https://theathletic.com/508797/2018/09/12/pronman-top-100-nhl-prospects-entering-the-2018-19-season/

The Athletic has 3 Blackhawks in the top 100 NHL prospects list: Boqvist at 25, Sikura at 69, and Jokiharji at 86. Wise was listed as an honorable mention.
- AEL_Fox

My prediction.... Sikura will be nominated for, but will not win, the Calder trophy.

No I am not. What I meant was that the full year GAA was 3.07 INCLUDING CC's pretty stellar 29 games he played.
- Return of the Roar

Yeah you are. You need to compare the goals for and against for the 29 games while Corey was active to the goals for an against on the remaining games when Corey was not active. It tells a different story.

My prediction.... Sikura will be nominated for, but will not win, the Calder trophy.


- DarthKane

I have the same prediction for Sikura (finalist but not the winner). If he makes the team, Jokiharju makes a solid case but still think Sikura is ahead of him.

My predictions for training camp surprises: Beaudin, Knott, and Tyler Sikura. I don't think that necessarily parlays into a roster spot, though, given the numbers game.

I expect Dylan Sikura, Hayden, Kahun, Kampf, Highmore, Johnson, Fortin, Martinsen, Hillman, and Jokiharju to have strong camps and push for roster spots so not counting them as surprises.

I have the same prediction for Sikura (finalist but not the winner). If he makes the team, Jokiharju makes a solid case but still think Sikura is ahead of him.

My predictions for training camp surprises: Beaudin, Knott, and Tyler Sikura. I don't think that necessarily parlays into a roster spot, though, given the numbers game.

I expect Dylan Sikura, Hayden, Kahun, Kampf, Highmore, Johnson, Fortin, Martinsen, Hillman, and Jokiharju to have strong camps and push for roster spots so not counting them as surprises.
- AEL_Fox

Could totally do it, though I feel like this might be one of the most stacked group of Calder potentials. Below are just some off the top of the head guys that could really break out (if they play). A lot of them will potentially have bigger roles than Sikura, who I think Q will try to start off in a lower line role.

I'm not even sure Jokiharju will make the team, much less be in the Calder race but one can hope.

Boston: Donato

Buffalo:Dahlin, Mittelstadt

Carolina: Svechnikov, Necas, Zykov

Detroit: Zadina

Florida: Borgstrom

Nashville: Tolvanen

St. Louis: Thomas (if he plays wing)

Tampa: Cirelli

Vacouver: Pettersson, Gaudette

Winnipeg: Vesalainen

Could totally do it, though I feel like this might be one of the most stacked group of Calder potentials. Below are just some off the top of the head guys that could really break out (if they play). A lot of them will potentially have bigger roles than Sikura, who I think Q will try to start off in a lower line role.

I'm not even sure Jokiharju will make the team, much less be in the Calder race but one can hope.

Boston: Donato

Buffalo:Dahlin, Mittelstadt

Carolina: Svechnikov, Necas, Zykov

Detroit: Zadina

Florida: Borgstrom

Nashville: Tolvanen

St. Louis: Thomas (if he plays wing)

Tampa: Cirelli

Vacouver: Pettersson, Gaudette

Winnipeg: Vesalainen
- L_B_R

Yeah, long shot for Sikura. I saw a recent article by the Hockey News where the listed the Calder hopefuls for each team. Pretty big candidate pool this year of really viable youngsters. Will be an exciting year as far as overall NHL rookies.

ETA: I would add Miro Heiskanen from the Stars as a potential finalist.

Yeah, long shot for Sikura. I saw a recent article by the Hockey News where the listed the Calder hopefuls for each team. Pretty big candidate pool this year of really viable youngsters. Will be an exciting year as far as overall NHL rookies.

ETA: I would add Miro Heiskanen from the Stars as a potential finalist.
- AEL_Fox

I almost added him but pulled back cause I wasn't sure if he was playing in the NHL this season. Dallas d-group is really young outside of Methot - like n average age of like 24 and then adding in a 19 year old seems like a lot.

Jake Allen will be sidelined for the start of training camp (10-14 days) with back spasms. The Blues will also be without Erik Foley (concussion) and Luke Opilka (hip) indefinitely.

I almost added him but pulled back cause I wasn't sure if he was playing in the NHL this season. Dallas d-group is really young outside of Methot - like n average age of like 24 and then adding in a 19 year old seems like a lot.
- L_B_R

If the Stars don't have room for Heiskanen, they can just send him over to the Hawks. We'll make room.

In all seriousness, this summer I have read both that he may break the Stars lineup this season or that he's still a year away. No clear consensus on his ETA.

I went to all the games at the traverse city tournament and there is no one that should be playing big league club this year.

The defensemen at at least 1-2 years away and the forwards except Ejdsell and maybe Fortin are the same. I know Sikura scores some goals but on the whole he did not stand out like Debrincat did last year.

