All I know is the first time I saw Keith in hawk prospect camp, I (still not allowing myself to believe the NHL game was gonna allow smaller deeman to be hockey point guards, I just remember posting "He (Keith) is incredible on his skates, but so small and slight, he is gonna be asked to play centre, or wing, because he will get swallowed by the big forwards."

He if Byram's Vancouver club wins the WHL championship, it is because of him.
maybe one NHL drafted prospect there (Milos Roman) and none that look like 2019 draft gems.

Bowen basically is giant possession minute eater and he is able to have his way against the WHL goalies, the other team's defensive schemes, in the same way you could say the other WHL top end draft elligible forwards has had their successes.

dante fabbro and a slew of Dub defenders are gonna be really good NHL defenders with offensive edge. I think they will defend pretty well becaus ethe systems they were playing in demanded it.

It is not that I wouldn't love to see superior push the pace attacking offensivemen as the general of the hawks next generation, and if they are conifident he can also NOT be Gufstasson like, I am all in...

I have said lots of nice things about each and every player in their profile at DraftSite, and have actually thrown up the fiorst three rounds of descriptive banter...you can go read those but i want add exclusive new horsefeathers here:


I just wish I hadn’t watched that stupid podcast!
It got me doubting then thinking they were taking nobody but Bowen, that they really were throwing darts with their dee picks in past years...well if that is the case, Boqvist might end up on the wing, lol .

Here is the breakdown on the forward they may select at #3:

Podkolzin is an angry beast. (maybe the intensity has to do with his nationalistic feelings of emotion...) he takes the freak over, he is unstoppable with the puck on a string through 4 opponents and if the puck is in the corners he (frank)ing knocks up against you to get it.

There is part Ovie in him but he ios not some guy who sets up to take a shot, he (frank)ing bulls through and sur
- wiz1901[prise shoots and scores and easily receives passes and gets them off quickly, not a certain area needed to laser it...anywhere.
He is Tarasenko like but with more outward intensity. It is like he plays angry. (Really)


Dylan Cozens, C, Lethbridge (WHL):
Offensive comparison: Mark Scheifele shooting centre
WILL grow bigger on his frame
Ryan Kesler like in intensity and is Toews like in his leadership and all around commitment to the entire ice.

Kirby Dach is a guy who will need time to add the speed, a first step but right now he is calm and so opportunistic. He has never been a wall flower when it comes to contact to unearth pucks or win space where it is and take possession of it. He always just seems to get free from the pile and then quickly use the opportunity as a set up man or in fromnt for the garbage goal. You don't wait for him to learn and earn responsibilties on the PK and PP. I am not sure if he can be the bumper guy (that Toews Bergeron plays) he is the Anisimov guy who floats to the front for the screen, and plays the corners down low. Dach’s comparison to Getzlaf is a good one, because Getzlaf took time to get up to the NHL speed but always was big enough to play the opponents bodies.

Turcotte will be able to play the bumper on the PP and alway the outside on the PP. He is fast period.
He has a nice anchor of balance so contact doesn’t usually stop him full stride, and he is fearless, exciting and you will notice him in all three zones. He is Larkin-like in his speed.

Zegras is quick, light and is like Turcotte a floating power play guy who fits nicely with the way the attack is always in shifts and rotation, and he has the skill to quickly make plays and shots in a split second. In do thinks Button’s compared on him was correct that he is Elias Petterson-like.

Your description of Podkolzin makes me want the Hawks to draft him. Sounds like an absolute beast/animal to play against. Could not imagine what he could be 5-6 years from now.

All I know is the first time I saw Keith in hawk prospect camp, I (still not allowing myself to believe the NHL game was gonna allow smaller deeman to be hockey point guards, I just remember posting "He (Keith) is incredible on his skates, but so small and slight, he is gonna be asked to play centre, or wing, because he will get swallowed by the big forwards."

He if Byram's Vancouver club wins the WHL championship, it is because of him.
maybe one NHL drafted prospect there (Milos Roman) and none that look like 2019 draft gems.

Bowen basically is giant possession minute eater and he is able to have his way against the WHL goalies, the other team's defensive schemes, in the same way you could say the other WHL top end draft elligible forwards has had their successes.

dante fabbro and a slew of Dub defenders are gonna be really good NHL defenders with offensive edge. I think they will defend pretty well becaus ethe systems they were playing in demanded it.

It is not that I wouldn't love to see superior push the pace attacking offensivemen as the general of the hawks next generation, and if they are conifident he can also NOT be Gufstasson like, I am all in...

