Radke, Tuulola, Gilbert, Knott, Shea.

The draft, after the top guys, is a crap shoot. These are 17 year olds, minimum 3-4 years away from the NHL (if ever). If the Hawks have scouted well, then these are each and all guys who show a little something, some way, to say with some development, he could be a pro.

The Hawks' junior and minor league pipeline, while not all that great, is really the least of their problems.

They have a great core locked up (for the most part) for the next several seasons. They need to get their cap worked out and Saad and Kruger re-upped. Then Seabrook next season.

The Hawks' issue therefore is one of cap management. And it is significant.

Would it be helpful if Bowman could get some return for the assets who need to be subtracted? Yes. And no his track record there has been one, for the most part, of waiting too long, making bold pronouncements that maybe don't get backed up, overplaying some hands—for the most part.

I'm not going to go for the soft palate over not having a late first rounder. I am interested to see how they work through losing about $10-$15 million off the cap and what they get back.

and YES the hawks have seventh rounder the last pick...

The draft happening means there is no incentive to teams to deal for Sharp (or anyone else) now instead of waiting until they see what happens July 1. And once free agency starts, the supply of teams able to add Sharp numbers to their cap starts dropping, while Chicago's need to trade him gets more acute.

Sure, Sharp could be traded for a massive haul tomorrow... but how things normally go suggest that's unlikely.
- Antilles

Again - you don't think that Stan Bowman has already thought of that exact scenario and hasn't acted on a Sharp deal?

That doesn't mean that a player/players and even better pick/picks for next season can be had.

I wish they gambled on Kylington.

Joni Tuulola
http://www.draftsite.com/...layer/joni-tuulola/21274/
Lanky second year eligible two-way defenseman with a calm demeanor and lots of likable qualities. he was noticeable at the World Junior Under -18 where he made effective plays at both ends. An excellent passer out of his zone and good puck handling ability. Has good feet but needs lower body strength that will make him quicker and more agile. Still a empty canvass in parts of his development but already has a high hockey IQ and plays smart, and just needs to grow his game and body a bit more.
- wiz1901

I like this kid, plus over all I think a pretty solid day. I would have gone with Simon Bourque with the Gilbert pick.

Wiz how creditable is the black book by hockey prospects? Imr using it for my franchise league.

So you are saying he's a young under developed --- Tom Wilson
- vabeachbear

LOL No--not a huge first fighter like Wilson

Again - you don't think that Stan Bowman has already thought of that exact scenario and hasn't acted on a Sharp deal?

That doesn't mean that a player/players and even better pick/picks for next season can be had.
- CaptainBlackhawk

Based on his track record, I'm not overly confident, but hopeful.

I wish they gambled on Kylington.
- mvp0207

Passing on a Swede no less.

Based on his track record, I'm not overly confident, but hopeful.
- howiehandles

You're welcome to cite specific examples to your very broad statement. I've cited multiple examples, in previous responses, to what you've already claimed as fact.

Wiz how creditable is the black book by hockey prospects? Imr using it for my franchise league.
- blkhwkfn

I never have looked at it.

The Hawks draft flavor is selecting a two hometown kids, a kid Hossa knews and Finn they watched in last years draft who improved, sandwiched about an OHler, a high school kid going to Northeastern University.

You're welcome to cite specific examples to your very broad statement. I've cited multiple examples, in previous responses, to what you've already claimed as fact.
- CaptainBlackhawk

I claimed as fact? Opinion isn't fact. I gave my opinion.

Alright 211 heres were they draft this years zetterberg

I claimed as fact? Opinion isn't fact. I gave my opinion.
- howiehandles

Sorry. You're right.

Please back up your opinion with something other than a broad general statement that somehow his track record indicates that he doesn't know what he's doing with the Saad situation or isn't prepared for what potentially might happen.

I think since 2010 the MOST important if not only goal of this front office is to keep together Toews Kane Keith Hossa and Seabrook and continually adding or subtracting around that CORE.

I remember the "core" debates here in 2011. SO far so good two additional titles with different pieces (some say maybe not elite pieces) around this core.

I think since 2010 the MOST important if not only goal of this front office is to keep together Toews Kane Keith Hossa and Seabrook and continually adding or subtracting around that CORE.

I remember the "core" debates here in 2011. SO far so good two additional titles with different pieces (some say maybe not elite pieces) around this core.
- mvp0207

Spot on correct.

Keep the core in tact, add around it, draft well enough to bring up players that play on the third and fourth lines that contribute as if they were a line or two higher and then eventually make tough choices on who to let go (i.e.: Sharp).

