegas just ran out if gas against a team which beat them similar to how Vegas had beat everyone - well yes Winnipeg gave the series away with poor puck management and less fire in the tank

Chicago needs a lot of lineup upgrade beside Crawford. Crawford probably gets drug center help because he is (was) a mess. I say Kane in a previous year got help, too. The team is good at keeping this stuff under wraps.

We shall see about attendance after Christmas and the all Star break. Where will the team sit in the standings; what will be the difference in GF and GA

Yes that is correct about Tampa. Interesting how Yzerman will fine tune a young team and if they can push the attack with a light size line up.

Penguins ingenuity to change out some bottom parts but count on main cast might backfire if Crosby gets injured. He has oulasted Toews in being healthy and productive. Is Letang as good as he once was? Guentzal is good so what if Kessel leaves. Penguins just stronger if Kessel stays

You don't know if they had a great draft anymore than someone saying they had a crummy draft. Won't know for at least a couple years I'd think.
- kwolf68

Nothing in life is a guarantee. However, if I chose an item or service that my research indicates will be of high quality I lessen my chances of disappointment. Kelley et al prioritize high-end skill, high-end skating and high potential ceiling. This approach lessens the chance of disappointment.

Wilson thought similarly in the First Round. San Jose jumped in to take Merkley. Just after the choice he basically said he didn’t care at all what others said Merkley was a great choice. Just like I had been saying Wilson said clearly Merkley wants to compete and hates losing.

I finally can add some addition thoughts on the Hawks draft class.

Adam Boqvist
This draft will be marked with an unprecedented number of highly sought after skilled attacking defensemen who are average or under-sized with little physicality. This player compensates for it with terrific hands and ability to push the pace, doing a decent job in his own end using his skill set. In the Swedish junior league, Boqvist showcased a nice shot, high end speed, and agility. He may very well be the top finesse and fine-edge-skating defenseman in the draft, displaying great balance and lateral mobility. He is lightning fast and has great vision. He distributes the puck unselfishly and he jumps in on the attack -- sometimes leading it. He opens up and delivers a very accurate one timer. As a slight, smaller player, he gets overtaken, losing puck battles to the bigger players. Does show good vision in both ends but it is a bigger challenge in his own end. His fast feet help negate some of his problems in the defensive zone, but it is difficult to ignore his defensive zone positioning issues. As a lightweight anchor, he needs to fill out, get stronger, and build his defensive game. Another right handed shooting mobile defenseman.
I think we are overlooking the fact that this youngster equals most forward in terms of his skating, balance, agility, ability to back defender in, and accelerates and and shoot or pass the puck. The Erik Karlsson comparison is lofty for now, but the future may end up with him as a first pair offense-man.

Nicolas Beaudin
New age defender with good puck movement skills, nice foot speed, good hands and a good stick. Funnels attackers to the side boards, can make the secure outlet pass in transition. Very smart in all three zones. Has a soft touch, and excellent puck skills. Defensively and offensively aware and stays on the right side of the puck. His foot speed lets him control the speed of the game making nice touch passes. He walks the blue line and uses his deceptive snap passes to provide scoring looks. Sneaks downs and makes things happen. Will need to add strength as he develops.
He has gone through three QMJHL seasons and has rounded into really into an all around there zone player that stays on the right side of the puck with the skill and feet to control play, and rates as one of the better power play QBs in the class. With work he could end up a second part #4 ala Victor Mete.

Jake Wise
Under the radar performer who is a terrific skater with strong skill set. His year was marred by various nagging injuries, including his collarbone. An average skater who is a good two-way player whether lined up at centre or either wing. He is smart on the ice, good in the dot, supports the puck, shows creativity in the attack. Committed to Boston University where he will hone his skills hopefully ascending to a strong third line NHL centre.

Sure, he needs to get stronger and that will add quickness, but already displays good edge work and has jump, and a willingness to get in the dirty areas and exploit coverage weaknesses and getting the puck through to open seam. Has good vision, competitiveness, and might project above the third line tag I put on him.


Niklas Nordgren rhRW

Finnish full speed attacker and set up man who is under 5’ 10 and 170. Plays hard and fast with good smarts for seeing openings and capitalizing. Scored eight goals in the Under-18 World Junior Tournament, more than any other player. Displays really good hands and has the toolbox of a scorer. Has good on-ice vision and drives to the right areas to win pucks. Surprises the opposition with set ups and goals they are unprepared for. Needs to continue to improve his feet, strength and his size. Has played some centre too.

When he said Patrick Kane was his favorite player it is because he likes to score. In the Under-17 he started out really strong and ended really strong…in the middle of the tourney he seemed to go ineffective for the most part and I thought it was because in tight spaces, he doesn’t have that strong skating burst that most smaller players have to show in battle areas…don’t get me wrong, he plays fearless and feisty competing hard for pucks, rarely ruffled or panicked under pressure and he plays strong on the puck and strong on his pins, because his balance and low skating stride. He strong in the neutral zone, real smart I recognizing opportunities, always ready to drive the forward as set-up man or triggerman.If he commits to working on his lower body strength, he gets faster, even more powerful in his strides, I think he could be an NHL sniper. He’s very similar to Mat Zuccarello.

Philipp Kurashev
Smart slick puck-handling centre with decent speed and East-West lateral agility. High hockey IQ and creative instincts as a passer. Sees and anticipates developing plays. Far from ready to be considered NHL worthy, as he has zero interest in getting dirty in physical games. But you cannot argue that he isn't a fine playmaker despite his lack of any grittiness or edge at this juncture. Needs plenty of work in the face-off circle, but I can see him as winger in his present playing style.

Personally if my first name and it’s last letters ended two p’s, I would be concerned I would be called full of peepee would quickly catch on in rival areas. He is an instinctive attacker who is hockey smart, hockey head quick, and high end stickhandler holds the puck, waiting for movement to get it to his line mates for a scoring look, saucing it over. He also displays good edge work, shiftiness and is more of centre looking to score than one who is gun shy. There are areas he needs to build on to help remove the perimeter player tag. He does think the game fast, and can execute at high speed, and will compete in his end, but inlet to a degree.

Mikail Hakkarainen
Finnish import who is committed to Providence College. Plays both wing and centre.

Alexis Gravel
He was viewed as the top Q goalie based on is height and long range projection. He olked too heavy and slow at the CHL prospects game. So far he is pegged as an even longer developmental prospect as his game has not progressed as quickly as hoped. That is not to say he can’t progress into a NHL candidate. It is not that he isn't athletic or quick, be cause he is. He is very active on his feet, and when he gives up a rebound, he goes to scramble mode with his movements. When he settles in, improves his glove and his ability to direct shots into the corners with his pads, he will gain confidence. Handles the puck well when goes behind the net to help out...


Josiah Slavin
Brother of Jaccob, he is committed to Colorado College.

Boquist is a gift ,form Montreal . HAWKS were not the only one drafting small quick D man .Maybe the GM no something about the way the game is trending you don't . I believe the HAWKS are in it for the long haul ,and know in about 2 to 3 years big changes will be happening personnel wise just MHO
- oldduffman

Beat me to it. Not only are the Hawks not the only team drafting these kind of D players, the entire league is.

They had a entire story on the NHL Network covering it with a list of all the Dmen under 6' that they expected to go in Round 1, and had a screen they showed to track them all.