Halifax down 4-2 in the third.
- DarthKane

yeah watching

When you tune in tomorrow night take a close look at the players both the Bruins and Blues have down the middle of the ice. AA and Kampf would be healthy scratches for both teams. And the Hawks 3rd and 4th lines would be blown off the ice against either of these teams.

That's why one or even 2 of the kids like Kurashev, Entwistle, Kotalik, Highmore or Soderlund have a good shot at starting next season in Chicago or being recalled quickly in November. Because the bottom end of the current forward group needs an enema in order to get better so the team can just compete in the Central Division. Otherwise teams like Colorado, Winnipeg and the Blues will run over them in games that matter.

But I'm trusting Kelley to identify the best player available to him and go with it. And if that is a defenceman, thats who they will pick.
- RickJ

Cozens need a top 6 center prospect in the system. Plus i have been saying for a long time hawks need more grit and physical players to win board battles forecheck go to the front of the net and create hell i look at blues and bruins 4th lines both have played critical and impactful roles in getting both teams to the cup finals. Kampf no no no would be used as rag doll along with kahun and Perlini for example Caggulia Hayden good start to a 4th line that make impact like those lines. Trade kampf for paquette or someone like him physical plays with edge good at the dot and role player.

That just means he is the kid closest in strength offensive zone savvy to play sooner than the rest.

It is a good class of defenders but I see no true #1 defender there, period.

And there are a nice group that given time, will get their games ready to play NHL defense, especially some of those big boys needing time.
are they top pair guys?
I might argue Broberg is eventually because of his fit and style of play at both ends.

Just cause someone keeps telling you in a draft class that isn't FILLED in the top ten with defenders that you take the best one over best player because you get the number one defenseman of THIS draft...well...when you pick three you better get the BEST PLAYER from the class and expect a decade positive results on the entire sheet.
- wiz1901

Was just talking about this with a friend, when you have a top draft pick like this, the biggest mistake you can make is not taking the best player available.

Would it be better to have Lankinen play 25 games in the NHL backing up Crow or would it be better for him to the the "Man" in Rockford with Delia backing up Crow. Personally I am not a fan of Delia. I think Crow/Lankinen would be a very good combo. If they add some sand paper (Tanev) to the 4th line. That helps team D. If the team improves at all with a full training camp under Colliton the team D can be greatly improved.

Healthy Crow
Improved back up in Lankinen
Solid 4th line of Caggilua, Kampf, Tanev (or similar player)
Having 67 games and a full training camp learning Colliton's system

A few more personnel changes still need to be made (go Stan).
- -Doh-

I think we’d be better off letting Delia and Laniken split duties in Rockford and sign a cheap backup.

I think we’d be better off letting Delia and Laniken split duties in Rockford and sign a cheap backup.
- walleyeb1

Why?

I think we’d be better off letting Delia and Laniken split duties in Rockford and sign a cheap backup.
- walleyeb1

His first 5 games last season, he allowed 1+2+2+3+3=11 on 208 SA - .947 - pretty good with a lot of pressure thrown on him.

And he looked the part - good positioning, square to the puck, quick down and quick up, efficient movements, never lost his net....maybe stayed to much in his net, but he got it done.

He kinda fell apart after that - no games with less than 3 allowed, terrible numbers, looked completely different - looked like his confidence in his movements was gone - perhaps a bit shell shocked behind a ... well, we know the kind of defense played by the red sweaters in Chicago.

He wound up with pretty good numbers in Rockford.

I think the talent is there - put him with a reasonable NHL defense and he could very well perform ... uhhh ... very well.

Why?
- BMWChiFan

I just think they both need to develop, I don’t see either of them as the goalie I want to depend on to backup Crawford yet.

Laniken played 19 games in Rockford last season
2.50 0.910
Delia played 26 games in Rockford last season
2.48 0.922

How many goals did the bottom 6 six score combined last year yea need more scoring depth. Whether kelly and co. Take the defense man or center hawks are getting a really good player for years to come hopefully. Kampf depth forward he nothing special take or leave him IMO. Cozens is stilk my choice.
- Scott1977

Not sure how many 4th line centers or 4th liners in general would be described as "special". Kampf seems to be a constant object of your ire. Why's that? Doesn't hit enough? Not enough redass?

