What do you think the Hawks could get if they trade down from 3 to 5 with the Kings, a 2nd?

If you feel good with Byram, Cozen, Pod, or Turcotte is it worth moving down?

I don't think the Kings are going to give up draft picks, they are rebuilding also.

Jokiharju will play for Finland at the World Championship.

Between Chicago, Rockford, WJHC, and WC Joki is getting some solid experience this season.

Jokiharju will play for Finland at the World Championship.

Between Chicago, Rockford, WJHC, and WC Joki is getting some solid experience this season.
- DarthKane

A Kool Aid drinker would see it that way. I see a guy getting bounced from team to team cuz no one wants him.

Jokiharju will play for Finland at the World Championship.

Between Chicago, Rockford, WJHC, and WC Joki is getting some solid experience this season.
- DarthKane

Such a chaotic development program. The kid's head has to be spinning. He'll be a bust.

Jokiharju will play for Finland at the World Championship.

Between Chicago, Rockford, WJHC, and WC Joki is getting some solid experience this season.
- DarthKane

when do these WC start?

Jokiharju will play for Finland at the World Championship.

Between Chicago, Rockford, WJHC, and WC Joki is getting some solid experience this season.
- DarthKane

He´ll be at Finns camp and might play in the Worlds. Just like Kevin Lankinen.

He´ll be at Finns camp and might play in the Worlds. Just like Kevin Lankinen.
- MjulQvist

See Darth, not even the Finn's want him.

The guy who wants to trade Ponit is not well.
- Ogilthorpe2

Saad for Palat...get it going Stan

I realize that and I’m not saying we’re anywhere near good with our Dmen. But how many times this season did you see our forwards pressuring and hemming in a team in, in their own zone. Heck they didn’t even bother to challenge opponents in the neutral zone most of the season.

How many times were Dmen looking for someone to make that first pass to only to find our forwards weren’t even back to our zone yet.
- walleyeb1

So you're saying defense is a team concept? JK without a doubt

Calgary is crapping all over themselves when it comes to team defense

See Darth, not even the Finn's want him.
- paulr

Fair enough. Jokiharju is now officially a bust.

Fair enough. Jokiharju is now officially a bust.
- DarthKane

Don't you know the rule, all of Stan's picks are busts.

Factors that make this an interesting off season for the Hawks:
cap space
#3 pick in the draft
other teams up against the cap (for a change not the Hawks)
Bolts & Pens swept (might make them more inclined to make major changes)
plenty of D high end prospects in the system (not many forward/goalie prospects)
AA (could stay/could go)
a pretty decent roster
some obvious needs (top 4 defender, top 6 winger, 2 physical bottom 6 wingers)

Saad for Palat...get it going Stan
- ikeane

TB has to shed salary not gain the 700K difference in salaries. Besides Palat has a NTC.

TB has to shed salary not gain the 700K difference in salaries. Besides Palat has a NTC.
- boilermaker100

I'm sure Palat wants out. I wouldn't be surprised if majority of their players want out after this flop.

Mitchell is returning to DU next season. He's another step closer to pulling a Hayes, not that there was any doubt he would.

Ian Mitchell is BACK! 🙌 #PioneerTogether https://t.co/ItMXuGMNe7

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) April 17, 2019

Hawks have done it with Doug Mohns, John Marks, and John Scott in addition to Buff (who went back to defense). There was an article a while back about Gus, and how he felt there was no way he would be any good as a winger.
- LAHawk

They were moved to forward to make the Hawks more physical up front, not for their offensive prowess (and Buff partially because his defense was lacking at the time and the Hawks were set on defense). Gus or Boqvist might bring more offense, but not much physicality.

Mitchell is returning to DU next season. He's another step closer to pulling a Hayes, not that there was any doubt he would.

Ian Mitchell is BACK! 🙌 #PioneerTogether https://t.co/ItMXuGMNe7

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) April 17, 2019

- DarthKane

Scratch him from all prospect discussions. He's a goner.