I have said lots of nice things about each and every player in their profile at DraftSite, and have actually thrown up the fiorst three rounds of descriptive banter...you can go read those but i want add exclusive new horsefeathers here:


I just wish I hadn’t watched that stupid podcast!
It got me doubting then thinking they were taking nobody but Bowen, that they really were throwing darts with their dee picks in past years...well if that is the case, Boqvist might end up on the wing, lol .

Here is the breakdown on the forward they may select at #3:

Podkolzin is an angry beast. (maybe the intensity has to do with his nationalistic feelings of emotion...) he takes the freak over, he is unstoppable with the puck on a string through 4 opponents and if the puck is in the corners he (frank)ing knocks up against you to get it.

There is part Ovie in him but he ios not some guy who sets up to take a shot, he (frank)ing bulls through and sur
- wiz1901[prise shoots and scores and easily receives passes and gets them off quickly, not a certain area needed to laser it...anywhere.
He is Tarasenko like but with more outward intensity. It is like he plays angry. (Really)


Dylan Cozens, C, Lethbridge (WHL):
Offensive comparison: Mark Scheifele shooting centre
WILL grow bigger on his frame
Ryan Kesler like in intensity and is Toews like in his leadership and all around commitment to the entire ice.

Kirby Dach is a guy who will need time to add the speed, a first step but right now he is calm and so opportunistic. He has never been a wall flower when it comes to contact to unearth pucks or win space where it is and take possession of it. He always just seems to get free from the pile and then quickly use the opportunity as a set up man or in fromnt for the garbage goal. You don't wait for him to learn and earn responsibilties on the PK and PP. I am not sure if he can be the bumper guy (that Toews Bergeron plays) he is the Anisimov guy who floats to the front for the screen, and plays the corners down low. Dach’s comparison to Getzlaf is a good one, because Getzlaf took time to get up to the NHL speed but always was big enough to play the opponents bodies.

Turcotte will be able to play the bumper on the PP and alway the outside on the PP. He is fast period.
He has a nice anchor of balance so contact doesn’t usually stop him full stride, and he is fearless, exciting and you will notice him in all three zones. He is Larkin-like in his speed.

Zegras is quick, light and is like Turcotte a floating power play guy who fits nicely with the way the attack is always in shifts and rotation, and he has the skill to quickly make plays and shots in a split second. In do thinks Button’s compared on him was correct that he is Elias Petterson-like.

Wiz, Bowman/Chicago have a tendency to buck draft projections and pick guys who could be special players instead of going the "safe" route, ie: Boqvist ahead of Dobson or Bouchard. Do you have a real idea what Chicago may do in this draft? do they go safe like say Cozens or go for the Russian and risk him not leaving the KHL etc.?

Your description of Podkolzin makes me want the Hawks to draft him. Sounds like an absolute beast/animal to play against. Could not imagine what he could be 5-6 years from now.
- frafra[/quote]



A free agent wanting a lot of rubles.

A lot of similarities in the game of Columbus and that of last year's Vegas team.

A ton of guys with something to prove, whether for personal pride, recognition for their next contract, let go from their previous franchises and a chip on their shoulder....

Adds up to motivation.

Torts made a series of adjustments that Cooper hasn't found a counter to. So it's off to round two for the Jackets, and likely the unemployment line for Cooper. How do you fail with that much talent? How do you not find an answer to what the other team is bringing?

A lot of similarities in the game of Columbus and that of last year's Vegas team.

A ton of guys with something to prove, whether for personal pride, recognition for their next contract, let go from their previous franchises and a chip on their shoulder....

Adds up to motivation.

Torts made a series of adjustments that Cooper hasn't found a counter to. So it's off to round two for the Jackets, and likely the unemployment line for Cooper. How do you fail with that much talent? How do you not find an answer to what the other team is bringing?
- Return of the Roar

If they fail to win 4 straight which while improbable isn’t impossible, maybe the pundits can refocus on which Hawk team was the best of the past decade...or maybe they fancy the Kings, Pens, Bruins, or Caps.

One name I never hear mentioned is Tyler Myers, age 28. Right handed shot with huge wingspan. Precision passer from D to neutral zone. Good skater who holds up attackers along the boards. Am I the only poster who would like to see this guy in a Hawks sweater?
- gabriel

Turned 29 last Feb. I understand liking his size and all but, is he really all that good? I know he had an outstanding rookie season in Buffalo but, has he every really improved since then?

He also seems to have a bit of an injury bug. 9 NHL seasons and only 4 with 80+ games. Unless he's a bargain $ wise I don't think he's what the Hawks are looking for.