Again - you don't think that Stan Bowman has already thought of that exact scenario and hasn't acted on a Sharp deal?

That doesn't mean that a player/players and even better pick/picks for next season can be had.
- CaptainBlackhawk

If Bowman overplayed his hand on Sharp, we won't know until the trade finally happens. But there is no point in denying that this is exactly what it would look like if he had, and that time is now against the Blackhawks.

Holy sleeper Swedish forward.

Never saw him either

John Dahlström
Thick centre-wing wing for Swedish junior

I wish they gambled on Kylington.
- mvp0207

Well said

Alright there he is this years Zetterberg.

John Dahlstrom

Offensive zone ability: B-
Offensive transition ability: C+
Puck movement and possession retention: C+
Defensive transition ability: C+
Defensive zone ability: C+

Defense: positional
Offense: cerebral



Full analysis:
John Dahlstrom is a mid-sized wing with good speed and a nose for the net, especially from in-close. Pretty big project in terms of where he has to be to become more of a factor on a shift-to-shift basis, but I think there is enough there with his size, mobility, reads, and offensive instincts that he's worth taking a look at. He's a player that I think is just in the process of putting it together. Inconsistent in my viewings in his shift-to-shift engagement level. Has the toolset to be a scoring winger and a smart player that can also be a factor on the forecheck, but the consistency is questionable in some of those aspects. Prone to stop moving his feet in his own zone. Not always engaged on the forecheck, and doesn't always look to get himself open hard enough through transition. Has a pretty good hand-eye coordination when he engages and seems to have the ability to get his stick on pucks and win them.

In the offensive zone it's mostly pure instincts for Dahlstrom. He has a pretty good sense of where the puck is going to be in the scoring areas and can get involved as a scorer. As far as sustaining zone time and puck protection there is a lot of room for improvement. I think he has OK vision but he's pretty much a forward that relies purely on his timing and scoring instincts in the offensive zone right now.

Through transition, he has decent speed and skating ability. Would have liked to see him support the puck better and aid his team a bit more in getting out of the zone and through the neutral zone. Sometimes gets ahead of the play or appears too lax in terms of supporting the puck. Would like to see him put more effort into getting open for an easy pass and being involved in the play.

As a forechecker, he's more of a mixed bag. Mobility is there, he does look to utilize his stick and he's decent at gaining possession and getting his stick on the puck if there's a scrum. I think there's still room for improvement in his routes and the angles he takes. Makes some odd decisions that leave him flat-footed in the middle of ice with the play going around him the other way, which requires a pretty big back-checking effort just to not leave his team outnumbered in his own zone.

In his own zone, he is positionally solid and can read the play. How engaging he is, varies on a shift-by-shift basis. I'd like to see a bigger compete level, more willingness to move his feet and being involved on a consistent basis. Right now he doesn't bring any added value to his team defensively.

Overall, while Dahlstrom has several things to improve on I do like his ability to get involved as a scoring threat. Has OK skill level and skating, and what sells him as a prospect are really his scoring instincts and timing. I do think he has a long way to go though and he's a pretty big project at this point in time.

Development focus: For Dahlstrom, I'd say he has several areas to work on. Needs to improve puck-possession and extending zone time for his team. Could be more effective in his angles as a forechecker. And could also move his feet more in his own zone and try to be a bit more engaging. Also needs to be more interested in getting open and in aiding the transition out of his zone and through neutral zone.

Projection: A pretty long-shot pick, it would be early to say where Dahlstrom projects as far as slots go. But he has decent mobility, skill level, and those scoring instincts and nose for the net to build upon.

Graham Knott
http://www.draftsite.com/...l/player/graham-knott/217
Left wing prospect with a nice frame whose has all-around game and makes any linemate a good player. Plays well in all areas and comes to play shift after shift. Has strength but needs to get better in the battle areas. Very consistent and was able to outplay the opposition and winning puck battles again and again. Can get bigger all round. And improving in the tight spaces and capitalizing there is what might elevate his draft status.

Dennis Gilbert
http://www.draftsite.com/...yer/dennis-gilbert/22834/
Big two way defender who is best when he sticks to a simple game within his comfort level. 
Decent skater with an active stick. Tough and very willing to box out along the wall in the attack zone. Has balance and can use his girth as levelage to clear the crease area, but his foot speed and puck skills continually put him at risk in his end. he continues to improve and has committed to Niagara University where he will be able to develop so he doesn't have issues with the speed game. 

