Toews, Kane, Hossa and Sharp = game breaking talent for next at least 3 years

Solid/reliable complimentary players for modest salaries are what is most needed on this team.
- fattybeef

For sure, and you have Teravainen who could be added there.

I was talking about that particular draft.

For sure, and you have Teravainen who could be added there.

I was talking about that particular draft.
- QuebecPride

I totally get what you are saying, and I agree with you to a certain point...but I think what JJ is saying is that despite Buff and Brower being very late picks,they were game changers/quality NHL players...and if you can have 4-5 quality NHL players in one draft,then yes you could call it a draft for the ages...I just want to know why the Hawks are so high on McNeil?? I don't see what is so special about hi

No idea on Montador, Hossa supposedly is 100% but it's one of those deals where he won't know until he takes his first hit.
- John Jaeckel

Thanks for this JJ, i was wondering this as well.. Good to hear.

Now if we could only get a deal in place and play around Jan 3rd ish.. In case you are wondering, I get back from my Honeymoon then..

JJ I sent you two PMs

One concerning the being paid Hossa and Montador, and the other is a real descriptive evaluation on the Hawk prospects on the Subway Series, now that I have spent significant time watching it...

Re: Sam Jardine
After being part of the Canada Under-19 team, he is a freshman at Ohio State. he is an offensive-minded defenseman with a decent skill set and an improving game in his own end. Viewed more as a two-way performer, and not overly physical, he has shown some PP ability, but really didn't put up big numbers. He takes good angles on attackers, and shows a good understand and IQ to improve in his own zone. He has no problem moving bodies in the defensive zone and engaging in puck battles despite being beaten often because of a lack of strength. He is able to make an accurate breakout pass as well as handle the puck with poise and patience.
Hope that helps whomvere asked in the blog...

No idea on Montador, Hossa supposedly is 100% but it's one of those deals where he won't know until he takes his first hit.
- John Jaeckel

Thanks!

Ogi, that was a good one by the way!

I've heard great things about Broadhurst. A friend from the North pointed this gem to me a few months ago:
http://youtu.be/eGCllrmGXrw
- lespaulman

Pretty amazing a shorthanded hat trick although the goalie was not sharp at all.

That said, still very unusual.

JJ I sent you two PMs

One concerning the being paid Hossa and Montador, and the other is a real descriptive evaluation on the Hawk prospects on the Subway Series, now that I have spent significant time watching it...

Re: Sam Jardine
After being part of the Canada Under-19 team, he is a freshman at Ohio State. he is an offensive-minded defenseman with a decent skill set and an improving game in his own end. Viewed more as a two-way performer, and not overly physical, he has shown some PP ability, but really didn't put up big numbers. He takes good angles on attackers, and shows a good understand and IQ to improve in his own zone. He has no problem moving bodies in the defensive zone and engaging in puck battles despite being beaten often because of a lack of strength. He is able to make an accurate breakout pass as well as handle the puck with poise and patience.
Hope that helps whomvere asked in the blog...
- wiz1901

There are reasons Hossa is not playing overseas...

Hopefully it is because he is able but doesn't need to...$$$

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

Thanks wiz.

JJ I sent you two PMs

One concerning the being paid Hossa and Montador, and the other is a real descriptive evaluation on the Hawk prospects on the Subway Series, now that I have spent significant time watching it...

Re: Sam Jardine
After being part of the Canada Under-19 team, he is a freshman at Ohio State. he is an offensive-minded defenseman with a decent skill set and an improving game in his own end. Viewed more as a two-way performer, and not overly physical, he has shown some PP ability, but really didn't put up big numbers. He takes good angles on attackers, and shows a good understand and IQ to improve in his own zone. He has no problem moving bodies in the defensive zone and engaging in puck battles despite being beaten often because of a lack of strength. He is able to make an accurate breakout pass as well as handle the puck with poise and patience.
Hope that helps whomvere asked in the blog...
- wiz1901

There are reasons Hossa is not playing overseas...

Hopefully it is because he is able but doesn't need to...$$$

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

This lockout is probably the best thing for Hossa that could have happened, not in a monetary sense but for his health. No temptation to get out there and play, just to recover. In the long run this will be extremely beneficial.

This lockout is probably the best thing for Hossa that could have happened, not in a monetary sense but for his health. No temptation to get out there and play, just to recover. In the long run this will be extremely beneficial.
- hawks1921

+1. And Monty too....did any of the hawks have surgery in the off season ?

+1. And Monty too....did any of the hawks have surgery in the off season ?
- southernhawk

Rumor around here is that Monty went to have his clown feet removed. From what I heard, though, the operation was NOT a success. The Doc said they were too big to sever without damaging the rest of the patient so he left them as-is.

Expect more blowouts, spills, faceplants and general phuckups from ol' Steveador.