Factors that make this an interesting off season for the Hawks:
cap space
#3 pick in the draft
other teams up against the cap (for a change not the Hawks)
Bolts & Pens swept (might make them more inclined to make major changes)
plenty of D high end prospects in the system (not many forward/goalie prospects)
AA (could stay/could go)
a pretty decent roster
some obvious needs (top 4 defender, top 6 winger, 2 physical bottom 6 wingers)
- -Doh-

Good summary. I would also add:

Gustafsson (could stay/could go)
Long-term health of Crawford
Assistant coach(es) hired by Colliton
New head coaches for the Hogs and Fuel
Does Mitchell sign or stay another year in the NCAA (nevermind, saw the other posts)
Same with Barratt (can't remember if he officially made a decision yet)
If/when Kubalik signs, what exactly can he contribute

Scratch him from all prospect discussions. He's a goner.
- mohel

They really need to add compensation picks for any prospect that fails to sign with the team that drafted him. It's pretty BS how the Hawks are going to lose out on another player....

Mitchell is returning to DU next season. He's another step closer to pulling a Hayes, not that there was any doubt he would.

Ian Mitchell is BACK! 🙌 #PioneerTogether https://t.co/ItMXuGMNe7

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) April 17, 2019

- DarthKane

Probably a smart move. There is a lot of congestion in the D ranks of the Hawks system. Let them figure that out a bit and see if guys get moved or traded...

Good summary. I would also add:

Gustafsson (could stay/could go)
Long-term health of Crawford
Assistant coach(es) hired by Colliton
New head coaches for the Hogs and Fuel
Does Mitchell sign or stay another year in the NCAA (nevermind, saw the other posts)
Same with Barratt (can't remember if he officially made a decision yet)
If/when Kubalik signs, what exactly can he contribute
- AEL_Fox

If Justin runs out of thoughts for future blogs, you and Doh just gave him plenty of ideas. Good work by both of you.

Factors that make this an interesting off season for the Hawks:
cap space
#3 pick in the draft
other teams up against the cap (for a change not the Hawks)
Bolts & Pens swept (might make them more inclined to make major changes)
plenty of D high end prospects in the system (not many forward/goalie prospects)
AA (could stay/could go)
a pretty decent roster
some obvious needs (top 4 defender, top 6 winger, 2 physical bottom 6 wingers)
- -Doh-

Agree on all points

They really need to add compensation picks for any prospect that fails to sign with the team that drafted him. It's pretty BS how the Hawks are going to lose out on another player....
- RedRevenge

I like this idea. Would benefit all teams who endure this.

Although, I am confident Mitchell will still sign with the Blackhawks next season or after his senior year if he decides to get his degree first.

Jokiharju will play for Finland at the World Championship.

Between Chicago, Rockford, WJHC, and WC Joki is getting some solid experience this season.
- DarthKane

There is no problem only some good experience should Jokiharju lace them up again.

After a season of professional play he has a descent understanding and can execute/more often than not make good reads. There is an unlikely complicated defensive scheme at World Championships. I doubt he is overly tired from the lengthy season and will have a period - of - rest anyway prior to the first World Championship tryout and practice.

Jokiharju is a key piece in the pairings next season. Should he establish regular TOI with Keith then we can expect Colliton tries very hard to find and implement the best pairing for Gus. Using Gus 20 + TOI in second pair is an objective that ideally works out well. While Gus may not be a pillar of strength, defensively speaking, he may surprise some folks with steady performance. And he might just have opportunities each game to make a brilliant read or superlative pass - maybe Kane involved.

I do not mind keeping him until Boqvist in two years or more hopefully makes the team. Then is the time to revisit trading Gus even if he has a new contract. To be as competitive as possible we could really appreciate Gus.

Implementation and Colliton's push for player adherance to defensive responsibility - both forwards and dmen - only helps everyone.

In fact a much better defensive effort should lead to more prospects receiving a look on defense. Both Jokiharju and Gus play well would go a long ways toward the start of newbie prospects planting roots here. I can imagine three youngsters skating in this blueline crew next March. Jokiharnu and Gilbert appear set for part or possibly the entire season.

Even if Mitchell remains a collegiate both Beaudin and Carlsson professional showing in Rockford should entice Bowman to offer a cup of coffee trial/introduction. Whom plays what side and whom is their partner, hopefully will be the biggest challenge.