Justin Lowe: Will He Make the Team: Dylan Sikura In this edition of "Will he make the team?" I am featuring Dylan Sikura.

To be completely honest, I wasn't even going to feature him because I am in the belief that he is already on this team opening night in the top 9 unless an injury occurs. However, I've read more than a couple times where some fans see him better suited in Rockford.

First

Justin, any thought that one of DeBrincat or Sikura would be included in a package for a top 4D? When you have Debrincat, Sikura, Schmaltz and Kane in your Top 9 you are probably a little to light in the loafers for the playoffs. I don't think they need "meatheads" that are bodying people, but they have to have more compliments up front to free up Toews as you alluded to in your article.

What do you think, are there any "hockey trades" that would involve any of the young "sacred cows"?

Justin, any thought that one of DeBrincat or Sikura would be included in a package for a top 4D? When you have Debrincat, Sikura, Schmaltz and Kane in your Top 9 you are probably a little to light in the loafers for the playoffs. I don't think they need "meatheads" that are bodying people, but they have to have more compliments up front to free up Toews as you alluded to in your article.

What do you think, are there any "hockey trades" that would involve any of the young "sacred cows"?
- phantasmo

In my opinion, it would have to be for:
A. A relatively young D-man...maybe 27 or younger
B. Would have to be able to be under contract for 3-4+ years

And, they are very few and far between.

Other then that, I don't think Stan will part with ANY of the "Young guns" at this time...as that one Top 4 D-man does little to help the team THIS year, and it has to be something that helps 2-3 years from now.

Hey Justin!

Great comparison between Kerfoot and Sikura as they have many things in common besides their playing ability such as education out in Boston with Harvard and Northeastern. I had the pleasure to follow both of these guys in school. In Kerfoot senior year I thought he was their best player on their team that included Ryan Donato, Tyler Moy, Adam Fox, Madsen (goalie) and he looked very good against the big boys in the Frozen Four. So last year's results was no surprise to me.

I have been on the bandwagon about Sikura all along. FYI he would have followed in his older footsteps at Dartmouth but he could not get admitted (IVY's very tough). He looked good in his cup of coffee last year and should be able to build on it this year. So yes I do expect to make the team out of camp and hopefully play with linemates of similar ilk, decision-making and play-making.

Kerfoot is shiftier and plays with more speed and probably a little better hands while Sikura thinks the game better and slows it down in his head to play it fast.

Justin, any thought that one of DeBrincat or Sikura would be included in a package for a top 4D? When you have Debrincat, Sikura, Schmaltz and Kane in your Top 9 you are probably a little to light in the loafers for the playoffs. I don't think they need "meatheads" that are bodying people, but they have to have more compliments up front to free up Toews as you alluded to in your article.

What do you think, are there any "hockey trades" that would involve any of the young "sacred cows"?
- phantasmo

Honestly, at this point, I think Stan is standing by his baby core.

If a deal came up to get a guy like Jacob Trouba, would I personally do it... there's a good chance, yes.

Whether he's here or not in 3-4 years, I think that's when you see the Hawks "new" backend really take shape when you see how far guys like Jokiharju, Hillman, Gilbert, Carlsson, Boqvist, Beaudin and Mitchell have come.

We may need to exercise some patience over the next few years.

What I do hope is that this team is fast(er) and exciting this year, and most importantly are squeezing out more close games. I think that's how they get back into the playoffs!

Justin nice piece today you put out. I'm still wondering will Stan acquire a top 6 forward or if not then whom do you see making this team and what line combinations ? AS of now their top 6 is more like a top 5 at best ?

Saw this kid play a few times with Northeastern this year, was clearly a step ahead of everyone on the ice. Carried the puck with great poise and confidence, I also thought he looked better than Gaudette, small sample size though. Can't see why he wouldn't jump right into the top 9.

Saw this kid play a few times with Northeastern this year, was clearly a step ahead of everyone on the ice. Carried the puck with great poise and confidence, I also thought he looked better than Gaudette, small sample size though. Can't see why he wouldn't jump right into the top 9.
- ClaudeFather

Agreed. Even had 3 points in 5 games in his short stint in Chicago at the end of the year.

Flat out, they need guys like him to step up and play effectively if they want to get back into the playoffs!

