I'd only say 19, 88, 20, 8, 50, DCat are untouchable to me.
- gnosox1986

I’d move 20 for the right hockey trade, it have to be a win win type deal. I’m not so sure Saad was thrilled to be traded back here, just a gut feeling I’ve had since he’s been back. I’d also prefer to keep 48 and 91 if they want to stay and are willing to sign reasonable contracts.

Thanks for the mention that my top seven rounds of mock is finally starting to take form, on Draftsite.

I think the Blackhawks dances are down to NINE percent based on all the back the back games.

The new lottery style could work for or against the hawks (against if a team higher in the final standings wins and drops them to say slot 11), and the first year saw three teams
Despite having the best odds to win the No. 1 pick, the Colorado Avalanche will have the No. 4 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft.
The Devils, who had an 8.5 percent chance at winning the lottery, chose No. 1 moved up from No. 5.
The Philadelphia Flyers won the No. 2 pick, moving up from No. 13, and the Dallas Stars get the No. 3 pick, up from No. 8.

It is in my opinion a very strong draft past the third round. Any team with a decent scouting staff should get at very least an NHLer out of those rounds.

There is clear number #1 and then probably locks on the next two slots by forwards, and Brady Tkachuk in my humble opinion is right after them.

The oddity about this draft is right after those four go there is an uncanny amount of new age “offenseeman prospects” … junior players that are six foot or a lot under and lightweights who are really dynamic skating attackers with terrific sticks and generate at a high level as cogs that make the wheels roll on the junior teams. But these “push defenders” are so very far behind in the well rounded defensive side of the game, and so many are such lightweights you wonder if they ever are able to be counted on in defensive schemes that don’t protect them.

(But, the games nature has shifted to speed and you can look at Forsling, or Osterle, or Murphy, or Gustafsson, and you see that it IS a distinct personal shift.
The past Hawk teams where loaded with defenseman who were very good at aiding the low amounts of time the puck was in their defensive zone, when they had control of it.
Now the on the job training has resulted in the hawk defense this season spending longer periods attempting to get out or having attempts thwarted and pucks were kept in, and possessed bye the attacking team and then after the hawk defenders finally got puck possession they still spent longer zone time attempting their outs…)

Anyway back to the draft, the class strength, those smaller push defenders MASY have an affect on the board, where the second wave of really nice forwards don’t start hearing their names until about slot ten, and even then there will be more tempting defenseman sprinkled in before the round ends…

The one thing that is missing in the close to can’t miss of the first round is a big scoring centre that has been a strength most of the drafts in the last five years.
There are guys like Joe Veleno who have under produced, and average sized lightweight junior scorers, and Ulf’s son, Mattias Samuelsson.

The fact that the draft lottery now includes all the teams missing the playoff with a chance to draft near the top, makes it a nice year to draft in the top ten…because Rasmus Dahlin is the real deal, a dynamic big defender who is as nimble as those other push dee-men…

Domi is probably not on the market.
Domi has been asked to be a second line centre in a distinct role as a checking centre, and his production has dropped off the map, noe that he is no longer a winger, rover and free bird. I doubt they are actively shopping him, and like each and every one of these young guys going into their second deal (still RFAs, mind you) he will NOT want a bridge deal...they all think they have the right stuff to ask for and push hard for the bigger five mil plus deals.

Well, I hav got get back to work now…thanks for listening, everyone!

I personally will disregard that list Justin, and it is great of Wiz to do all the research for all of the guys, but if it were me ,I am doing everything possible as far as wheeling in dealing to try to get a top three pick and grab Brady Tkachuk!
- wonthecup10

I am with you...you see me get into with Prohman on the Athletic about this kid?

He is the best Tkachuk.

But you can trade for the third overall, and if two more teams below you (LIKE LAST YEAR NJ, and PhillY) win the lottery, you draft fifth.