Ryan Shea
http://www.draftsite.com/...l/player/ryan-shea/22850/
Average build defenseman with good vision and offensive savvy. Possesses terrific four-way mobility and has greta tools to continue to hone his defensive side. Has strong footwork and lateral movement that signals continued improvement in his gap control. He is difficult to beat one on one. Handles the puck well and loves to activate through his own rushes and passes to become the fourth attacker. Long term project with good upside. He has committed to Northeastern University.

Radovan Bondra
http://www.draftsite.com/...yer/radovan-bondra/21629/
A member of his homeland’s team roster for the World Junior Under-20 at Christmas 2014. Displays decent feet but needs improved acceleration and more intensity to his play. Excellent tools, yet no toolbox at this time.

Roy Radke
http://www.draftsite.com/...l/player/roy-radke/22785/
Geneva Illinois born big centre-wing whose development is hampered by lack of foot speed, acceleration in stop/starts. Relishes using his body to play aggressively, and back checks hard, but his puck skills and offensive output- needs plenty of time.

Joni Tuulola
http://www.draftsite.com/...layer/joni-tuulola/21274/
Lanky second year eligible two-way defenseman with a calm demeanor and lots of likable qualities.
He was noticeable at the World Junior Under -18 where he made effective plays at both ends. An excellent passer out of his zone and good puck handling ability. Has good feet but needs lower body strength that will make him quicker and more agile. Still a empty canvass in parts of his development but already has a high hockey IQ and plays smart, and just needs to grow his game and body a bit more.

John Dahlström
Thick centre-wing wing for Swedish junior

The draft happening means there is no incentive to teams to deal for Sharp (or anyone else) now instead of waiting until they see what happens July 1. And once free agency starts, the supply of teams able to add Sharp numbers to their cap starts dropping, while Chicago's need to trade him gets more acute.

Sure, Sharp could be traded for a massive haul tomorrow... but how things normally go suggest that's unlikely.
- Antilles

Not a huge UFA class. Very few players of Sharp's caliber. If a Caps or NYI sign a Beleskey or Justin Williams their rivals need to offset the move to compete. That may up demand.

Different perspectives provide different outcomes of the same future events. You pop in here to post this stuff lately because you dislike the Hawks and envy the Cups. That is your perspective. Unlike the Blues, the Hawks haven't raided their system to the point they have little depth. They can afford to lose the picks and recoup less from Sharp and Bickell. Time will tell what they get. We know what you're hoping for though. Thanks.

[quote=mvp0207]Alright there he is this years Zetterberg.

John Dahlstrom


Full analysis:

I am more than curious where this analysis come from?

You didn't even have him getting drafted did you?

They have went from 2 rounds behind you to more
- vabeachbear

Lol! Sorry, I like wiz too, but I'll take the opinions of the professional scouts employed by the Blackhawks.

John Dahlstrom (12 points in 11 U20 junior games)

Sorry. You're right.

Please back up your opinion with something other than a broad general statement that somehow his track record indicates that he doesn't know what he's doing with the Saad situation.
- CaptainBlackhawk

All I said regarding Saad, was he fell to him. I'd have had more belief that he targeted him if he moved in the draft for him. He probably had the most value in the second round, and he took him. It happens in every sport.

Saad was a projected first round pick that fell to the second round. I doubt he/they knew that he'd fall, and yes, every team could have selected him, and didn't.

The draft is a pretty much a crap shoot. Sometimes you're lucky, sometimes you are not.


Just a few quick submissions for you your honor.

23rd overall to Pittsburgh.

http://thehockeywriters.c...-mock-draft-brendan-ross/

21st overall to Ottawa.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=69704

17th to Montreal

http://www2.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=45548

FWIW, Pierre mentions that he was falling in his note about Saad in the TSN bit.


Not a tremendous drop, like Shaw for example, but pretty much everyone who's an "expert", had him in the 1st. Was it a very good pick in retrospect, yes. I was actually hoping for Jurco in the first round.

Drafting for value, is the best way to draft IMO. You never reach. But I'm not going to give him total credit for something he had little control of. Yes, he did actually draft him, but he can't control all the other teams not drafting him, just as I'm not going to give someone credit for getting dealt an ace playing cards. If he knew how good he was, why didn't he draft him in the first round instead of McNeill? McNeill was supposed to be the better player, and maybe he will be, but I don't believe he will.

Have a Snickers man. We all are probably fried from constantly checking this board the past few days, especially with the anticipation of some player movement.