I totally get what you are saying, and I agree with you to a certain point...but I think what JJ is saying is that despite Buff and Brower being very late picks,they were game changers/quality NHL players...and if you can have 4-5 quality NHL players in one draft,then yes you could call it a draft for the ages...I just want to know why the Hawks are so high on McNeil?? I don't see what is so special about hi
- captainserious

McNeil is 6'2 210 or there abouts and plays like it. Allegedly a +skater (described by some as powerful), right handed center, works super hard, doesn't complain, does dirty work, defensively competent, supposed to have really good vision/hockey sense, put up a whole lot of points on a bad WHL team. 8/16 over 21 games so far this season and a +4.

Really a lot to like about the player and nothing to dislike. Will be in the NHL, possibly on the wing, but should be an Average to +Average player at a minimum.

Rumor around here is that Monty went to have his clown feet removed. From what I heard, though, the operation was NOT a success. The Doc said they were too big to sever without damaging the rest of the patient so he left them as-is.

Expect more blowouts, spills, faceplants and general phuckups from ol' Steveador.

- savvyone-1

Savvy, you crazy phuck

If anyone is vaguely interested, my 210 player seven round 2013 NHL Mock draft is up and I have opened the profiles / evaluation on the the top 15.
If you click on the player's name, you get to see a bit of what he's about. Free.


http://www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2013/

If anyone is vaguely interested, my 210 player seven round 2013 NHL Mock draft is up and I have opened the profiles / evaluation on the the top 15.
If you click on the player's name, you get to see a bit of what he's about. Free.


http://www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2013/
- wiz1901

JJ, still awaiting on an answer as to if you want me to post those notes about hawk players in the SuperSeries....

McNeil is 6'2 210 or there abouts and plays like it. Allegedly a +skater (described by some as powerful), right handed center, works super hard, doesn't complain, does dirty work, defensively competent, supposed to have really good vision/hockey sense, put up a whole lot of points on a bad WHL team. 8/16 over 21 games so far this season and a +4.

Really a lot to like about the player and nothing to dislike. Will be in the NHL, possibly on the wing, but should be an Average to +Average player at a minimum.
- fattybeef

He will also drop the gloves quite willingly. I agree, while he is probably not a top line player, he is going to be a good 2nd or 3rd line player— a guy who will makea difference.

Ditto for Danault who projects along the same lines. Wiz sent me some really positive scouting on Danault from the Subway Series. Same kind of upside, even if a different style of player. Danault is a winner, good to very good at a lot of things, and a really good defensive player.

JJ, still awaiting on an answer as to if you want me to post those notes about hawk players in the SuperSeries....
- wiz1901

See above post by me—yes.

Notes on the Hawk prospects in the Subway Super Series

Danault was matched against Yakupov who played centre exclusively, because Canada felt Danault could win the face-offs and be able to stay with the elusive Yakupov, because of his instinctive feel for the play. In every match I have seen, Yakupov never scored while Danault was on the ice. Danault consistently took away time and space from that Yakupov-Gringorenko line. There was a pint in game 2 in Quebec that Yakupov took a pass inside the circles and use this quickness to start to go hard to the net, and Danault was able to dive and reach with his stick to skew the attempt power and accuracy.
There hasn't been one time I have seen Danault where he doesn't go hard to the boards. In game two, he labeled Boston draft Alexander Khokhlachev with a solid hit that included a pretty dirty forearm to the throat area. Early in the start of a period in the Game two Danault played Huberdeau in the 4 on 4 and he received a pass in the circle from Huberdeau, and took a one-handed backhand that was pretty close.
I think the Hawks have to be optimistic in regards to Danault not because they see an impact offensive threat, but a really smart high-skilled player who can play up and down the forward lines.


Shalunov (Sha Loon off) lined up at LW but on many rushes drifts to the right boards and moves back to middle to be on his forehand to shoot. I was also impressed by how he also intuitively filled at the point in one of the few times a Russian defender took off for the front of the net. More interesting is that the defenseman was still up ice as the Canadian team started quickly back in transition, so Shalunov just sternly pushed in himself skating backward into defensive position looking like he was actually the defenseman, not forward. This is a big man with an effortless skating stride, who can get down and sweep with his stick, go to the front and play like a big man, when he so desires.
I do think after watching Shalunov in the two games against the strong skating OHL forwards intermixed with the physical players in their line up, Shalunov looked a bit slower because there wasn't as much space and time to make the wide turns he likes to use to create time and open ice fro his linemates.
In the first OHL game where Shalunov scored his second tourney goal:
He had less space, but he finished checks. In the third period he continued to cleanly check guys in the neutral zone. Then, at one point, Boone Jenner caught him turning and Shalunov cartwheeled. The next shift was the one where he blew by the OHL offensive man and Carolina pick Ryan Murphy and scored from the circle with a hard shot, to score the game winning goal. Shalunov also time on the PK. He did make a huge mistake when he attempted to ice the puck during a Canada PP and he shot it quickly (he has a very quick release, btw) and it took off from the Russian zone through the neutral and flew 20 feet OVER the glass behind the Canadien goaler.


