I think that would have been 3 in 3 or at least 3 in 4 for the diminutive Bovqist, ebony. Think he was just a heathy scratch but can't find a box or recap on that tilt.
- Mr Ricochet

Makes sense.

LMAO

You know I lost all respect for Eklund when he was pimping "Dallas Dave" who turned out to be 2 kids making crap up. Yet Eklund swore Dallas Dave was legit.

I never clink on his links (e5)

Makes sense.
- EbonyRaptor

Just to note, a lot of players were healthy scratched at least one game during the showcase, especially the d-men. Q.Hughes, Dobson, and Bouchard all sat too - and since Hughes was one the best players, it wasn't for lack of quality performance obvs. They bring so many, they have to rotate them all in there somehow.

He's 14: https://www.eliteprospect...player/526979/luke-hughes
- Mr Ricochet

Cool. He'd be draft eligible in 2023. By then, the Hawks will be a perennial contender again. Hopefully.

The Sedins said they weren't coming across the pond unless they played on the same team. Vancouver had the higher pick. So I think Burke, who had strong ties with the league, had the NHL lean on the hawks to work something out.
- 6628

Great additional historical info. Stuff like this makes you scratch your head about theories out there that certain people have clout to leverage decisions.

Actually Sedins never thought that they´ll play in the same team at NHL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRBYw1lA8WA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTeO6R3bDl0

I'm very jealous of you guys that are close to a CHL club and can see it live. Remind me Justin what club are you close to in the great great great country of Canada?
- Mr Ricochet

I'm spoiled. Within a 2-hour radius I have:

Hamilton
Niagara
Guelph
Kitchener
Missaussaga
London
Oshawa

I'm spoiled. Within a 2-hour radius I have:

Hamilton
Niagara
Guelph
Kitchener
Missaussaga
London
Oshawa
- Justin Lowe

Lucky you!! Maybe its me but I have a feeling that a big move is coming as far as a trade. Don't know what or what teams would be involved just a gut feeling. Justin or anyone else have that feeling?

Trade deadline or pre-season?
- 35Tony0

Next year after the Leafs FAIL this season

I officially have watched all the 2018 World U-20 showcase games twice.
I never listen to the audio and was of course very interested in Adam Boqvist but also to simply see most of the players drafted in the last couple years up close prior to the Christmas Tourney.

This is basically older already drafted prospects and a smattering of guys drafted in the last one. (The tourney in a few weeks , the Ivan Hlinka will be the younger kids.

I watched each game twice, first watching one team then the next watching then other.

(You don’t expect all the kids to play all the games because they are played day after day.)

I loved that I got to see Boqvist to dispel the negativity I read here. He was never on the ice for a goal scored against, but remember, he is not going to be allowed top minutes b/c he is not an older guy; he didn’t play in the consulation game because his tongue was probably hanging from his mouth. It was clear what he could do, but there was no results. They played him on both the left point (and down low ala other side Kaner) and the right side. He had a few plays were he had pucks taken away, but don’t ever think he is not gonna feel afraid to just move up ,like a forward looking to receive a pass and get a shot off. Boqvist showed he can use his gifts in the defensive aspects when he nullified Jared McIssac when he got between the circles and stripped the puck away from him.

My emphasis was to try and get a good handle on little Jack Hughes, big Kaapo Kakko, and Raphael Lavoie, but I couldn’t keep thinking in terms of the last draft and how those kids looked.

The funny thing for me was there was this kid a raw boned one that looked like a definite NHL player down the road, a tall, fluid skating guy who simply made good pass after pass…he was #19 on Canada on their 3rd line….I realized one game in it was Mackenzie Entwistle, so I went back and watch game one again! He was playing with Phoenix draft pick Hayton, and they looked awfully good.

If he is more than 175 pounds, it is a surprise, and he is only gonna get better. That Hossa trade actually gots a a real prospect in return.

This tourney has only entrenched me in how much I still love Brady Tkachuk…anyone who doesn’t understand how good he is needs to re-immerse themselves in the sport.
I am gonna start lighting candles that eh goes back to school and like Kevin Hayes, stays there until he can sign with the,,,Blackhawks. (Dreaming)

I felt bad fro Beaudin in the USA Canada game when he pinched down and his team ending up giving giving ups a two one one goal to high schooler Jay O'Brien

Quinn Hughes is still what I thought he was…amazing. He barreled through Ian Mitchell like he didn't't exist; so all you guys who love posting the hawk defense pairs for 2020--22, have fun projecting but reality may bite you....

Evan Bouchard might play for Oilers, but still is not all that dynamic.

Oliver Wahlstrom lost more pucks in possession than Boqvist.

I was right having Ty Smith as pick #15 and he easily could have gone earlier than #17 where New Jersey drafted him.

The Swedish said first round and later selections seem to be all projections because it is tough to try and pull individuals out of the “system.”

Last thing - this was a good draft, but I wouldn’t get on bandwagons of guys taken after the top dozen, only be cause you will look like a fanboy…the players from 13- 75 all look good but have along road to be more than complimentary players … for now…

I officially have watched all the 2018 World U-20 showcase games twice.
I never listen to the audio and was of course very interested in Adam Boqvist but also to simply see most of the players drafted in the last couple years up close prior to the Christmas Tourney.

This is basically older already drafted prospects and a smattering of guys drafted in the last one. (The tourney in a few weeks , the Ivan Hlinka will be the younger kids.