But there is some talent so we have to be patient.

If the Stars don't have room for Heiskanen, they can just send him over to the Hawks. We'll make room.

In all seriousness, this summer I have read both that he may break the Stars lineup this season or that he's still a year away. No clear consensus on his ETA.
- AEL_Fox

I'd guess Heiskanen is good enough to be in their bottom pairing, it's just whether he'd be adding balance to the defense core. They already have two bottom pairing guys in Methot-Johns, so can he slot top 4 on an already young defense group? Next to maybe Honka who is still finding himself too? Seems like a lot to ask.

Now, if Dallas really did get Karlsson and they didn't have to give up Heiskanen to do it, that could elevate some of those worries. It seems weird that Ottawa wouldn't want Heiskanen or one of the roster defenders in return, though. If they settled for Honka without then also getting one of their top forward guys, idk.

I went to all the games at the traverse city tournament and there is no one that should be playing big league club this year.

The defensemen at at least 1-2 years away and the forwards except Ejdsell and maybe Fortin are the same. I know Sikura scores some goals but on the whole he did not stand out like Debrincat did last year.

But there is some talent so we have to be patient.
- Sn1362

Don’t see where there’s much of a choice at this point. Someone has to play to fill out the roster.

Jake Allen will be sidelined for the start of training camp (10-14 days) with back spasms. The Blues will also be without Erik Foley (concussion) and Luke Opilka (hip) indefinitely.
- walleyeb1

Enter Chad Johnson.

I like St. Louis' tean this year but don't love the Allen/Johnson duo that much.

I went to all the games at the traverse city tournament and there is no one that should be playing big league club this year.

The defensemen at at least 1-2 years away and the forwards except Ejdsell and maybe Fortin are the same. I know Sikura scores some goals but on the whole he did not stand out like Debrincat did last year.

But there is some talent so we have to be patient.
- Sn1362

Are you saying Sikura is farther away from the NHL than Edjsell? Cause I highly disagree. I'm warming to Edjsell because his shot is elite, but Sikura is just better and was the best forward in this tournament for the Hawks. His skating is top notch, his puck handling is excellent, and he has great playmaking instinct and a good shot.

Debrincat last year is an interesting case because he didn't standout at prospect camp or the regular season camp, but showed up for the tournament and pre-season games. Sikura has two years in a row of being the standout at prospect camp and having good tournaments as well. The consensus last year was hoping Sikura would suddenly change his mind cause they could use him too.

I honestly don't know how anyone comes away from the tournament not thinking Sikura was easily the best forward prospect and most likely to make an impact in the NHL. I don't know if he'll be on the team instantly or stay up the whole time, but his skill is higher than anyone else at the tournament for sure. Guess that's how opinions work though lol.

Don’t see where there’s much of a choice at this point. Someone has to play to fill out the roster.
- walleyeb1

Of course they have a choice - they could just sign a few of the guys that are desperate to play in the NHL. There are dozens of guys who are gong to get PTOs with teams but not be signed that could easily fill in if need, even if that would make this season a little like 2011 and mark it as a throw-away one.

If the Hawks were obsessed with current success over future potential, they would have drafted a forward or two instead of Boqvist/Beaudin and/or thrown some huge money at a FA or two. They would have done what they did with Manning and Ward, gotten some meh guys to fill in as placeholders for the future.

When some of the young guys makes this roster, it'll be because the org feels it's the best place for them for their development, not just because it'll fill out the team imo.

I have the same prediction for Sikura (finalist but not the winner). If he makes the team, Jokiharju makes a solid case but still think Sikura is ahead of him.

My predictions for training camp surprises: Beaudin, Knott, and Tyler Sikura. I don't think that necessarily parlays into a roster spot, though, given the numbers game.

I expect Dylan Sikura, Hayden, Kahun, Kampf, Highmore, Johnson, Fortin, Martinsen, Hillman, and Jokiharju to have strong camps and push for roster spots so not counting them as surprises.
- AEL_Fox

For sure with Sikura! I have followed and touted him and his older brother when they were at NE and Dartmouth and like I have stated, Dylan is the better player. Like anything else, lots of things have to fall in place such as who he plays with. Also of course, how the Hawks do as a team. Dylan needs guys that can think like him and execute (follow through) on that thought-process...simply making plays!

Could totally do it, though I feel like this might be one of the most stacked group of Calder potentials. Below are just some off the top of the head guys that could really break out (if they play). A lot of them will potentially have bigger roles than Sikura, who I think Q will try to start off in a lower line role.

I'm not even sure Jokiharju will make the team, much less be in the Calder race but one can hope.