I hate to connect this to the NFL draft where the bears are hoping that there will be a run on defenseman...the NHL knows the NEW importance of speed on the back end if there is a run on those defenders, even if the Hawks jump up with a lottery win to seven, they might get Tkachuk. (or at least I am dreaming both a lottery win and run on push defenders...)
I have the profiles up on the first nine guys so read's:

https://www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2018/

My buddy Corey Pronman has Tkachuk going #15
(this is went I went attack dog on the guys he had in front of him that were forwards.)
and I wrote this to Corey:
Brady Tkachuk is the best of the second generation players; he leads in all phases, is a changed person on the ice, who refuses to let up, or stop being physically involved. Sure, I look at the prospects feet, hands and smarts, and I just don't see any of the next five defenders with better intangibles, or the next group of defenders in my mock seven rounds as being able to take responsibility of winning on their shoulders like he does. All the other forwards are not going to plug and play, or stand alone and win no matter where/who the play with...their success is in the hands of where and how there are groomed and where they are played. He is not in need of any help to be an NHler with upside.

I think one of the bigger issues is lack of balance.

The years the Hawks had their best success there was always a really good balance of playing styles. I don't see that when I look at this crop. Everyone is kind of the same to me.

For example, look at the blue line. It's mostly smallish, puck-moving guys who aren't physical and Keith/Seabrook are on the back nine. I feel there needs to be one or two true stay-at-home Defensemen to add a balance. I know Murphy is supposed to be that guy, but I see him join/start a rush a lot and maybe he shouldn't be doing that as much. In years past, the Hawks were always really good with finding guys like Sopel--not the best player--but he brought shot-blocking ability and some physicality, but more importantly, he could grind out the minutes and allow the better Defensemen to rest their legs and lungs so they could always be fresh.

The Flames coulnd't touch the puck when Sharp-Hartman-Saad were out last night.
- JRoenick97

JR great point. Of course that performance meant they hardly played. Saad is an elite player who has been beat down. Hartman is young but is better than Shaw who people lament for.

I think one of the bigger issues is lack of balance.

The years the Hawks had their best success there was always a really good balance of playing styles. I don't see that when I look at this crop. Everyone is kind of the same to me.

For example, look at the blue line. It's mostly smallish, puck-moving guys who aren't physical and Keith/Seabrook are on the back nine. I feel there needs to be one or two true stay-at-home Defensemen to add a balance.
- Hank3Henshaw

I just have to interject here with something that was the topic on Sirius NHL today: the emergence/trust of Leafs coach Babcock in Travis Dermott, and how he was a big strong kid...
he is 5' 11 almost 200.

It is a new concept of anchor defenders being more like Gil Marotte b/c no one can find Elkholm unless you grow one

I know Murphy is supposed to be that guy, but I see him join/start a rush a lot and maybe he shouldn't be doing that as much. In years past, the Hawks were always really good with finding guys like Sopel--not the best player--but he brought shot-blocking ability and some physicality, but more importantly, he could grind out the minutes and allow the better Defensemen to rest their legs and lungs so they could always be fresh.
- Hank3Henshaw

I think the game dictates skating now more than ever, and the hope is that your Ruttas and Forslings and the like round out as improved in their own end defenders, but there are only so many REALLY good defenders.

I know TWO players on each NHL team HAVE to play on the first pair and a THIRD guy must anchor the second pair. It’s easy to argue that very many of the National Hockey League teams really don’t have true number one defenseman, just players talented enough to play big minutes and do a decent job. Some of these number one defenders are average or under-sized players that push the pace and do a decent job in their own end. This even gets more skewed when you take in account the new prototypical offensemen rovers, undersized (who basically, are using their feet, getting their stick on the right side of the attacker) and are being protected in the defensive schemes. Solid two way impact with high skill and quick feet & hands are valuable commodities, and if I was a GM, I would be hesitant in trading one even if he was older, and high high Cap hit. But nah, the Chicago trio, the Nashville quads, all are valuable more valuable than a underachieving youngster….

...that is why whoever picks first and early in top four wins this draft...