I watched each game twice, first watching one team then the next watching then other.

(You don’t expect all the kids to play all the games because they are played day after day.)

I loved that I got to see Boqvist to dispel the negativity I read here. He was never on the ice for a goal scored against, but remember, he is not going to be allowed top minutes b/c he is not an older guy; he didn’t play in the consulation game because his tongue was probably hanging from his mouth. It was clear what he could do, but there was no results. They played him on both the left point (and down low ala other side Kaner) and the right side. He had a few plays were he had pucks taken away, but don’t ever think he is not gonna feel afraid to just move up ,like a forward looking to receive a pass and get a shot off. Boqvist showed he can use his gifts in the defensive aspects when he nullified Jared McIssac when he got between the circles and stripped the puck away from him.

My emphasis was to try and get a good handle on little Jack Hughes, big Kaapo Kakko, and Raphael Lavoie, but I couldn’t keep thinking in terms of the last draft and how those kids looked.

The funny thing for me was there was this kid a raw boned one that looked like a definite NHL player down the road, a tall, fluid skating guy who simply made good pass after pass…he was #19 on Canada on their 3rd line….I realized one game in it was Mackenzie Entwistle, so I went back and watch game one again! He was playing with Phoenix draft pick Hayton, and they looked awfully good.

If he is more than 175 pounds, it is a surprise, and he is only gonna get better. That Hossa trade actually gots a a real prospect in return.

This tourney has only entrenched me in how much I still love Brady Tkachuk…anyone who doesn’t understand how good he is needs to re-immerse themselves in the sport.
I am gonna start lighting candles that eh goes back to school and like Kevin Hayes, stays there until he can sign with the,,,Blackhawks. (Dreaming)

I felt bad fro Beaudin in the USA Canada game when he pinched down and his team ending up giving giving ups a two one one goal to high schooler Jay O'Brien

Quinn Hughes is still what I thought he was…amazing. He barreled through Ian Mitchell like he didn't't exist; so all you guys who love posting the hawk defense pairs for 2020--22, have fun projecting but reality may bite you....

Evan Bouchard might play for Oilers, but still is not all that dynamic.

Oliver Wahlstrom lost more pucks in possession than Boqvist.

I was right having Ty Smith as pick #15 and he easily could have gone earlier than #17 where New Jersey drafted him.

The Swedish said first round and later selections seem to be all projections because it is tough to try and pull individuals out of the “system.”

Last thing - this was a good draft, but I wouldn’t get on bandwagons of guys taken after the top dozen, only be cause you will look like a fanboy…the players from 13- 75 all look good but have along road to be more than complimentary players … for now…
- wiz1901

After watching Quinn Hughes this weekend, I’m quite annoyed he went to Vancouver at 7. Tzchuck skates exceptionally well for a giant kid. Nice to see Ian Mitchell playing solid for Canada, I will definitely be going to some Denver games this fall. Boquist is years away but hopefully he’s a PP1 scoring Dman. Wahlstrom is a big boy but didn’t look good, I agree. Jack Hughes isn’t McDavid good, but he’s a stud. #LoseForHughes

I loved that I got to see Boqvist to dispel the negativity I read here.

The funny thing for me was there was this kid a raw boned one that looked like a definite NHL player down the road, a tall, fluid skating guy who simply made good pass after pass…he was #19 on Canada on their 3rd line….I realized one game in it was Mackenzie Entwistle, so I went back and watch game one again! He was playing with Phoenix draft pick Hayton, and they looked awfully good.

- wiz1901

Hey wiz, I saw enough from Boqvist to feel pretty confident he will develop into a pretty good player.

I had a similar reaction to that big #19 kid playing for Canada ... and then realized it was Entwistle. The Entwistle-Hayton-(forgot the 3rd guy) line was clicking and was probably the best line for Canada when they played the Swedes. Hayton looked very good.

I officially have watched all the 2018 World U-20 showcase games twice.
I never listen to the audio and was of course very interested in Adam Boqvist but also to simply see most of the players drafted in the last couple years up close prior to the Christmas Tourney.

This is basically older already drafted prospects and a smattering of guys drafted in the last one. (The tourney in a few weeks , the Ivan Hlinka will be the younger kids.

I watched each game twice, first watching one team then the next watching then other.

(You don’t expect all the kids to play all the games because they are played day after day.)

I loved that I got to see Boqvist to dispel the negativity I read here. He was never on the ice for a goal scored against, but remember, he is not going to be allowed top minutes b/c he is not an older guy; he didn’t play in the consulation game because his tongue was probably hanging from his mouth. It was clear what he could do, but there was no results. They played him on both the left point (and down low ala other side Kaner) and the right side. He had a few plays were he had pucks taken away, but don’t ever think he is not gonna feel afraid to just move up ,like a forward looking to receive a pass and get a shot off. Boqvist showed he can use his gifts in the defensive aspects when he nullified Jared McIssac when he got between the circles and stripped the puck away from him.

My emphasis was to try and get a good handle on little Jack Hughes, big Kaapo Kakko, and Raphael Lavoie, but I couldn’t keep thinking in terms of the last draft and how those kids looked.

The funny thing for me was there was this kid a raw boned one that looked like a definite NHL player down the road, a tall, fluid skating guy who simply made good pass after pass…he was #19 on Canada on their 3rd line….I realized one game in it was Mackenzie Entwistle, so I went back and watch game one again! He was playing with Phoenix draft pick Hayton, and they looked awfully good.

