Rutherford of Pitt sounded pretty desperate to get a Top 6 winger in that interview. Pens have a couple nice young D-specs who both played in the playoffs that could fit in nicely for Sharp.

This team has 3 Cups...I know the core was pretty much in place when Bowman took over, but he has managed and manipulated along the way and the team is "THAT CLOSE" to being on a 3-peat right now. Thus, Bowman gets some political capital.

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

John Dahlstrom


Full analysis:

I am more than curious where this analysis come from?
- wiz1901

Wrote it up myself................J/k

From a blog on Hockeys Future. Random Poster Don't how how accurate it is but something to go on.

Graham Knott

(RED LINE: 5 million dollar skills/ 10 cent head-Gets to where he is going really fast, just doesn’t have clue why he is going there.)

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 lucky, sometimes you're 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.

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.
- howiehandles

Gotta get this right - your premise that you don't trust StanBo to get the Saad situation correct is because you're giving him little credit for drafting Saad simply because he fell? It IS a crap shoot, but it's also relying on your scouts to get things right. Scouts from multiple other NHL teams reported to their GM to pass on Saad - StanBo didn't.

What about the large amount of picks/trades etc. that got the Hawks back on track after 2010 that lead to two more Cups, and having a cupboard full of prospects? Just ignore that?

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.
- John Jaeckel

Not saying you are wrong about this, but do you have some examples? Especially, guys you would have traded earlier than he did. Also the bold pronouncement parts, I hear a lot of others saying the heard this or heard that, but factual stuff, I'm not sure I see it the same way.

Graham Knott

(RED LINE: 5 million dollar skills/ 10 cent head-Gets to where he is going really fast, just doesn’t have clue why he is going there.)
- wiz1901

You have mentioned the Hawks goalie situation and what do you think of them signing Ken Appleby as a free agent? He is. 6'4" goalie that had a .924 save percentage in OHL. I think this was his last draft eligible year. Any reason on why he has never been drafted?

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

John Dahlstrom


Full analysis:

I am more than curious where this analysis come from?
- wiz1901

Carl's brother?

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.
- Antilles

So, did Armstrong overplay his hand on Oshie?

How many picks did the Blues recoup from all of the ones they traded away at the deadline the last 2 years?

BTW....

Stan's deals netted us another Cup.

JA's deals netted you 2 more 1st round exits.

Once again, thanks for your perspective.

Graham Knott

(RED LINE: 5 million dollar skills/ 10 cent head-Gets to where he is going really fast, just doesn’t have clue why he is going there.)
- wiz1901

Any relation to Ken Yaremchuk?

Graham Knott

(RED LINE: 5 million dollar skills/ 10 cent head-=Gets to where he is going really fast, just doesn’t have clue why he is going there.) Honest payer who shows up in every facet. Opens the ice for teammates when he draws coverage. Goes into the corners when out-manned, and comes out with the puck. Understands the defensive side really well and is big enough to control space. Effective as big body in the front of the net. Outstanding straight line speed, and a good skater for a big man, but does have some balance issues. Handles the puck well and creates. quality chances when it looks s if there are none there. Lacks hockey sense and at this juncture has poor vision. Doesn’t use his wingers well. Has tools but must learn to anticipate and produce.

Future Considerations:
Knott can be an absolute monster using his size and shot to make an impact, or he can be totally invisible, depending on the contest. Knott doesn’t play a flashy game but is effective in his role on the PP, PK and even strength. He is a good skater for his size, but could add another gear to both his top speed and acceleration. He is very solid on his skates, using his body to protect the puck. He doesn’t have the flashy hands that allow him to deke out defensemen often. Instead he gains the zone, then slows down to try to set up a play or use his reach to try to get around the defenseman with strong puck protection. His passes are generally on tape, from short- to long-range passes. He initiates and dominates cycles and the boards. He possess a good shot but could work on its release. He can go to the net for deflection or rebounds. He is not the most physical, but he will finish his checks; he prefers to angle opponents off more often. He has very good hockey sense. He’s really good at stretching the ice and uses open spaces to make space for teammates or himself. He has a very good vision to find teammates on the rush. He supports teammates very well, especially on the cycle and picking up for them defensively. He gets into shooting lanes to block shots, he also uses his stick to cut passing lanes.