Would anyone do this trade AA +hartman+ rutta for hayden fluery and 2nd 2018 overpay not enough thoughts anybody. Wingles+kempney for 4th and 6th or 3rd bouma 6th or 7th franson the same

Would anyone do this trade AA +hartman+ rutta for hayden fluery and 2nd 2018 overpay not enough thoughts anybody. Wingles+kempney for 4th and 6th or 3rd bouma 6th or 7th franson the same
- Scott1977

any fire sale by Bowman will be about recouping the 2nd and 4th round picks and less likely a BIG move, the kind we would like to see where a huge chuck of salary goes and a young REAL defender, or player comes back.

The jest need a centre badly with Mark Scheifele out, but you think they are buy Toews when they will already have issues keeping their on the job trainees?

Same with the Leafs: you think they take on Keith for a real prospect and pick?

I think in this day and age, a GM has to get mighty lucky to find a match

Um...In 2105 the best line in hockey BY FAR was Saad-Toews-Hossa. So I don't get your point there.

All I can say is they've given up. Maybe for the better. That Monahan empty netter was laughable. The puck was bouncing around the in the slot and there were 4 hawks just watching it. I've never seen a player react so slow as Seabrook did. They're done.
- thepld

Kane and Panarin was the best line in hockey in 2016. Stan Bowman is a clown. Maybe we should send Toews back to winnepeg for there no 1 center. Try to get Panarin back. I think Hossa made Toews look good. He,s a 5 million dollar player at best.

I just have to interject here with something that was the topic on Sirius NHL today: the emergence/trust of Leafs coach Babcock in Travis Dermott, and how he was a big strong kid...
he is 5' 11 almost 200.

It is a new concept of anchor defenders being more like Gil Marotte b/c no one can find Elkholm unless you grow one





I think the game dictates skating now more than ever, and the hope is that your Ruttas and Forslings and the like round out as improved in their own end defenders, but there are only so many REALLY good defenders.

I know TWO players on each NHL team HAVE to play on the first pair and a THIRD guy must anchor the second pair. It’s easy to argue that very many of the National Hockey League teams really don’t have true number one defenseman, just players talented enough to play big minutes and do a decent job. Some of these number one defenders are average or under-sized players that push the pace and do a decent job in their own end. This even gets more skewed when you take in account the new prototypical offensemen rovers, undersized (who basically, are using their feet, getting their stick on the right side of the attacker) and are being protected in the defensive schemes. Solid two way impact with high skill and quick feet & hands are valuable commodities, and if I was a GM, I would be hesitant in trading one even if he was older, and high high Cap hit. But nah, the Chicago trio, the Nashville quads, all are valuable more valuable than a underachieving youngster….

...that is why whoever picks first and early in top four wins this draft...
- wiz1901

Wiz! Good to hear from you! Hope you're well

Thanks for chiming in--always appreciate your insight. Good stuff here.

Rocky, McD, and Bowman have chosen their path. Keep Q and the core, get younger (cost controlled) and faster, and hopefully better. With the NMC's and big contracts that the core has they did not have many options.

If Q objects to the path or upper management object to Q they will part ways. But I do not think that happens (at least not this year or during the Summer). I think they both have taken a longer view and bought off on the idea of trying a youthful retooling while the core is still pretty capable.

Many on here will say the core is now old and trash. But if the youthful supporting cast blossoms I think we will see the core will re-emerge.

Rocky, McD, and Bowman have chosen their path. Keep Q and the core, get younger (cost controlled) and faster, and hopefully better. With the NMC's and big contracts that the core has they did not have many options.

If Q objects to the path or upper management object to Q they will part ways. But I do not think that happens (at least not this year or during the Summer). I think they both have taken a longer view and bought off on the idea of trying a youthful retooling while the core is still pretty capable.

Many on here will say the core is now old and trash. But if the youthful supporting cast blossoms I think we will see the core will re-emerge.
- -Doh-

I agree. I think Q gets one more year with the kids to see what he can get going. People say it's his fault he isn't instilling the guys with the drive to win, but all the kids are the ones doing well. His message is getting through to them, but not the core? I don't buy it.