If he is more than 175 pounds, it is a surprise, and he is only gonna get better. That Hossa trade actually gots a a real prospect in return.

This tourney has only entrenched me in how much I still love Brady Tkachuk…anyone who doesn’t understand how good he is needs to re-immerse themselves in the sport.
I am gonna start lighting candles that eh goes back to school and like Kevin Hayes, stays there until he can sign with the,,,Blackhawks. (Dreaming)

I felt bad fro Beaudin in the USA Canada game when he pinched down and his team ending up giving giving ups a two one one goal to high schooler Jay O'Brien

Quinn Hughes is still what I thought he was…amazing. He barreled through Ian Mitchell like he didn't't exist; so all you guys who love posting the hawk defense pairs for 2020--22, have fun projecting but reality may bite you....

Evan Bouchard might play for Oilers, but still is not all that dynamic.

Oliver Wahlstrom lost more pucks in possession than Boqvist.

I was right having Ty Smith as pick #15 and he easily could have gone earlier than #17 where New Jersey drafted him.

The Swedish said first round and later selections seem to be all projections because it is tough to try and pull individuals out of the “system.”

Last thing - this was a good draft, but I wouldn’t get on bandwagons of guys taken after the top dozen, only be cause you will look like a fanboy…the players from 13- 75 all look good but have along road to be more than complimentary players … for now…
- wiz1901

So wiz in your best guess from you saw from boqvist how long until he is in the nhl and what does he need to work on? I was fine with the pick woulda rather wahlstrom but cannot have to many high skilled d man in your system woulda like to see the hawks take veleno at 27 and depth at that position.

After watching Quinn Hughes this weekend, I’m quite annoyed he went to Vancouver at 7. Tzchuck skates exceptionally well for a giant kid. Nice to see Ian Mitchell playing solid for Canada, I will definitely be going to some Denver games this fall. Boquist is years away but hopefully he’s a PP1 scoring Dman. Wahlstrom is a big boy but didn’t look good, I agree. Jack Hughes isn’t McDavid good, but he’s a stud. #LoseForHughes
- EnzoD

Mitchell did indeed look good, especially stretch inside passes through the seam from his D Zone to the opposing blue line; it was tape to tape and hard. The only time that I saw he got caught/beat was when he was a tweener with Brady T at his O zone blue line where he either misjudged or misplayed a play where Brady T chipped the puck out of the zone and Mitchell got neither puck or Brady T, leading to a 2 on 1. He did look solid with Ty Smith running the PP. I also thought Ty Smith really looked great on the PP with such composure and reads while his passes were right on on their PP. Also as a smaller D, Smith looks to have a little more "bite" than say the other smallish D

I officially have watched all the 2018 World U-20 showcase games twice.
I never listen to the audio and was of course very interested in Adam Boqvist but also to simply see most of the players drafted in the last couple years up close prior to the Christmas Tourney.

This is basically older already drafted prospects and a smattering of guys drafted in the last one. (The tourney in a few weeks , the Ivan Hlinka will be the younger kids.

I watched each game twice, first watching one team then the next watching then other.

(You don’t expect all the kids to play all the games because they are played day after day.)

I loved that I got to see Boqvist to dispel the negativity I read here. He was never on the ice for a goal scored against, but remember, he is not going to be allowed top minutes b/c he is not an older guy; he didn’t play in the consulation game because his tongue was probably hanging from his mouth. It was clear what he could do, but there was no results. They played him on both the left point (and down low ala other side Kaner) and the right side. He had a few plays were he had pucks taken away, but don’t ever think he is not gonna feel afraid to just move up ,like a forward looking to receive a pass and get a shot off. Boqvist showed he can use his gifts in the defensive aspects when he nullified Jared McIssac when he got between the circles and stripped the puck away from him.

My emphasis was to try and get a good handle on little Jack Hughes, big Kaapo Kakko, and Raphael Lavoie, but I couldn’t keep thinking in terms of the last draft and how those kids looked.

The funny thing for me was there was this kid a raw boned one that looked like a definite NHL player down the road, a tall, fluid skating guy who simply made good pass after pass…he was #19 on Canada on their 3rd line….I realized one game in it was Mackenzie Entwistle, so I went back and watch game one again! He was playing with Phoenix draft pick Hayton, and they looked awfully good.

If he is more than 175 pounds, it is a surprise, and he is only gonna get better. That Hossa trade actually gots a a real prospect in return.

This tourney has only entrenched me in how much I still love Brady Tkachuk…anyone who doesn’t understand how good he is needs to re-immerse themselves in the sport.
I am gonna start lighting candles that eh goes back to school and like Kevin Hayes, stays there until he can sign with the,,,Blackhawks. (Dreaming)

I felt bad fro Beaudin in the USA Canada game when he pinched down and his team ending up giving giving ups a two one one goal to high schooler Jay O'Brien

Quinn Hughes is still what I thought he was…amazing. He barreled through Ian Mitchell like he didn't't exist; so all you guys who love posting the hawk defense pairs for 2020--22, have fun projecting but reality may bite you....

Evan Bouchard might play for Oilers, but still is not all that dynamic.

Oliver Wahlstrom lost more pucks in possession than Boqvist.

I was right having Ty Smith as pick #15 and he easily could have gone earlier than #17 where New Jersey drafted him.

The Swedish said first round and later selections seem to be all projections because it is tough to try and pull individuals out of the “system.”