Justin nice piece today you put out. I'm still wondering will Stan acquire a top 6 forward or if not then whom do you see making this team and what line combinations ? AS of now their top 6 is more like a top 5 at best ?
- Taylorst1

They are a top 6 and top 4 short IMO.

That's why I was lobbying for Rick Nash on a 1-year deal. Don't think it will happen but he would have looked good alongside Toews-Debrincat.

Of all the prospects vying for an NHL spot this September, I think Sikura has the best shot and is as good as done IMHO. Like you said, Justin, he's 23 and played all 4 years of NCAA. In his brief stint with the Hawks, I saw a player who could keep up with the pros, stay poised with and without the puck, and not be a liability.

My projection is at least 40 points and potentially up to 55 (realistically 45-50) if he gets top 6 time and a spot on the PP. Where he slots is still up in the air.

IMHO, Sikura plays top 6 with DeBrincat and Toews only if the 3rd line is sorted out and can help solidify a more balanced 4 lines that includes a bottom 6 that can play big minutes, take D zone draws to ease pressure off of Toews and Schmaltz, play solid defense, and can offer some offense.

That 3rd line is the pivotal factor since a good 4th line could be had with Kunitz, Kruger, and Hayden.

If a top 6 winger is acquired, then I could see Sikura playing 3rd line with Anisimov and Kahun. Nash as 2LW?

But if a dependable checking center who is good at faceoffs is acquired, then trying Sikura with Toews and DeBrincat and then the new 3C with Anisimov and Kahun might be options. Shore as 3C?

Of all the prospects vying for an NHL spot this September, I think Sikura has the best shot and is as good as done IMHO. Like you said, Justin, he's 23 and played all 4 years of NCAA. In his brief stint with the Hawks, I saw a player who could keep up with the pros, stay poised with and without the puck, and not be a liability.

My projection is at least 40 points and potentially up to 55 (realistically 45-50) if he gets top 6 time and a spot on the PP. Where he slots is still up in the air.
- AEL_Fox

He could probably wind up at points in the 40s - but some questions that I don't know the answers to:

Has he (or, for that matter, has AdB) learned how to play a quality two-way game in the NHL?

If not, would he be able to learn that in the Show under the tutelage of Q, Samuelsson, Granato, Dineen?

Or what he be better off learning under Colitton and his assistants and development coaches in Rockford?

There is more to top-level Cup-competing hockey than points.

They are a top 6 and top 4 short IMO.

That's why I was lobbying for Rick Nash on a 1-year deal. Don't think it will happen but he would have looked good alongside Toews-Debrincat.
- Justin Lowe

I think Sikura will be very solid this year, likely on the 3rd line and like you said with some time on the PP.

AA could be in the top 6, but at this point I think he'll be centering the 3rd line. That leaves Toews, Kane, Saad, Schmaltz and DeBrincat in the top 6. Nash could be an option for a temporary fixed but so could (via trade) Gagner, Dzingel, or Lindberg.

I know I mentioned Gagner in a previous thread, but Dzingel would be a solid option too. He's a pending UFA so if acquired he'd need to be re-signed or make sure Stan doesn't give up too much.

Saw this kid play a few times with Northeastern this year, was clearly a step ahead of everyone on the ice. Carried the puck with great poise and confidence, I also thought he looked better than Gaudette, small sample size though. Can't see why he wouldn't jump right into the top 9.
- ClaudeFather

Awesome, thanks! Did he play more on the right side or left?

Do we really need another undersized "possession oriented" guy with no net front presence in his DNA on the roster?

I am going to go with no.

A few guys like that, sprinkled in among other guys with a mix of skill set like....net front presence, ability to win board battles in the OZ and puck battles in the NZ, every team needs.

I am just wondering who is in the pipeline that can fill the other roles in the dirty areas. The roster still seems woefully tilted toward these smallish guys who if they can't score on a fast break rush once they make a zone entry and take their low percentage perimeter shot will forever be chasing back.

Toews, Kane, Saad, Schmaltz and DeBrincat in the top 6.
- DarthKane

Softest top five of six in the NHL.

Yikes.