Hey Wiz, Al mentioned on Twitter last week that Pod skate a lot with his head down and that seems to be the case in the limited times I've watched him. What are your thoughts about him being able to survive the pro game given his wreckless abandon?

Way too expensive
- LAHawk

Wonder what the Jets will be be looking for at season's end. They don't have severe cap problems, but will have some. Just really liking the idea of having this caliber of player, working in tandem with one of our up and coming kids on D.

If they fail to win 4 straight which while improbable isn’t impossible, maybe the pundits can refocus on which Hawk team was the best of the past decade...or maybe they fancy the Kings, Pens, Bruins, or Caps.
- HawkintheD

I am glad that Columbus is having success, instead of trading Panarin and Bobrovsky at the deadline, the GM knowing he wasn't going to be able to keep them, he said ef it, lets go for it, this will be our best chance in awhile anyway. Some thought Tort's job would be in jeopardy with a first round loss, but now everyone is crediting him with a scheme to contain the Lightning.

If they fail to win 4 straight which while improbable isn’t impossible, maybe the pundits can refocus on which Hawk team was the best of the past decade...or maybe they fancy the Kings, Pens, Bruins, or Caps.
- HawkintheD

I picture TG lying in a fetal position, thumb in mouth trying to understand how the Great Tampa Lightning may get swept by a rag tag Blue jacket team with an old school coach who lives by the defensive game. It's OK TG we won't give you the gears, OK maybe a little bit but we've all been wrong before .... maybe not this wrong .... but wrong.

I am starting to lean more towards the Russian at #3. However, Toews will not be the #1 Center forever, and this may be the closest the Hawks will get in awhile in terms of drafting a stud center that could replace Toews down the line. This is so intriging to me, I am every excited for this offseason to see what direction the Hawks go in terms of the draft and adding players through either trade or free agency.

I am torn between the Russian or Turcotte.

Those points seem lost one some posters who think Sikura is a write off. Even if he can't score at all he becomes a younger Kruger, a guy who can anchor the 4th line and penalty killing unit. If he can score, as his talent and past suggest, he then becomes a possible tiop 9 player who can be a solid penalty killer and who the coaches can play in most situations.
- paulr

My guess is he CAN score - he did at NE, he did at Rockford.

I would look at 20+30=50 as typical for him, once he gets a couple going in. His history suggests more assists than goals.

Turned 29 last Feb. I understand liking his size and all but, is he really all that good? I know he had an outstanding rookie season in Buffalo but, has he every really improved since then?

He also seems to have a bit of an injury bug. 9 NHL seasons and only 4 with 80+ games. Unless he's a bargain $ wise I don't think he's what the Hawks are looking for.
- Rota's Rooter

Won't come cheap, but would have him in his prime? Seems positionally sound. Colliton would probably turn him into an alcoholic, if future reflects last year. Just don't see a plethora of bonehead plays by Myers. Thanks for injury info, as was not aware.

A lot of similarities in the game of Columbus and that of last year's Vegas team.

A ton of guys with something to prove, whether for personal pride, recognition for their next contract, let go from their previous franchises and a chip on their shoulder....

Adds up to motivation.

Torts made a series of adjustments that Cooper hasn't found a counter to. So it's off to round two for the Jackets, and likely the unemployment line for Cooper. How do you fail with that much talent? How do you not find an answer to what the other team is bringing?
- Return of the Roar

Interesting that Panarin doesnt seem to be much of a factor in the series so far?

Hey Wiz, Al mentioned on Twitter last week that Pod skate a lot with his head down and that seems to be the case in the limited times I've watched him. What are your thoughts about him being able to survive the pro game given his wreckless abandon?
- Larmer

I think he plays like a battering ram, so maybe it is a concern that he is always in stride head down, in the carries he is head up

I really do not enjoy the biased the majority of the home announcers “add” by virtue of the way they explain the even basic plays:

There was a recent hawk-has game that I turned off b/c the CBC announcer for the Montreal heralded franchise was painting a BS portrait of the action…

What is happening:

A Dallas Stars player flubs a pass is described as “intercepted by Domi.”

The moist recent: The Russian rookie challenges Ovie, drops his gloves second takes a hard one on the chin and is clearly going bye-bye and it seems like Ovie is breaking his fall and does get a light last one is, but he ws asked to dance, right?
The announcers try and paint Ovie as a villain.

Don’t they see it does the sport more justice to attempt to be kinda objective?