Last thing - this was a good draft, but I wouldn’t get on bandwagons of guys taken after the top dozen, only be cause you will look like a fanboy…the players from 13- 75 all look good but have along road to be more than complimentary players … for now…
- wiz1901

While I certainly devote as much time as you in taking in these games, I share a lot of the same comments of about each player and here are some additional takes:

Boqvist will be fine as I think he is two full years away, more due to his body needing to fill out than his actual play. There is no doubt about his offensive talents and instincts so who you pair him with better be a solid stay-at-home D man

Mitchell might be a year away, possibly depending on how DU and the Hawks are doing, could be with the Hawks after his DU season sometime in March. First pass are are tape to tape and hard; he prefers to let the puck do the work. Being smallish, might have to pair him with a big lefty D, maybe Hillman his old DU teammate. I don't remember if they were paired together or not but they should be somewhat accustomed to each other.

Entwistle...I am not so sure about compared to most here. He just looked like he was too lanky where his body is not on the same page as his hockey brain. But he certainly has the frame to fill out, maybe a younger Hayden, left-handed. I'll admit this is all in limited viewing but I do like his prospects.

Beaudin...I did not see much to say one way or the other outside to say that he looked smallish out there. But I am bullish on him

Finally, shame on the NHL.com for not having Brady T in the top 10 performers in this tourney. From what I saw in the Canada vs US, Brady T was man among boys however you wanted to play the game, finesse or physical...he has both. He was by far the best player on the ice!

While I certainly devote as much time as you in taking in these games, I share a lot of the same comments of about each player and here are some additional takes:

Boqvist will be fine as I think he is two full years away, more due to his body needing to fill out than his actual play. There is no doubt about his offensive talents and instincts so who you pair him with better be a solid stay-at-home D man

Mitchell might be a year away, possibly depending on how DU and the Hawks are doing, could be with the Hawks after his DU season sometime in March. First pass are are tape to tape and hard; he prefers to let the puck do the work. Being smallish, might have to pair him with a big lefty D, maybe Hillman his old DU teammate. I don't remember if they were paired together or not but they should be somewhat accustomed to each other.

Entwistle...I am not so sure about compared to most here. He just looked like he was too lanky where his body is not on the same page as his hockey brain. But he certainly has the frame to fill out, maybe a younger Hayden, left-handed. I'll admit this is all in limited viewing but I do like his prospects.

Beaudin...I did not see much to say one way or the other outside to say that he looked smallish out there. But I am bullish on him

Finally, shame on the NHL.com for not having Brady T in the top 10 performers in this tourney. From what I saw in the Canada vs US, Brady T was man among boys however you wanted to play the game, finesse or physical...he has both. He was by far the best player on the ice!
- D2D

Sorry first sentence should read: certainly DO NOT devote...

Sorry first sentence should read: certainly DO NOT devote...
- D2D

Sounds like something trump would say! Is that you Donald?

Sounds like something trump would say! Is that you Donald?
- Spec41971

Nah, if it was, it would have been in Russian.

I'm fine with all those trades, I just don't want to see the Hawks give up significant future assets for patch-jobs er band-aids... I really don't know what the future holds for Sikura, I see him as a Hinostroza-type player with better hands and more offensive upside, so using him as bait is a bit intriguing because we don't know what we have in him yet given he had a cup of coffee last year with the Hawks..

I would love to bring in Faulk, but at the same time remember that the Hawks are a couple of years away from having at least 4 young top-4 defenseman with very high ceilings in Boqvist, Henri Jokiharju, Beaudin & Mitchell and lets not forget the slew of of other young defenseman the Hawks have, some of which will earn #5-6 spots and the fact we still have Keith, Seabrook and Murphy for several more years.. So you don't want to give up significant assets for a guy like Faulk who may be redundant after a couple of years...

The same goes for the 2nd line left wing spot, the Hawks need a one-year patch there. I mean I'm absolutely convinced and expecting that Bowman will re-sign Panarin next summer, so that spot will be taken (95% certain).... Going after patches makes total sense because he's a pending UFA, however only if Anisimov (and Sikura and a pick) goes to Montreal in the deal - a deal like that really would open the doors to Panarin's return given that the Hawks lose Anisimov cap hit for next season... The Hawks in that situation would have $27,000,000 in cap space to work with next summer, which is more than enough to get Panarin signed long-term and get both Schmaltz & DeBrincat signed long-term as well and STILL have plenty of cap space to make other additions if needed.... Also, in that scenario the Hawks top 6 would be set long-term and the Hawks have more than enough talent to build a really really good and young bottom 6 over the next couple of seasons....

The Hawks real weakness going forward (in the foreseeable future) is goaltending..

So yea, at this point (and if I was in Bowman's shoes) I wouldn't be interested in giving up young players that have the potential to play significant roles for the Hawks long-term..... And I totally understand you have to give to receive, but I also understand the Hawks needs are temporary so you don't want to give up a kid that may not be ready yet to fill those holes...

Going forward I think the smart thing to do would be to sign Nash or Brouwer (or invite one or both to cap if they remain unsigned going into camp) and fill that LW void that way..... I would certainly give the kids every opportunity to fill that hole.

There is not much the Hawks can do about a #4 defenseman right now without having to give up an arm or leg to do it, and giving up a pound of flesh for a quick fix would be absolutely out of the question...

Remember, you (us Hawks fans) need to look beyond this season and IMO a good GM plans for the future... So what if the Hawks suck for 1-2 seasons if they can set themselves up to have another decade + of contending (for) and winning the Cup?? - small price to pay IMO...