Fournier looked good at maintaining control from his backside (hind end) after he was tripped for a penalty, allowing Canada to get a chance before the whistle was blown to signal the penalty. It was really an indication he can play/react at a fast level. A week ago posted how Fournier seemed able to get back in the play when there a quick transition that catches the suddenly on the defenseman defenders felt-footed. It happened with Fournier in game two and he was able to skate himself back into a two on one and get between the attackers with his stick check, unsuccessful at breaking the saucer apss, but still not left completely out to dry on the play.
I think you have to project Fournier as a guy who may make an NHL roster by way of reliability, smarts, feet and all-around ability, but not a guy who at this point stands out to be a special elite defender, just a good one.

If anyone is vaguely interested, my 210 player seven round 2013 NHL Mock draft is up and I have opened the profiles / evaluation on the the top 15.
If you click on the player's name, you get to see a bit of what he's about. Free.


http://www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2013/
- wiz1901

Wiz

Were the Hawks picks in rounds 2 and 3 traded for Oduya? After projecting the players to go in those slots how does the trade look to you now?

McNeill looks quicker than seasons before.

I find it interesting how so many of the hawk picks naturally graviate to the off-wing as they attack and enter the zone, all trying to curl to the forehand. No matter if what forward position they play the skate to the side opposite their shooting side...

There are a dozen of their forward prospects that do this..I don't think it is a taught thing, just a preference...

Wiz

Were the Hawks picks in rounds 2 and 3 traded for Oduya? After projecting the players to go in those slots how does the trade look to you now?
- jhawk159

I have thought about that over and over.

This is a very touchy subject with me (the years the hawks chose to trade their second rounders and the years they chose to acquire them). It always seems to be a "good thick" year when they have traded them and when they acquire them, they strike out with the choices they make.

I think Oduya was a need, and by and large they ARE just prospects and please don't go by my sole opinion of the draft class, I am one person, and not an expert by any means.
My prediction:
I think the Hawks WILL make a trade to recoup at least one of them.

He will also drop the gloves quite willingly..
- John Jaeckel

McNeill is awfully strong and can physically dominate players with his strength in bouts.

He seems quicker, and his strength is he is another anchor player who when in front, is difficult to move out. It is nice to know the guy standing in the crease area can/will also stand up for himself, as Al secord did.

When you draft centres like the ones they have drafted who can play wing and be a second face-off option you have improved in a few areas.

McNeill is awfully strong and can physically dominate players with his strength in bouts.

He seems quicker, and his strength is he is another anchor player who when in front, is difficult to move out. It is nice to know the guy standing in the crease area can/will also stand up for himself, as Al secord did.

When you draft centres like the ones they have drafted who can play wing and be a second face-off option you have improved in a few areas.
- wiz1901

Of all our prospects McNeill is the one I am following the most and I'm the most excited about. The likes of Danualt and Teravainen will be good, and maybe even Saad or Beach. But I think McNeill will being that presence that we've been lacking since we lost Byfuglien, Ladd, and Brouwer. I'm not saying he'll replace these guys, I think McNeill will bring his own unique game to the Blackhawks. From what I've seen and read McNeill looks like a good old fashioned hockey player and I can't wait to see him wearing our jersey.

Of all our prospects McNeill is the one I am following the most and I'm the most excited about. The likes of Danualt and Teravainen will be good, and maybe even Saad or Beach. But I think McNeill will being that presence that we've been lacking since we lost Byfuglien, Ladd, and Brouwer. I'm not saying he'll replace these guys, I think McNeill will bring his own unique game to the Blackhawks. From what I've seen and read McNeill looks like a good old fashioned hockey player and I can't wait to see him wearing our jersey.
- DarthKane

The Hawks have a terrific stable of prospects.

Caveat emptor. Not all will realize their potential or present projection. And none are NHL ready right now. But they have scouted and drafted very well for the last three seasons.

If there is one achilles heel in the system, it is in net. The big kid at Victoriaville might pan out, also maybe Mattson. But they lack any bona fide blue chippers or really even reliably projectable guys in net.

The Hawks have a terrific stable of prospects.

Caveat emptor. Not all will realize their potential or present projection. And none are NHL ready right now. But they have scouted and drafted very well for the last three seasons.

If there is one achilles heel in the system, it is in net. The big kid at Victoriaville might pan out, also maybe Mattson. But they lack any bona fide blue chippers or really even reliably projectable guys in net.
- John Jaeckel

I know he isn't a blue chipper, but what about the kid that plays for the Portland WinterHawks, Mac Carruth? Got any love for him JJ? And one more quick question, I know a little before the draft you were hoping that the Hawks would draft Vasilevski because he would be their top goalie prospect, do you think the Hawks made the wrong move by drafting Teravainnen instead of Vasilevski?