This board has become the focal point of Captain Obvious. How many times do we need to be reminded 19,7,2 and a few others are overpaid and suck? I know I got it about 10,000 posts ago. Hell even Q got it and said so today in not so many words.

Its not going to change and only get worse so please please please spare us posts that start with crap like 10.5 million reasons or some other non sense. Its tired and played out.

queue the Captain Obvious gif...
- riozzo

not everyone has neither the time nor the inclination to read every post...anybody can post what ever they desire...even if you are bothered by it or its been repeated...

Bowman a clown
- Flatz

the joke would have been on him when he had to sign Panarin and the Cap wouldn't have room in the wallet for yet another 9-10 million dollar player...don't doubt someone will pay him either, Sandy.

Rocky, McD, and Bowman have chosen their path. Keep Q and the core, get younger (cost controlled) and faster, and hopefully better. With the NMC's and big contracts that the core has they did not have many options.

If Q objects to the path or upper management object to Q they will part ways. But I do not think that happens (at least not this year or during the Summer). I think they both have taken a longer view and bought off on the idea of trying a youthful retooling while the core is still pretty capable.

Many on here will say the core is now old and trash. But if the youthful supporting cast blossoms I think we will see the core will re-emerge.
- -Doh-

I think that's a reasonable viewpoint. I think Q and the coaches go, and a fresh voice comes in before any major changes on the roster.

Even in a Utopian world, where there are no NTC/NMC's and anyone is tradeable, ask yourself realistically what you would get in return, and as a fan are you ready for that possibility.

It's easy to say so-and-so sucks, lets move him, but what are you going to get in return, and even more importantly where does that leave your roster in terms of being competitive.

Any trades of "core guys" for picks and/or prospects means that you are 2 or 3 years away from MAYBE being competitive. If you are sellers at the trade deadline, you are NOT going to get back an immediate difference maker, maybe you get some longer term cap relief. A trade of ANY core player (2/7/19/88/20/50) signals rebuild not reload/retool and means a few years minimum to return to contenders.

There is no such thing a "blow it up and rebuild" or "tanking" like the NBA or MLB. How well has all those years of high picks worked out for EDM? ARZ? etc. You need more that high picks and prospects. Vegas is proving that maybe you can do it without superstars, time will tell if they can keep it up.

Be careful what you wish for. Only last year everyone wanted Hossa gone, this year proves he meant a heck of a lot more than people gave him credit for.

I agree. I think Q gets one more year with the kids to see what he can get going. People say it's his fault he isn't instilling the guys with the drive to win, but all the kids are the ones doing well. His message is getting through to them, but not the core? I don't buy it.
- JRoenick97

He played Rutta and Forsling when it was clear they were off. He gets Murph going and then scratches. Kempny has the higest celing of all the D and instead of trying to get him playing at a top 4 role he moves him around and scratchs him. He plays Bouma and sharp ever game till we are in dire straits. he starts an AVG glass instead of a younger higher ceiling Forsburg. he keeps Keith on the PP when he is terrible and the PP is terrible. Finally get him off and we look better. he does that 2 mos ago that might be 3-4 more wins. He does things his way and it does not matter how it looks or turns out it seems. he rides it till you are gasping for you last breath of air.

This board has become the focal point of Captain Obvious. How many times do we need to be reminded 19,7,2 and a few others are overpaid and suck? I know I got it about 10,000 posts ago. Hell even Q got it and said so today in not so many words.

Its not going to change and only get worse so please please please spare us posts that start with crap like 10.5 million reasons or some other non sense. Its tired and played out.

queue the Captain Obvious gif...
- riozzo

Captain Invisible
Captain my Captain no more
Captain C riously should be removed
Captain somewhere else if you ask me

Captain Invisible
Captain my Captain no more
Captain C riously should be removed
Captain somewhere else if you ask me
- Hawkster

It's like the idea is he has to be the captain because he's a "face" of the organization and we have to appeal to the fans who equate Toews with Blackhawk hockey.