I like the kids the Hawks drafted, and Bowman has had some steals over the last few years (especially in 2018) with guys like Wise and Nordgren... I mean Wise had he not been injured could have been a first round pick and Bowman got him in the 3rd round, Nordgren would have gone much-much higher, perhaps even the first round if he was bigger, so he slipped in the draft due to DeBrincat syndrome ... And lets not forget the Hawks know how to develop prospects, so with that said I look forward to the future.... Yes I'm optimistic, the Hawks keep hitting home runs in the draft.. I mean the first 4 guys the Hawks took in the draft are cant-miss prospects...

I suppose my point with all this is that Bowman shouldn't do anything drastic.. He should fill that LW hole with a UFA like Nash or Brouwer, and hope that the vets have a rebound season, and that Q can concoct a defense that has chemistry with what we already have in the system...Because over the course of the next couple of years things will fall into place for the Hawks, but this time around there will be no "cap hell" if Bowman manages the cap and his RFA's properly.

And yes, Panarin will absolutely be a Blackhawk next summer.... Only way he wont be is if he's not signed by his September 14th deadline, or if he's traded to a team where he likes the team and city more than Chicago, and that team is willing to extend him long-term... But I think Panarin's goal is to return to Chicago... I mean I think it would take 12-13 million for Panarin to sign long-term in Columbus and I cant blame him either. I've been to Columbus when I was Panarin's age and I thought the city/town totally sucked (and I'm from the US, I'm sure it sucks more when you're a young Russian that cant speak English).. I mean you cant even buy a bottle of Vodka in Columbus, hard alcohol is banned there.....So I totally understand why Panarin has no interest in staying in Columbus.... And sorry to those reading this that are from Columbus, but those are just my opinions on the city -- I'm sure there are plenty of folks that love it (but you can count me out, lol and Panarin too apparently).

I'm fine with all those trades, I just don't want to see the Hawks give up significant future assets for patch-jobs er band-aids... I really don't know what the future holds for Sikura, I see him as a Hinostroza-type player with better hands and more offensive upside, so using him as bait is a bit intriguing because we don't know what we have in him yet given he had a cup of coffee last year with the Hawks..

I would love to bring in Faulk, but at the same time remember that the Hawks are a couple of years away from having at least 4 young top-4 defenseman with very high ceilings in Boqvist, Henri Jokiharju, Beaudin & Mitchell and lets not forget the slew of of other young defenseman the Hawks have, some of which will earn #5-6 spots and the fact we still have Keith, Seabrook and Murphy for several more years.. So you don't want to give up significant assets for a guy like Faulk who may be redundant after a couple of years...

The same goes for the 2nd line left wing spot, the Hawks need a one-year patch there. I mean I'm absolutely convinced and expecting that Bowman will re-sign Panarin next summer, so that spot will be taken (95% certain).... Going after patches makes total sense because he's a pending UFA, however only if Anisimov (and Sikura and a pick) goes to Montreal in the deal - a deal like that really would open the doors to Panarin's return given that the Hawks lose Anisimov cap hit for next season... The Hawks in that situation would have $27,000,000 in cap space to work with next summer, which is more than enough to get Panarin signed long-term and get both Schmaltz & DeBrincat signed long-term as well and STILL have plenty of cap space to make other additions if needed.... Also, in that scenario the Hawks top 6 would be set long-term and the Hawks have more than enough talent to build a really really good and young bottom 6 over the next couple of seasons....

The Hawks real weakness going forward (in the foreseeable future) is goaltending..

So yea, at this point (and if I was in Bowman's shoes) I wouldn't be interested in giving up young players that have the potential to play significant roles for the Hawks long-term..... And I totally understand you have to give to receive, but I also understand the Hawks needs are temporary so you don't want to give up a kid that may not be ready yet to fill those holes...

Going forward I think the smart thing to do would be to sign Nash or Brouwer (or invite one or both to cap if they remain unsigned going into camp) and fill that LW void that way..... I would certainly give the kids every opportunity to fill that hole.

There is not much the Hawks can do about a #4 defenseman right now without having to give up an arm or leg to do it, and giving up a pound of flesh for a quick fix would be absolutely out of the question...

Remember, you (us Hawks fans) need to look beyond this season and IMO a good GM plans for the future... So what if the Hawks suck for 1-2 seasons if they can set themselves up to have another decade + of contending (for) and winning the Cup?? - small price to pay IMO...

I like the kids the Hawks drafted, and Bowman has had some steals over the last few years (especially in 2018) with guys like Wise and Nordgren... I mean Wise had he not been injured could have been a first round pick and Bowman got him in the 3rd round, Nordgren would have gone much-much higher, perhaps even the first round if he was bigger, so he slipped in the draft due to DeBrincat syndrome ... And lets not forget the Hawks know how to develop prospects, so with that said I look forward to the future.... Yes I'm optimistic, the Hawks keep hitting home runs in the draft.. I mean the first 4 guys the Hawks took in the draft are cant-miss prospects...

I suppose my point with all this is that Bowman shouldn't do anything drastic.. He should fill that LW hole with a UFA like Nash or Brouwer, and hope that the vets have a rebound season, and that Q can concoct a defense that has chemistry with what we already have in the system...Because over the course of the next couple of years things will fall into place for the Hawks, but this time around there will be no "cap hell" if Bowman manages the cap and his RFA's properly.