I picture TG lying in a fetal position, thumb in mouth trying to understand how the Great Tampa Lightning may get swept by a rag tag Blue jacket team with an old school coach who lives by the defensive game. It's OK TG we won't give you the gears, OK maybe a little bit but we've all been wrong before .... maybe not this wrong .... but wrong.
- paulr

Hedman is out again tonite. TG might be in the lineup for the Bolts in his place. If Jeff Foster can do it once for the Hawks, why not TG? He always wants to be a difference maker.

Interesting that Panarin doesnt seem to be much of a factor in the series so far?
- glennjpawlak22

A point a game....that's top tier production these days, and consistent with his career playoff numbers. But this Jacket team is playing as a TEAM. He is one part of the mix. That will be their story - team effort.

I picture TG lying in a fetal position, thumb in mouth trying to understand how the Great Tampa Lightning may get swept by a rag tag Blue jacket team with an old school coach who lives by the defensive game. It's OK TG we won't give you the gears, OK maybe a little bit but we've all been wrong before .... maybe not this wrong .... but wrong.
- paulr

Speaking of, I think someone might need to drop by and check on him.

It really is amazing how some of these teams tear it up in the regular season and then lose their way or get outplayed in the playoffs.

Seem to recall a fair lot here in 2013 that were adamant the Hawks would fold like a cheap tent on a breezy day once the intensity of post season play started.

I really do not enjoy the biased the majority of the home announcers “add” by virtue of the way they explain the even basic plays:

There was a recent hawk-has game that I turned off b/c the CBC announcer for the Montreal heralded franchise was painting a BS portrait of the action…

What is happening:

A Dallas Stars player flubs a pass is described as “intercepted by Domi.”

The moist recent: The Russian rookie challenges Ovie, drops his gloves second takes a hard one on the chin and is clearly going bye-bye and it seems like Ovie is breaking his fall and does get a light last one is, but he ws asked to dance, right?
The announcers try and paint Ovie as a villain.

Don’t they see it does the sport more justice to attempt to be kinda objective?
- wiz1901

Very poor business decision by Svechnikov. The only one worse would have been to challenge Tom Wilson who would have been delighted to kill the kid.

and to me, anyway still kinda a finesse defenseman.
- wiz1901

Which, in part, to my thinking, would be right up JC's alley. Am not in agreement with his process yet. Still need stronger D types. Wonder if at some point if Bowman ditches the current D-scheme and trumps Colliton? How much rope will he be allowed if he ends up with essentially the same results? Time will tell, I guess.

Hedman is out again tonite. TG might be in the lineup for the Bolts in his place. If Jeff Foster can do it once for the Hawks, why not TG? He always wants to be a difference maker.
- RickJ

Hmmm thought the reason they got Rutta as a difference maker

I understand the rationale in drafting the best player available, but there should be room for context. For a silly example: if the best BPA for 8 straight years is a d-man, do you still draft the BPA and end up with 8 d-men? I think maybe there's some wiggle room in that rule of thumb, especially if there isn't a huge difference in talent and there are other circumstantial factors.

If Patrick Kane were sitting there at #3 and the Hawks needs were top-pairing d-man and top-end center and Byram and Cozens were available too - I would pick Kane because he would be clearly better than the other guys and he proved it with a monster year in the OHL. Podkolzin potential has wowed scouts but he hasn't put up numbers anywhere near what Kane did in London, even after factoring in the different scoring numbers for the various Russian leagues Podkolzin has played in in the past year or two. I would be hesitant to select Podkolzin even if we were certain he would come over and play in N.A. next season because there is more projection of him than actual game proof that he's everything his potential claims he is.

Won't come cheap, but would have him in his prime? Seems positionally sound. Colliton would probably turn him into an alcoholic, if future reflects last year. Just don't see a plethora of bonehead plays by Myers. Thanks for injury info, as was not aware.
- gabriel

Sure the Hawks would but, I think his "prime" was 7-8 years ago.

Now that being said, he would probably be solidly in the top 4 of what we currently have on the Hawks. I just think he'll want too much for too long and in 3-4 years the Hawks will wonder what they do with him.

Those points seem lost one some posters who think Sikura is a write off. Even if he can't score at all he becomes a younger Kruger, a guy who can anchor the 4th line and penalty killing unit. If he can score, as his talent and past suggest, he then becomes a possible tiop 9 player who can be a solid penalty killer and who the coaches can play in most situations.
- paulr

A penalt killer with some speed, whose head is in the game. Still haven't written him off though, as a goal scorer. Looks like a board split of 50-50.