Rather than doing what might need to be done and removing the "C" or trading him. The way sports should operate.

But, I guess we have to obey the marketing Gods and casual fan base.

Captain Invisible
Captain my Captain no more
Captain C riously should be removed
Captain somewhere else if you ask me
- Hawkster

Alright let's get down to the nuts and bolts of a very serious issue: what will Bowman - or his sucessor if applicable - do about the albatross contracts, namely, Seabrook and Toews. The re-tool or rebuild is greatly affected not only by the dollars owed as it comprises too high a percentage of the salary cap, but also these two players are merely average performers with red flags attached to future performance level.

The players and the issue both are capricious in nature and there is no immediate relief vis - a- vis waving the magical tonic of a buyout. That cannot happen until the first year of the new collective bargaining contract. Correct? A team is allowed only so many buyouts per year(s)?

Loyalty gets in the way, perhaps, for all they have done and meant. Loyalty and rewarding both players only goes so far when won lost record nosedive and the quality of play from rostered players declines. McDonough has a problem marketing that - all of that - so he obviously has been evaluating and checking the options Bowman has to address.

Trading either player barely appears feasible. No one takes on bad contracts without raping you of a prized prospect. How does that even make sense, to trade even one piece of a rebuild sorely needed. Making a sacrificial payment by giving away some prospect only puts a very hot spotlight on bungled contracts. In a tough physical sport it brings to the forefront the inherent danger of long term contracts for players who have already toiled a lot

Not only when those contracts were signed, but now too I can hear that old television program line from "Lost in Space:" How applicable now, Danger Will Robinson, Danger Will Robinson.

If the Blackhawks are not, indeed, lost in space, then hopefully both contracts are bought out the first year possible. We cannot tolerate their worse performance which could exponentially turn even more bad year after year. Maybe we bite the bullet one more year. Then fiscal responsibility is adhered. Then, too, a proud two warriors would rather retire on a buyout. The evidence in their play would suggest this is the correct action to be taken by both parties [players and team].

It is the reaction time of an additional year which really sucks given the rebuild is on and playoffs are past tense yet strived for again.

https://www.secondcityhoc...eview-highlights-nhl-2018

I knew as soon as I saw it, maybe the Hawks still lose that game, maybe win but compromising the credibility of the sport and its officials controlling the outcome is a serious cause for concern.

I though people were crazy when they were saying the same thing about the Patriots but it was amazing how many huge, game deciding calls went there way.

- riozzo

Perhaps Q knows something about the health of his players that we do not.......just maybe !I would like to see the core get less ice time to finish out the schedule while giving the young guys more ice time and this includes some Rockford shuffle.

Q will never bash his 3 CUP winning CORE guys but I'm sure he sees what everybody else does. At least I hope his eyes are open. I'd be in favor of your lines just to see how they perform together. Toews and Kane together might be comical since 88 will be the only one that will ever have the puck. Saad will be doing fly-bys and 19 will be fallen on the ice or complaining to the zebras.
- Hawkytalk

Not so fast. . .of course he will. He has a habit of throwing the players under the bus when times are bad. He did it yesterday, and again today, he mentions the core's performance. This time he included everyone as underperforming (wonder how DBC or Schmaltz feels about that). I could respect it if he also pointed out things not working in the system or coaching decisions. Not the way you lead or motivate a young team.

@MarkLazerus

Joel Quenneville: "When we assess everybody's performance this year, I don't think anybody's exceeded expectations or come close to it, especially the top guys. But that's across the board this year. I don't think anybody should be satisfied with where they're at in their play."

I'm beginning to wonder are the refs beginning to steer these games. I think back to the way the Preds abused the Blackhawks especially Subban slew footing, cross checking, holding, slashing Toews throughout the entire series, is it a coincidence last night they call the goalie interference then allow the high stick goal taking 10 seconds to observe the video. If I wanted to watch something scripted ill watch WWE or boxing...