And yes, Panarin will absolutely be a Blackhawk next summer.... Only way he wont be is if he's not signed by his September 14th deadline, or if he's traded to a team where he likes the team and city more than Chicago, and that team is willing to extend him long-term... But I think Panarin's goal is to return to Chicago... I mean I think it would take 12-13 million for Panarin to sign long-term in Columbus and I cant blame him either. I've been to Columbus when I was Panarin's age and I thought the city/town totally sucked (and I'm from the US, I'm sure it sucks more when you're a young Russian that cant speak English).. I mean you cant even buy a bottle of Vodka in Columbus, hard alcohol is banned there.....So I totally understand why Panarin has no interest in staying in Columbus.... And sorry to those reading this that are from Columbus, but those are just my opinions on the city -- I'm sure there are plenty of folks that love it (but you can count me out, lol and Panarin too apparently).
- Savard2Secord

Dude - easy on the Kool Aid

1. Panarin wants a contract no Hawk GM should sign. Have enough of those now.

2. There is n such thing as a can’t miss prospect unless they are McDavid or Hedman types. At LEAST two more years for all of them to see if they can play big boy hockey.

3. The defense is still a train wreck. As long as Murphy is the number three guy behind Keith and Seabrook, thry have a LONG way to go.

4. They have NO forecheck to speak of, and no plan to add any. They are all n on speed and skill, so I predict this season will be just like last season: one and done rushes with D men pinching too much causing odd man breaks the other way, and quality chances galore, without CC backing them up.

Yeah - who cares if they play badly for snother year or two? I don’t. Just be sure that false pride to beat a rival at the end of next season doesn’t hose them out of an NHL ready draft pick again.

I stand firm that our #8 pick this past draft will be a bust. Winning those last few games ladt season cost us Tkachuk - the guy this team really needed.

I'm fine with all those trades, I just don't want to see the Hawks give up significant future assets for patch-jobs er band-aids... I really don't know what the future holds for Sikura, I see him as a Hinostroza-type player with better hands and more offensive upside, so using him as bait is a bit intriguing because we don't know what we have in him yet given he had a cup of coffee last year with the Hawks..

I would love to bring in Faulk, but at the same time remember that the Hawks are a couple of years away from having at least 4 young top-4 defenseman with very high ceilings in Boqvist, Henri Jokiharju, Beaudin & Mitchell and lets not forget the slew of of other young defenseman the Hawks have, some of which will earn #5-6 spots and the fact we still have Keith, Seabrook and Murphy for several more years.. So you don't want to give up significant assets for a guy like Faulk who may be redundant after a couple of years...

The same goes for the 2nd line left wing spot, the Hawks need a one-year patch there. I mean I'm absolutely convinced and expecting that Bowman will re-sign Panarin next summer, so that spot will be taken (95% certain).... Going after patches makes total sense because he's a pending UFA, however only if Anisimov (and Sikura and a pick) goes to Montreal in the deal - a deal like that really would open the doors to Panarin's return given that the Hawks lose Anisimov cap hit for next season... The Hawks in that situation would have $27,000,000 in cap space to work with next summer, which is more than enough to get Panarin signed long-term and get both Schmaltz & DeBrincat signed long-term as well and STILL have plenty of cap space to make other additions if needed.... Also, in that scenario the Hawks top 6 would be set long-term and the Hawks have more than enough talent to build a really really good and young bottom 6 over the next couple of seasons....

The Hawks real weakness going forward (in the foreseeable future) is goaltending..

So yea, at this point (and if I was in Bowman's shoes) I wouldn't be interested in giving up young players that have the potential to play significant roles for the Hawks long-term..... And I totally understand you have to give to receive, but I also understand the Hawks needs are temporary so you don't want to give up a kid that may not be ready yet to fill those holes...

Going forward I think the smart thing to do would be to sign Nash or Brouwer (or invite one or both to cap if they remain unsigned going into camp) and fill that LW void that way..... I would certainly give the kids every opportunity to fill that hole.

There is not much the Hawks can do about a #4 defenseman right now without having to give up an arm or leg to do it, and giving up a pound of flesh for a quick fix would be absolutely out of the question...

Remember, you (us Hawks fans) need to look beyond this season and IMO a good GM plans for the future... So what if the Hawks suck for 1-2 seasons if they can set themselves up to have another decade + of contending (for) and winning the Cup?? - small price to pay IMO...

I like the kids the Hawks drafted, and Bowman has had some steals over the last few years (especially in 2018) with guys like Wise and Nordgren... I mean Wise had he not been injured could have been a first round pick and Bowman got him in the 3rd round, Nordgren would have gone much-much higher, perhaps even the first round if he was bigger, so he slipped in the draft due to DeBrincat syndrome ... And lets not forget the Hawks know how to develop prospects, so with that said I look forward to the future.... Yes I'm optimistic, the Hawks keep hitting home runs in the draft.. I mean the first 4 guys the Hawks took in the draft are cant-miss prospects...

I suppose my point with all this is that Bowman shouldn't do anything drastic.. He should fill that LW hole with a UFA like Nash or Brouwer, and hope that the vets have a rebound season, and that Q can concoct a defense that has chemistry with what we already have in the system...Because over the course of the next couple of years things will fall into place for the Hawks, but this time around there will be no "cap hell" if Bowman manages the cap and his RFA's properly.