Not saying you are wrong about this, but do you have some examples? Especially, guys you would have traded earlier than he did. Also the bold pronouncement parts, I hear a lot of others saying the heard this or heard that, but factual stuff, I'm not sure I see it the same way.
- vabeachbear

Stan (or the Hawks) has never ever said they had this or that offer. the Dallas offer is a bunch of hot air, until proven otherwise that it was a legit offer. And that's what everyone sees...they THINK Stan got that offer from Dallas, he waited and now he'll be left with a bag of pucks.

Number 1- the offer with Dallas makes NO sense. It's probably just trial ballon/propaganda
Number 2- if Dallas wanted Sharp, why do they now all of a sudden NOT want him 24 hours later?

Stan is probably not getting ANY offers that are alleged to be what he is asking. If he is asking the 1, spec and player great. Start high. He probably has a floor he's willing to go to in moving Sharp, but no reason to start there. It takes time...I think Pittsburgh will end up sending us one of those two D-men who played admirably in the post-season last year and a pick in next year's draft.

Pitt is going to get healthy on the blueline so they have some depth there and it's widely known they want a top 6 wing. Adding Sharp's character to that team would be a huge get.

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

Blasphemy in these parts

Dennis Gilbert

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

Defense: positional
Offense: cerebral

Keywords, unique identity traits: a decently sized defensive defenseman/puck mover hybrid
Room for improvement: offensive zone creativity is minimal, stick usage and control when defending in transition could be a bit better

Full analysis:
Dennis Gilbert is a decently sized defensive-defenseman/puck-mover hybrid that is good at breaking up plays in his own zone and moving the puck out of his zone once he gets control of it. Decent mobility for his size. Competes very well and will physically engage in terms of looking for inside body position and removing the puck-carrier from the puck whether it's around his net or on the wall. In transition he mostly uses his stick to defend and is positionally solid although I do think there's room for improvement there in terms of having a more active "longer" stick. Once he gets the puck, you won't necessarily think he's an offensive defenseman, but he can skate with it and does a pretty good job in moving the puck out in break-out scenarios.

In the offensive zone Gilbert can get involved in a sort of simple conservative manner. He doesn't have a huge shot, nor does he have high-end offensive instincts. But he'll look to get it on net or make a simple pass. Also has the size that he could get involved a bit up the wall. I wouldn't really expect him to ever be confused for an offensive defenseman but he's well-rounded enough that at least it's not a black hole in his game.

Through transition is where Gilbert starts having some proper assets going for him and that's because he combines his defensive zone game where he's competitive and capable of breaking up plays, with his ability to move the puck out. Although he isn't terribly skilled, you'll see him skate with the puck and be quite decent in moving it out either through skating or passing plays. The fact that he is capable as a puck-mover but also has that size and is engaging in breaking plays up in his own zone, gives him a feel of being a sort of a hybrid between a defensive defenseman and a puck-mover (at least in his own zone).

When defending off the rush, he has ok mobility. I think there's room for improvement in his agility as well as stick usage in terms of establishing a larger zone of control with it. He'll compete but I'm not sure if the control factor is there yet in terms of protecting the middle and steering the play to the outside.

In his own zone, he's quite adept at gaining the inside body position on forwards. Capable of winning one on one battles. And what makes him attractive as a prospect is that he is a guy who is capable of breaking up control of the other team while also at the same time having the ability to move the puck out. And that results in this nice loop for him, where he makes really positive plays in his own zone and through break-outs regardless of who has the puck. Is a guy that is quite good for the team's possession without necessarily having high-end instincts with the puck.

Overall, I like Gilbert as a defensive defenseman that can move the puck. He's got the size, isn't slow, is smart and competitive enough that he looks projectable. Can move the puck with his skating and can pass. I'd imagine he falls within that modern defensive defenseman category, although could still improve his stick usage defensively. I think he could play some PK minutes.

Development focus: I think for Gilbert if he could improve his defensive play in transition he'd start looking like a really solid modern defensive defenseman type prospect. He's not bad at it, but if he could bring that up with his stick usage and steering the play to the outside to an elite level, then he'd be really well-rounded in all defensive aspects.

Projection: I'd project Gilbert as a defensive defenseman/puck mover hybrid that can move the puck and skate with it a bit. Right now mostly a 3rd pairing guy if he does make it, could log some PK minutes.

Graham Knott

(RED LINE: 5 million dollar skills/ 10 cent head-Gets to where he is going really fast, just doesn’t have clue why he is going there.)
- wiz1901

Victor Stalberg?

