Based on their play since January 1, not a complete surprise...
- RaleighHawk

It surprised 24 out 25 people.

I saw a quote the other day from Stan Bowman in regards to having a high draft pick while Kane/Toews/Keith have something left in the tank, to which Bowman responded:

“Whoever we draft this year, they’re going to play within the next two years. They may not play next year. Those guys are still going to be on the team. There’s no reason to think their play is going to drop off.”

So to me, this all but rules out the possibility of a kid who is more green. And for those who still considered the possibility of Keith being moved to a team like Florida, I think you can cross that possibility out.

and for that matter the teams below them, b/c I really want Spencer Knight.
If I wasn't so sure we needed help elsewhere I would as GM take him at #3 but that is basically impossible.

If they cold acquire slot #23, there would be a chance that the rest of the league intent on scooping the big defenders and the ret of the skilled forwards wouldn't gamble this early, but after we get slot three (or five) we can gamble.

What if the hawks board is a true tie between three kids at #3?

then I know they are smart enough to see my point.

(I have emailed each and every the hawks organization, so they may know my plan not that it is THEIR plan.)
- wiz1901

Hey Wiz, I like Knight too. He also looks terrific handling the puck which I feel like isn’t something most goalie prospects are capable of and it’s a skill they acquire as they become older/more experienced.

How does Knight compare to other first round goalies in recent years (i.e Jack Campbell, Ilya Samsonov, etc.)

Question for you guys, do you think NYR would move their second pick for the Blackhawks third + Gustafsson?

I ask because NYR has no d-man with offensive abilities to run a PP and push the rush like Gus, and The Russian would still be there at #3(helping them to draw Panarin in?).
- Bjm84

Hawks would want more if Gus was included in the deal. The guy has more value than moving up from 3 to 2 in the draft.

Hey thanks been wondering about that ..
- oldduffman

No problem, Duffy.

It sure does. How much magic do they have left though?
- Tyler Cameron

I think the magic has run out. Ottawa is a very deep team from the net out.

Interesting how the winningest coaches in NHL history are so unpopular with fans as soon as they lose. Babcock ain't good anymore because the Leafs can't get past Round 1; Hitchcock is yesterday's man cause the Oilers don't win with a star like McDavid; Q ran every good young player in and out of his doghouse and ruined them.

Name me the players who burned out because of Q's "doghouse nonsense". Who are they - Jeremy Morin, David Rundblad, Jimmy Hayes, Anton Forsberg? Must be a few other greats too that went on to stardom elsewhere.
- RickJ

TT, Daley, Kempny...

As far as your assumption that i hated Q because he was losing, your completely wrong. I hated him since 2010 at the earliest. I saw something about the way the team played that annoyed me. Lack of complete effort from the opening faceoff to the final horn. Then the incessant line changes which truthfully is the reason why the team failed. The conflict of philosophy with the FO was the final nail in the coffin.

It surprised 24 out 25 people.
- Beaver-Warrior

People who haven't been paying attention.

People who haven't been paying attention.
- BINGO!

So you're Rob.7?

https://blackhawkup.com/2...lackhawks-this-offseason/

FWIW, an article about potential RFA and trade targets this summer. It starts with an overview of the RFA system and compensation structure then details on suggested targets.

Defense:
Trouba, Jets
Werenski, Jackets
Murray, Jackets
Lindell, Stars
Djoos, Caps (honorable mention)
Fleury, Canes (hm)

Forward:
Marner, Leafs
Kapanen, Leafs
Johnsson, Leafs
Vrana, Caps (hm)
Burakovsky, Caps (hm)

Trade targets:
Faulk, Canes
Pesce, Canes
Nurse, Oilers
Klefbom, Oilers
Nylander, Leafs

TT, Daley, Kempny...

As far as your assumption that i hated Q because he was losing, your completely wrong. I hated him since 2010 at the earliest. I saw something about the way the team played that annoyed me. Lack of complete effort from the opening faceoff to the final horn. Then the incessant line changes which truthfully is the reason why the team failed. The conflict of philosophy with the FO was the final nail in the coffin.
- gifman

Yeah that team sucked. Total lack of effort. Should’ve ran the table 16-0 in the playoffs.

I saw a quote the other day from Stan Bowman in regards to having a high draft pick while Kane/Toews/Keith have something left in the tank, to which Bowman responded:

“Whoever we draft this year, they’re going to play within the next two years. They may not play next year. Those guys are still going to be on the team. There’s no reason to think their play is going to drop off.”