Boston: Donato

Buffalo:Dahlin, Mittelstadt

Carolina: Svechnikov, Necas, Zykov

Detroit: Zadina

Florida: Borgstrom

Nashville: Tolvanen

St. Louis: Thomas (if he plays wing)

Tampa: Cirelli

Vacouver: Pettersson, Gaudette

Winnipeg: Vesalainen
- L_B_R

100% agreed on the quality of rookies. Remember Debrincat was NOT on anybody's list or even dream for that matter, yet he garnered attention due to his goal-scoring season

100% agreed on the quality of rookies. Remember Debrincat was NOT on anybody's list or even dream for that matter, yet he garnered attention due to his goal-scoring season
- D2D

If Sikura wound up with Kahun and AA, I could see him having an ADB type season. However, I don't think that would get him into Calder trophy consideration. I do believe that we would have one of the best third lines in the NHL, though.

It is without a doubt and with consensus that the Hawks are devoid of a top 6 forward. Again, they should kick the tires on Rick Nash. Of course, it takes two to tangle. If he came on board, it would settle lineups issues (at least on paper or who knows with Q's blender). Now the disclaimer is maybe 1-2 Mil for this year only and a waiving of NMC. So if the Hawks are out of contention for the playoffs and Nash does well and is coveted as a rental, then trade him for draft picks (transition has started already). In essence, you are paying 1-2 Mil for quality players for the future. And here we go with the BIG IF:

Saad/Toews/Debrincat
Nash/Schmaltz/Kane
Kahun/AA/Sikura
Kunitz/Kruger or Kampf/Hayden

Yeah you are. You need to compare the goals for and against for the 29 games while Corey was active to the goals for an against on the remaining games when Corey was not active. It tells a different story.
- -Doh-

Dude....CC isn’t coming back. Anytime soon at least, and if he does, remember he hasnt had a game since 12/2017.

Yes, if you pretend Vezina CC is back in the lineup for all 82 games, and deny that its actually going to be the Ward/Forsberg show, the goal differential is nowhere near as dire.

Of course they have a choice - they could just sign a few of the guys that are desperate to play in the NHL. There are dozens of guys who are gong to get PTOs with teams but not be signed that could easily fill in if need, even if that would make this season a little like 2011 and mark it as a throw-away one.

If the Hawks were obsessed with current success over future potential, they would have drafted a forward or two instead of Boqvist/Beaudin and/or thrown some huge money at a FA or two. They would have done what they did with Manning and Ward, gotten some meh guys to fill in as placeholders for the future.

When some of the young guys makes this roster, it'll be because the org feels it's the best place for them for their development, not just because it'll fill out the team imo.
- L_B_R

I suppose that’s true but somehow I don’t see that happening, although the rumor mill is saying there’s been more chatter regarding Nick Shore. The Blackhawks are at 47/50 contracts, so there’s that too. We’ll see soon enough.

For sure with Sikura! I have followed and touted him and his older brother when they were at NE and Dartmouth and like I have stated, Dylan is the better player. Like anything else, lots of things have to fall in place such as who he plays with. Also of course, how the Hawks do as a team. Dylan needs guys that can think like him and execute (follow through) on that thought-process...simply making plays!
- D2D

Exactly. That's why pairing him with a player like Kahun sounds appealing. Kahun has great hockey sense and vision, ready to make quick plays finding the open teammate and seeking options. If they play with Anisimov, he could create space for them to operate.

If Sikura plays top 6, he would be able to play with skill players like Toews, Kane, Saad, DeBrincat, and Schmaltz. Regardless of what line he's on, he could also be a weapon on the PP.

I suppose that’s true but somehow I don’t see that happening, although the rumor mill is saying there’s been more chatter regarding Nick Shore. The Blackhawks are at 47/50 contracts, so there’s that too. We’ll see soon enough.
- walleyeb1

I sure hope so...I've been wanting us to sign him since mid July.

Nashville Predators’ forward Austin Watson has been suspended for all preseason and the first 27 games of the 2018-19 regular season, without pay, “for unacceptable off-ice conduct.”

What would it take to get Nylander from the Maple Loafs?

I suppose that’s true but somehow I don’t see that happening, although the rumor mill is saying there’s been more chatter regarding Nick Shore. The Blackhawks are at 47/50 contracts, so there’s that too. We’ll see soon enough.
- walleyeb1

The contract thing is easy enough to take care of by trading away some of the vet AHL guys. Or more to the fact, they would have not signed a couple of kids that they did this summer if they thought they needed the space. They could simply recall the older guys from the AHL (Martinsen, Schroeder, T.Sikura) to fill in spots so not to rush the legit prospects. They have options.

However, I agree, I don't see it happening either - not because they couldn't but because they think some of the younger players are ready. I just think it's reductive to say the org is only going to play young players because it's their only option. It's not - they're choosing this path because they hope guys like Sikura/Kahun/etc are ready. They'll send them down if they think they need the time - just like they did with TT and Schmaltz.