Graham Knott

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

Defense: positional
Offense: mixed

Keywords, unique identity traits: pro-style winger with size that can also move, has smarts with the puck and competes well, commits to all the details of the game without the puck
Room for improvement: agility and explosiveness should probably improve as he grows more comfortable with his frame, skill level is decent but maybe not high enough for a consistent top 6 role

Full analysis:
Graham Knott is a big pro-style power winger that plays with smarts, a good compete level and attention to detail on ice with and without the puck. Although he does have a decent skill level, where Knott really shines is in his ability to deliver a pro-style game even at the junior level as he is diligent both on the forecheck and backcheck, finishes his checks, displays the willingness to go to the dirty areas, and has an active and useful stick off the puck. Once you combine that pro-style package with decent mobility, compete level, size, and some decent ability to make plays with the puck, you get Graham Knott.

In the offensive zone, Knott plays a simple game where he displays good vision in both getting open and finding open linemates. Has good ability to sustain and extend zone time, but will not necessarily be very creatively involved in breaking down defenses. Still, he displays the willingness to make himself available whether it is on the wall or in front of the net and contributes in that manner. Sometimes surprises with a high-end skill play, for example one of the better aspects of his that I was surprised by is his vision with the puck as he will sometimes quickly process the opening to find an open linemate for a scoring chance.

In transition he will help out his defense with making himself available for passes on break-outs, and that's really a thing Knott does all over the ice, he is interested in supporting the puck and being a helpful presence on ice in terms of making it easy to play with him. His mobility is decent, but I do think he hasn't fully grown into his body yet as far as how comfortable he looks on the ice with his agility and explosiveness. So once that improves as he physically matures, you might also see a spark in offensive capability off the rush as well as overall.

In defending without the puck, Knott really shines both as a forechecker and a backchecker. He has a long stick and his reads allow him to be a presence on the forecheck, using his stick to steer the play and establish a large zone of control in his space. Has the compete level, the smarts, and the physical ability to be a factor on the forecheck for sure.

In his own zone, again Knott is diligent in paying attention to his position and his role. He is mindful of what is going on the ice and will offer support to his team. Willing to engage both physically as well as with his stick. And here too, his stick usage is pretty good in terms of establishing a large zone of control and steering plays as he sees fit. Only thing that I still think he could improve is basically growing into his frame more and adding a bit of that jump and explosiveness that would allow him to exploit his size and physicality at a more consistent level.

Overall, Knott is a pro-style winger with size and already considerable polish in some aspects that prospects are usually lacking in. Has good hockey IQ, skill level is decent and he can move pretty well. I don't think he necessarily has the skill to be a prominent offensive producer, but he should be able to get himself on the board here and there while also being a presence on the forecheck and a diligent player with and without the puck, that is easy to play with and doesn't make many mistakes. Could certainly be used on PK.

Development focus: I think I would like him to improve his explosiveness and agility a bit, and for a guy like Knott it's important that his offensive game keeps developing despite his overall polish in other areas.

Projection: I'd project Knott realistically as a 3rd line winger, that is a presence on the forecheck, easy to play with and diligent in his approach all over the ice. He has enough skill to get a couple of points and maybe move up the line-up if needed. If we look at him as a top 6 winger, he'd probably need to take another step offensively next season. Could play PK.

Dennis Gilbert

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

Defense: positional
Offense: cerebral

Keywords, unique identity traits: a decently sized defensive defenseman/puck mover hybrid
Room for improvement: offensive zone creativity is minimal, stick usage and control when defending in transition could be a bit better

Full analysis:
Dennis Gilbert is a decently sized defensive-defenseman/puck-mover hybrid that is good at breaking up plays in his own zone and moving the puck out of his zone once he gets control of it. Decent mobility for his size. Competes very well and will physically engage in terms of looking for inside body position and removing the puck-carrier from the puck whether it's around his net or on the wall. In transition he mostly uses his stick to defend and is positionally solid although I do think there's room for improvement there in terms of having a more active "longer" stick. Once he gets the puck, you won't necessarily think he's an offensive defenseman, but he can skate with it and does a pretty good job in moving the puck out in break-out scenarios.

In the offensive zone Gilbert can get involved in a sort of simple conservative manner. He doesn't have a huge shot, nor does he have high-end offensive instincts. But he'll look to get it on net or make a simple pass. Also has the size that he could get involved a bit up the wall. I wouldn't really expect him to ever be confused for an offensive defenseman but he's well-rounded enough that at least it's not a black hole in his game.