And yes, Panarin will absolutely be a Blackhawk next summer.... Only way he wont be is if he's not signed by his September 14th deadline, or if he's traded to a team where he likes the team and city more than Chicago, and that team is willing to extend him long-term... But I think Panarin's goal is to return to Chicago... I mean I think it would take 12-13 million for Panarin to sign long-term in Columbus and I cant blame him either. I've been to Columbus when I was Panarin's age and I thought the city/town totally sucked (and I'm from the US, I'm sure it sucks more when you're a young Russian that cant speak English).. I mean you cant even buy a bottle of Vodka in Columbus, hard alcohol is banned there.....So I totally understand why Panarin has no interest in staying in Columbus.... And sorry to those reading this that are from Columbus, but those are just my opinions on the city -- I'm sure there are plenty of folks that love it (but you can count me out, lol and Panarin too apparently).
- Savard2Secord

I went to Ohio State and there was no shortage of Vodka in my 4 years of undergrad. I haven’t been back in years but this is hard to believe.

I agree Hawks will likely be a lottery team again. Boquist is probably a 20/21 season target for NHL action. Jokiharju maybe this year, Ian Mitchell maybe next year...Beaudin who knows.

Panarin, in theory, shouldn’t ask for more than Kucherov’s $9 mil. Move Anisimov, Rutta and that’s nearly $7mil. I think he ends up in NYC with the NYR as a UFA. Big city, $10mil AAV, and young talented Russians Namestikov and Buchnevic.

Saying Wise and the Finnish kid are “can’t-miss prospects” is a stretch considering Wise was cut from the final Team USA roster this weekend. Nice prospects, but far from a guarantee.


Why would Nash want to come here? Brouwer for 1yr $1mil I like.

Actually Sedins never thought that they´ll play in the same team at NHL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRBYw1lA8WA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTeO6R3bDl0
- MjulQvist

Burke is a lawyer and worked for the league at some point. Could be a story he cooked up, but that was the word in Chicago regardless of who said it.

Toews didn't make the top 20 or the 5 "on the bubble" centers in the NHL

https://www.nhl.com/news/...c-299666242?tid=290583266

https://www.nhl.com/news/...c-299653790?tid=290583266

That has to be a first and if that doesn't motivate him, nothing outside of winning another Cup will.

LBR (or others) - does this seem fairly assessed based on your knowledge of his game vis-a-vis the others?

Dude - easy on the Kool Aid

1. Panarin wants a contract no Hawk GM should sign. Have enough of those now.

2. There is n such thing as a can’t miss prospect unless they are McDavid or Hedman types. At LEAST two more years for all of them to see if they can play big boy hockey.

3. The defense is still a train wreck. As long as Murphy is the number three guy behind Keith and Seabrook, thry have a LONG way to go.

4. They have NO forecheck to speak of, and no plan to add any. They are all n on speed and skill, so I predict this season will be just like last season: one and done rushes with D men pinching too much causing odd man breaks the other way, and quality chances galore, without CC backing them up.

Yeah - who cares if they play badly for snother year or two? I don’t. Just be sure that false pride to beat a rival at the end of next season doesn’t hose them out of an NHL ready draft pick again.

I stand firm that our #8 pick this past draft will be a bust. Winning those last few games ladt season cost us Tkachuk - the guy this team really needed.
- Return of the Roar

Right, we should sell off the future so we can win right now and then suck for a decade? lol

C'mon dude..

Panarin at 9-10 million if affordable, the cap went up - not only that but in a couple of years there will be a Seattle franchise which will further boost the cap....

Look, in 4 years 9-10 million will be peanuts for player of Panarin's talent... Look at Keith's contract... Soon enough players will be signing for 13-15 million dollar deals.. Wait and see what Matthews gets, Dalhin for that matter as well.

What you want is for the Hawks to win now, and then deal with the future when it comes, that's what Bowman did and that's why the Hawks had a terrible season this past year.... Signing Panarin is NOT a bad move - he will be 27 when he signs and signing him until he's 35 will not be a big deal....

But like I said in my post - the Hawks sign Panarin, Schmaltz & DeBrincat long-term and they have a top 6 that is signed for the foreseeable future, something Bowman doesn't have to worry about..... And the Hawks have more than enough talent to fill out the bottom 6 forwards..... If Bowman plays his cards right, this team could be a real beast in a couple of years...

And when I say "cant miss" I mean that -- these kids will be NHL players, and Boqvist a potential franchise defenseman.. The Hawks know how to develop prospects, so I have total faith that these kids will hit (or come very close to hitting) their ceilings...

The Hawks will have one of most dynamic defenses in the NHL in 2-3 years... I know 70% of Hawks fans are expecting failure, but I'm not...... Most Hawks fans think the only way the Hawks can win is with Toews, Keith and Kane and we "MUST trade future assets while the Toews, Keith & Kane window is still open"......

No, Bowman is doing the right thing..... Standing pat, allowing the kids an opportunity to fill roster spots that are open.... And I'm sure if he signs a guy like Brouwer Hawks fans will cry about it.....

I don't know why Hawks fan's see Kool-Aid in optimism...

I know hockey pretty well dude - I've been a "hockey nut" for 35 years, I'm not some bandwagon fan.... These prospects will pan out... Go look at Bowman's draft record - he hit's a home run in basically every draft, or manages to draft several players the go on to have successful NHL careers... Bowman allows players to develop at their own pace, and if Jokiharju steps into a top 4 role (offensively he's more than ready) then that will make it 4 out of 5 years the Hawks got a stud that paid off (minus 2015, but the Hawks didn't even have a first round pick, and it's not too late for others drafted in 2015 to pan out)..