So to me, this all but rules out the possibility of a kid who is more green. And for those who still considered the possibility of Keith being moved to a team like Florida, I think you can cross that possibility out.
- TommyHawk

Well that is the same honest assessment that there are probably two kids that are staying in the NHL next year, one who is ready, kaki and another whose skill set is a waste if not used on an NHL PP AND in even limited minutes before he physically develops..

https://theathletic.com/9...dish-forward-anton-wedin/

Bigger than Bobby Hull was when he started in the bigs 5 11 193

TT, Daley, Kempny...

As far as your assumption that i hated Q because he was losing, your completely wrong. I hated him since 2010 at the earliest. I saw something about the way the team played that annoyed me. Lack of complete effort from the opening faceoff to the final horn. Then the incessant line changes which truthfully is the reason why the team failed. The conflict of philosophy with the FO was the final nail in the coffin.
- gifman

Yeah i hated the Hawks from that point on too. It really drove me crazy they won two cups with no effort and no compete level.

Robin Lehner is a pending UFA. I wonder if he plans on testing the waters, or if he wants to stay on the Island? He made $1.5 this season.

Any takers?

Well that is the same honest assessment that there are probably two kids that are staying in the NHL next year, one who is ready, kaki and another whose skill set is a waste if not used on an NHL PP AND in even limited minutes before he physically develops..
- wiz1901

Hey Wiz. I see that the draft combine is coming up and I was curious to get your take on it. How impactful is the combine to a scout’s assessment of a prospect and/or how much can a prospect make an impression (either positive or negative) at the combine? Or put another way, does the combine matter much or are things pretty much set in terms of prospect evaluation?

Thanks.

Robin Lehner is a pending UFA. I wonder if he plans on testing the waters, or if he wants to stay on the Island? He made $1.5 this season.

Any takers?
- Ogilthorpe2

As a back-up to Crawford? Yes, but I think Lehner would be looking for a starting role?

Hey Wiz. I see that the draft combine is coming up and I was curious to get your take on it. How impactful is the combine to a scout’s assessment of a prospect and/or how much can a prospect make an impression (either positive or negative) at the combine? Or put another way, does the combine matter much or are things pretty much set in terms of prospect evaluation?

Thanks.
- Chief4Feathers

I'm not Wiz, but I think that it can make a huge difference for some that truly impress.

I remember the kid that the Jackets drafted last year - Liam Foudy - skyrocketed up draft boards (and went 18 overall) because he killed it during the combine.

I don't think it'll really make or break anyone near the top, however. But I could be completely off base here.

Robin Lehner is a pending UFA. I wonder if he plans on testing the waters, or if he wants to stay on the Island? He made $1.5 this season.

Any takers?
- Ogilthorpe2

They need a better plan B then Cam Ward. CC is still a coin flip if he can be healthy enough to shoulder the starting load. Would like to see Delia play an entire year in the AHL for more experience. Lehner as the back up?

If I remember correctly, there were quite a few people who ranked Tarasenko in the top 10, some in the top 5. The problem was that they were unsure of his future and they thought he’d stay in the KHL for a while since he would be making much more money.

Yeah i hated the Hawks from that point on too. It really drove me crazy they won two cups with no effort and no compete level.
- paulr

Two? All three Cups were won with a bunch of lollygaggers. I don't count any of them.

Two? All three Cups were won with a bunch of lollygaggers. I don't count any of them.
- HawkintheD

They weren’t lolligaggers - they just had a terrible coach.

I was just seeing people’s opinions on Laine vs Kakko. Would 3rd overall for Laine be similar value, if Winnipeg looking for young 2C? Have LW Laine C Toews RW Kane line.

I also liked the Rangers trade idea, but would try to make slightly bigger (all hypothetical):

3rd overall, Gustafson, 2020 2nd, 2019 4th, and a lower Dman prospect for 2nd overall (Kakko) and then 21st overall (Spencer Knight).

I'm not Wiz, but I think that it can make a huge difference for some that truly impress.

I remember the kid that the Jackets drafted last year - Liam Foudy - skyrocketed up draft boards (and went 18 overall) because he killed it during the combine.

I don't think it'll really make or break anyone near the top, however. But I could be completely off base here.
- TommyHawk

Thanks for the input. Makes sense - more opportunity for a lesser-known to improve their stock.

Robin Lehner is a pending UFA. I wonder if he plans on testing the waters, or if he wants to stay on the Island? He made $1.5 this season.

Any takers?
- Ogilthorpe2

Yes