Through transition is where Gilbert starts having some proper assets going for him and that's because he combines his defensive zone game where he's competitive and capable of breaking up plays, with his ability to move the puck out. Although he isn't terribly skilled, you'll see him skate with the puck and be quite decent in moving it out either through skating or passing plays. The fact that he is capable as a puck-mover but also has that size and is engaging in breaking plays up in his own zone, gives him a feel of being a sort of a hybrid between a defensive defenseman and a puck-mover (at least in his own zone).

When defending off the rush, he has ok mobility. I think there's room for improvement in his agility as well as stick usage in terms of establishing a larger zone of control with it. He'll compete but I'm not sure if the control factor is there yet in terms of protecting the middle and steering the play to the outside.

In his own zone, he's quite adept at gaining the inside body position on forwards. Capable of winning one on one battles. And what makes him attractive as a prospect is that he is a guy who is capable of breaking up control of the other team while also at the same time having the ability to move the puck out. And that results in this nice loop for him, where he makes really positive plays in his own zone and through break-outs regardless of who has the puck. Is a guy that is quite good for the team's possession without necessarily having high-end instincts with the puck.

Overall, I like Gilbert as a defensive defenseman that can move the puck. He's got the size, isn't slow, is smart and competitive enough that he looks projectable. Can move the puck with his skating and can pass. I'd imagine he falls within that modern defensive defenseman category, although could still improve his stick usage defensively. I think he could play some PK minutes.

Development focus: I think for Gilbert if he could improve his defensive play in transition he'd start looking like a really solid modern defensive defenseman type prospect. He's not bad at it, but if he could bring that up with his stick usage and steering the play to the outside to an elite level, then he'd be really well-rounded in all defensive aspects.

Projection: I'd project Gilbert as a defensive defenseman/puck mover hybrid that can move the puck and skate with it a bit. Right now mostly a 3rd pairing guy if he does make it, could log some PK minutes.
- mvp0207

Again- IS this YOUR opinion or something someone posted on HockeysFuture???

So, did Armstrong overplay his hand on Oshie?

How many picks did the Blues recoup from all of the ones they traded away at the deadline the last 2 years?

BTW....

Stan's deals netted us another Cup.

JA's deals netted you 2 more 1st round exits.

Once again, thanks for your perspective.
- tredbrta

Pretty sad that someone can comment on a blog essentially agreeing with the blogger, expounding on why he may be correct with no insults; and you have to revert to trolling to respond.

Carl's brother?
- vabeachbear

I don't think so....but I am not a professional scout, lol

Again- IS this YOUR opinion or something someone posted on HockeysFuture???
- wiz1901

No its from a blog on Hockeys future that I post on sometimes.

http://hfboards.hockeysfu.../showthread.php?t=1903817

Pretty sad that someone can comment on a blog essentially agreeing with the blogger, expounding on why he may be correct with no insults; and you have to revert to trolling to respond.
- Antilles

Simply pointing out how perspective influences the interpretation of events.

I actually believe both Sharp and Oshie will net adequate returns. I also believe both teams wanted picks back yesterday. Just not as doom and gloom as others.

No chance Pittsburgh moves Pouilot, but Brian Dumolin is a player I would have no problem the Hawks building a trade around involving Sharp.

A deal of Sharp for Dumolin + a pick in the top 2 rounds next year would be more than fair and would address the cap situation.

I know it was just limited time, but Dumolin looked better than ANY of our prospects that played last year (TVR included). He's be a stable, sturdy player that could even compete for a spot beside Hammer at #4, although I am still in favor of bringing in a vet D-man to backup if none of the kids can handle #4.

Pitt has depth at D with their guys coming back healthy and have stated they want a top 6 winger. Sharp's character and leadership is an added bonus. The fit is there.

Gotta get this right - your premise that you don't trust StanBo to get the Saad situation correct is because you're giving him little credit for drafting Saad simply because he fell? It IS a crap shoot, but it's also relying on your scouts to get things right. Scouts from multiple other NHL teams reporter to their GM to pass on Saad - StanBo didn't.

What about the large amount of picks/trades etc. that got the Hawks back on track after 2010 that lead to two more Cups, and having a cupboard full of prospects? Just ignore that?
- CaptainBlackhawk

Can't also ignore what he inherited.

We can back and forth all day with this, but that would be pointless. You're not going to agree with everyone, and neither am I. Just opinions.

Has he not messed it up, yes. Do I believe other GMs could have done more with the 2010 sell off, yes. Do I believe some GMs could have worse, probably. Is he the worst GM, no. Is he the best, no.

Yes, the 2009 deal to acquire the pick that eventually became Saad was a winner. The Buff deal, was not. People can say he had no leverage, but I do believe some GMs could have done better during that purge.