Look at his draft record and the guys that have played roles in the NHL:

2017: Jokiharju (he will make the team)
2016: DeBrincat, Hillman (who has top 4 potetnial)
2015: No one yet
2014: Schmaltz, Sikura (there are others on the cusp of joining the league)
2013: Hartman (who turned into Edjsell,Beaudin & Nordgren), Hayden, Dahlstrom
2012: Teravainen, Hinostroza (who got the Hawks MacKenzie Entwistle who will be a beast)
2011: Saad, Danault, Shaw (who got us DeBrincat), Dahlbeck
2010: Hayes, Johns & Nordstrom

But I should be pessimistic about Bowman and the Hawks scouting staff's eye for talent? lol....

Oh and lets not forget - it's not like the Hawks were ever drafting from a position of strength - they always had later round picks, yet they find gold in later rounds.. Bowman has only had ONE bust in the First Round and that was McNeil, but he followed that draft up by drafting Saad, Danault, Shaw (who got us Cat) & Dahlbeck.

Yet I shouldn't be excited about the future? lol

The Hawks know how to draft and develop players, and this 2018 draft may be the best ever and will probably be Bowman's best draft ever... I could see all the kids drafted by Bowman in 2018 making the NHL at some point, but his first 5 picks absolutely will (if they stay healthy).... I mean Nordgren is basically a DeBrincat, and Wise going into 2017-18 was expected to be a first round pick but he was injured..

C'mon dude..

I can already see this team dominating 2-3 years from now.... A lot of these kids are going to be very good NHL players.

This decade is going to repeat itself going into the 2020's.

Sure the Hawks have a hole at 2nd line LW, and they need a top 4 D now, but the Hawks have 3-4 top 4 defenseman on the way in a couple of years.

The only "real" hole the Hawks have is at goaltending - they have no kid even close to filling the Hawks #1 role... And Crawford is 33 so that is a bit concerning - especially considering his "injury"..... So Bowman will need to figure out something there, he's going to need to acquire a top goalie prospect that is close (1-3 years away from starting in the NHL) or sign a legitimate young-ish starter as a RFA or UFA.

I'm hoping that Forsberg, Lankinen or Delia could be that guy.. Regardless, I think signing Nailonov would be a very good idea because I do not like the outlook for Crawford...IF Crawford comes back will he still be the "Crawford" he was last season and previously? .... Because he could come back and be backup material..

I went to Ohio State and there was no shortage of Vodka in my 4 years of undergrad. I haven’t been back in years but this is hard to believe.

I agree Hawks will likely be a lottery team again. Boquist is probably a 20/21 season target for NHL action. Jokiharju maybe this year, Ian Mitchell maybe next year...Beaudin who knows.

Panarin, in theory, shouldn’t ask for more than Kucherov’s $9 mil. Move Anisimov, Rutta and that’s nearly $7mil. I think he ends up in NYC with the NYR as a UFA. Big city, $10mil AAV, and young talented Russians Namestikov and Buchnevic.

Saying Wise and the Finnish kid are “can’t-miss prospects” is a stretch considering Wise was cut from the final Team USA roster this weekend. Nice prospects, but far from a guarantee.


Why would Nash want to come here? Brouwer for 1yr $1mil I like.
- EnzoD

I was in Columbus in 2005, I wanted to buy some rum, and the stores told me they weren't allowed to sell alcohol above a certain proof. I know bars served it... I thought it was bizarre.. If I remember correctly you had to buy booze from some "state store".... IDK, I didn't enjoy the city at all.

Back to hockey.

I don't see the Hawks as a lottery team - but they could go either way.. Playoff bubble team, they could contend - IDK, but I'm not expecting a "lottery team".... In the end I think it's going to come down to our defense and goaltending..

I'm certain Panarin will re-sign in Chicago, I think that was Bowman & Panarin's plan all along... Panarin was the perfect fit for Kane, and I just don't see Bowman giving up Panarin without intention to bring him back, I thought the same about the Saad deal - when I found out he was traded (for cap reasons, like Panarin) I said to myself "he will be back"...

Wise will certainly pan out, I mean he's not a #1 center but he will be a very good/above average #3 center that could play 2nd line center....And Nordgren is like DeBrincat, he was only passed on, er fell in the draft because of his size - he has all the talent in the world - just not the size.... If the guy was 6 foot he would have been a first round pick... I mean IMO, the Hawks got 2 first round pick talents in the 3rd round. Wise was injured (he was expected to be a first round pick going into the draft) and like I said, Nordgren isn't the biggest guy but he has first round talent.

As far as Nash, he's unsure if he's healthy enough to even play.. As to why he would want to come here - because players were polled 6 months ago about franchises they would like to play for and Chicago won that poll..... Chicago is a very desirable destination...

As far as Brouwer - I think signing him to a 1-year 1m deal would be a very good move..

Either way I expect this team will be a lot better next season..... Kunitz will help, bringing Kruger back was HUGE and I think some of these kids progressed with a year of NHL experience under their belt..... And don't forget that all the veterans had terrible seasons last year so I expect them to rebound from that.... Also, the Hawks have something to prove again for the first time in a decade... The Hawks always were expected to make a deep run, now "fans" are calling them a lottery team -- that really has to light a fire under Toews a$$..