YES he will be in the line mix opening night. His brief time last year, he did show poise and steadiness .... now it would be nice to see bit more of his flashy playmaking that he displayed in college. He might be best to start on third line, possibly with Anisimov and Kahun. He needs somebody with size on the line to help create more space, so he can create offense. The lack of size, could hurt in cycling the puck in the offensive zone also. Also he signed a two year entry contract, so it would be bit foolish to burn that last year at Rockford. Also, the Sikura family happens to be friends with the Quenville family

He could probably wind up at points in the 40s - but some questions that I don't know the answers to:

Has he (or, for that matter, has AdB) learned how to play a quality two-way game in the NHL?

If not, would he be able to learn that in the Show under the tutelage of Q, Samuelsson, Granato, Dineen?

Or what he be better off learning under Colitton and his assistants and development coaches in Rockford?

There is more to top-level Cup-competing hockey than points.
- StLBravesFan

No doubt, and hopefully Sikura and any other incoming youngster has a high compete level and defensive acumen.

Learn under Q's staff or Colliton's staff? Not sure which would be better for Sikura but I'm going to lean towards Q.

Maybe a similar trajectory as Schmaltz: start off in the NHL then get sent down to Rockford if a few things need to be refined but get recalled later in the season then never look back. I just don't see Sikura as that under ripened that he needs a long stint in the AHL. Maybe a really brief one or perhaps none at all like DeBrincat.

Softest top five of six in the NHL.

Yikes.
- Return of the Roar

That's why Stan needs to make some bold moves to make the team more physical

Seabrook for Lucic
Schmaltz for Wilson
Sikura for Roussel
Recall Martinsen
Play Hayden 19 - 20 minutes per night

BOOM! Plan the parade.

Do we really need another undersized "possession oriented" guy with no net front presence in his DNA on the roster?

I am going to go with no.

A few guys like that, sprinkled in among other guys with a mix of skill set like....net front presence, ability to win board battles in the OZ and puck battles in the NZ, every team needs.

I am just wondering who is in the pipeline that can fill the other roles in the dirty areas. The roster still seems woefully tilted toward these smallish guys who if they can't score on a fast break rush once they make a zone entry and take their low percentage perimeter shot will forever be chasing back.
- Return of the Roar

Hayden is the closest to the NHL that fits that bill. Also close is Martinsen. He's big but limited on talent, though.

Years down the line there are prospects like Entwistle, Slavin, and Barratt. Slavin is going to be a Q favorite.

Although quite small, I wouldn't count out Soderlund. He's fearless. Ejdsell is big but not sure if he's a net presence guy.

Other than that, not much else. I don't see big sized prospects like Starrett, Iacopelli, and Olofsson making an impact at all and maybe never earning a call up. Maybe Olofsson out of that lot but not holding my breath.

Common denominator: they're all bottom 6 forwards. Maybe a few are middle 6 like Entwistle and Ejdsell but doubt it.

Softest top five of six in the NHL.

Yikes.
- Return of the Roar

It's how Stanley Bowman has built this team....small skill defenseman and small skill forwards are his favorites. Hopefully guys like Entwistle, Hayden can become legit middle 6 power forwards. If Erik Karlsson is the "best case scenario" for Adam Boquist, then you should watch Ottawa play. Karlsson is mediocre (at best) in his own zone, and arguably a liability when the puck isn't on his stick.

It's how Stanley Bowman has built this team....small skill defenseman and small skill forwards are his favorites. Hopefully guys like Entwistle, Hayden can become legit middle 6 power forwards. If Erik Karlsson is the "best case scenario" for Adam Boquist, then you should watch Ottawa play. Karlsson is mediocre (at best) in his own zone, and arguably a liability when the puck isn't on his stick.
- EnzoD

While he's overly big Hillman is larger than most of the other Hawks prospects on defense. I expect to see Hillman become a regular at some point, just not at the start of the season.

While he's overly big Hillman is larger than most of the other Hawks prospects on defense. I expect to see Hillman become a regular at some point, just not at the start of the season.
- DarthKane

Me too.

Hillman blog coming up next.

While he's overly big Hillman is larger than most of the other Hawks prospects on defense. I expect to see Hillman become a regular at some point, just not at the start of the season.
- DarthKane

hillman looked solid, and IMO this is the season where Connor Murphy shows himself to be either an improving player that MIGHT be a #4 stay at home guy....or he is what he is.....a 3rd pair guy with limited offense, and poor foot speed.