The Ladd deal was garbage too, but there were extenuating circumstances, and he chose not to bring back Ladd, but bring back Sharp. Either one helps you win more Cups IMO. Personally, I'd have kept Ladd, but it's a coin toss.

Trading a pick that eventually became Jimmy Hayes is probably one of his better deals, as was the Oduya one, but while Johnny is a good player, that's Spackle on the house already built.

The Leddy deal, let's see what happens with Pokke. Leddy may not be a superstar, but Pokke is going to have to be pretty good to make that a win for Stan.

Honestly, the Vermette deal was probably one of his best. I completely agreed with the trade at the time, and in hindsight, it's a no brainer. Most of his deals are meh. They're not all going to be world beaters, and some may prove to be good down the road, but for the most part, they're very conservative. The type of deals you make if you're afraid to roll the dice and not just settle for singles and sacrifice flies.

Can't also ignore what he inherited.

We can back and forth all day with this, but that would be pointless. You're not going to agree with everyone, and neither am I. Just opinions.

Has he not messed it up, yes. Do I believe other GMs could have done more with the 2010 sell off, yes. Do I believe some GMs could have worse, probably. Is he the worst GM, no. Is he the best, no.

Yes, the 2009 deal to acquire the pick that eventually became Saad was a winner. The Buff deal, was not. People can say he had no leverage, but I do believe some GMs could have done better during that purge.

The Ladd deal was garbage too, but there were extenuating circumstances, and he chose not to bring back Ladd, but bring back Sharp. Either one helps you win more Cups IMO. Personally, I'd have kept Ladd, but it's a coin toss.

Trading a pick that eventually became Jimmy Hayes is probably one of his better deals, as was the Oduya one, but while Johnny is a good player, that's Spackle on the house already built.

The Leddy deal, let's see what happens with Pokke. Leddy may not be a superstar, but Pokke is going to have to be pretty good to make that a win for Stan.

Honestly, the Vermette deal was probably one of his best. I completely agreed with the trade at the time, and in hindsight, it's a no brainer. Most of his deals are meh. They're not all going to be world beaters, and some may prove to be good down the road, but for the most part, they're very conservative. The type of deals you make if you're afraid to roll the dice and not just settle for singles and sacrifice flies.
- howiehandles

Yet he is taking all kinds of crap for swinging for the fences on a return for Sharp. I am okay with it. I like the 3 cups in 6 years and am glad he's been a steady hand at the tiller. I'd rather have the Hawks situation at the draft than the Bruins for,example.

Here's someinfor on Dahlstrom that is not from some bunfruk on Hockey's Future

Future Condiderations
Dahlstrom is a hard working two-way forward who makes an impact all over the ice. Just a good all-round hockey player who competes in all three zones. He is a decent skater but not a real burner. He is hard to knock off the puck or out of position around the crease. He is more of a scorer than natural passer, but makes simple and accurate dishes off his blade. Not a slick puck handler either, he is best when he has a puck transporter on his line. But he’s got good hockey sense and has a knack for finding himself in scoring positions. And he’s got good work ethic. Nice, hard, accurate wrist shot and seems focused when in scoring positions, not showing any panic. Likes to play physical, very good at obstructing the goalie at the doorstep, looking for a rebound or deflection and knows how to throw a big hit. He seems quite strong and balanced. He isn’t overly aggressive, but is not afraid to go into the corners and he is highly effective at battling for pucks along the wall; his balance and core strength makes checkers bounce off him when they try to engage. His ability to sneak by defenders with the puck is fun to watch. Defensively, he works hard and back checks hard. He is often in the right position defensively, showing good defensive sense; although, maybe not yet as developed as his offensive instincts. Does not really have any one physical trait that stands out. What might have him making the big show is his above average scoring touch, instincts and overall hockey sense.

This is something that surprised me. Stan has had 2 serious draft successes with players who have dropped (TT and Saad). Thought he would play that same formula with OK.

We got the Trader Vick version of Stan at the TDL. Not his MO. I do think this was a loss - not getting picks back in this draft BUT this is not over. See what he gets when the players go.

Question: Can the Hawks even qualify Saad without making space? If they need the space is the deadline 7/1?

Edit: question covered above. Thx.
- tredbrta

Agreed. I think the Hawks would have a little easier time with teams parting with 2016 picks--and I believe Wiz said that one is very deep as well. 2016 is fine for the Hawks--perhaps even a little better--since they don't have a shortage of prospects. We'll see, but I don't think there's a crisis yet at all.