I think he's a decent comp for the guy he's likely replacing (Kruger), with a bit more size.

Wasn't last season his first full one in the league? Well, I suppose the book's been written on him and there's no room to improve. (bright red font)

I remember when Kruger was trying to find his way as a 4th line center and was routinely blasted in these parts because his knuckles failed to reach the ground.

I think Kampf can be a decent pivot for the 4th line...jmo, and I suppose we'll see this season.

Think you're right on the mark with all of this. Won't be the end of the world if Hawks choose Byram but I agree I hope the best available is a center because I think top line forwards is our big get need for the future.
- HamiltonHawk

Kane, Toews, Cat, Strome aren’t going away any time soon

That’s 4 legit top end talents at forward that we’ll have for the foreseeable future

How many top end talents do we have on the blue line?

I totally respect your p.o.v., but I have to disagree. The good years as a number 1 center for Toews won't last forever. Strome is unproven, I lIke him, but he needs to prove his success wasn't a fluke. Anisimov might be traded, I like him, but idk about his future. Kampf, what production? He's a great fourth liner, but production ... our top 6 is definitely coming along, I won't argue that. Depth is still in question, we were top heavy. I don't think Rockford has a top 6 forward at the moment.

As far as defence, you seem positive about the dmen we drafted that have little to no nhl experience. You've ruled out Joki, Boq, Beaudin etc. they can't be number one dmen, but Byram can? All, some, or none can make it or reach their ceilings. I think we have a lot of question marks on d and haven't seen or given them a chance. I like Byram, don't get me wrong, I will be happy if Kelley & co. select him, I'm saying my preference is for a center. There are too many potentially great centers to spend on d when that cubbard is stocked. If they pan out is the question, but we can only hope as fans.
- I Am The Breadman

Byram is hands down better than any of our D prospects

He would instantly become our best overall prospect

When you tune in tomorrow night take a close look at the players both the Bruins and Blues have down the middle of the ice. AA and Kampf would be healthy scratches for both teams. And the Hawks 3rd and 4th lines would be blown off the ice against either of these teams.

That's why one or even 2 of the kids like Kurashev, Entwistle, Kotalik, Highmore or Soderlund have a good shot at starting next season in Chicago or being recalled quickly in November. Because the bottom end of the current forward group needs an enema in order to get better so the team can just compete in the Central Division. Otherwise teams like Colorado, Winnipeg and the Blues will run over them in games that matter.

But I'm trusting Kelley to identify the best player available to him and go with it. And if that is a defenceman, thats who they will pick.
- RickJ

Ok

I’ll do u one better

Compare those 2 teams blue lines to ours

What do you see?

Byram is hands down better than any of our D prospects

He would instantly become our best overall prospect
- SimpleJack

Caufield is still the obvious choice, but after that I’d go with Byram.

Byram is hands down better than any of our D prospects

He would instantly become our best overall prospect
- SimpleJack

I think he's great & like the reports on him. Just curious, have you been able to watch him? I haven't been able to watch anyone, & I look for anyone who watches the top draftees.

As far as center position goes Toews and Strome are our top 2 Cs moving forward. Strome isn’t at his age with his talent and chemistry w/ DCat going to regress, he’s only going to get better.

Kampf is a legit 4C

AA could be replaced and upgraded, but that’s something we can do via trade or FA...find a legit 3C/bottom 6 piece.

That’s not something you look to acquire with a top 3 pick

With a pick like that you want to add a game changer and right now we need a defenseman of that caliber rather than a center.

I think he's great & like the reports on him. Just curious, have you been able to watch him? I haven't been able to watch anyone, & I look for anyone who watches the top draftees.
- I Am The Breadman

No I haven’t watched him play a game but I’ve read a lot about him and what kind of player he projects to be. Also watched the YouTube videos. He looks amazing.

As far as center position goes Toews and Strome are our top 2 Cs moving forward. Strome isn’t at his age with his talent and chemistry w/ DCat going to regress, he’s only going to get better.

Kampf is a legit 4C

AA could be replaced and upgraded, but that’s something we can do via trade or FA...find a legit 3C/bottom 6 piece.

That’s not something you look to acquire with a top 3 pick

With a pick like that you want to add a game changer and right now we need a defenseman of that caliber rather than a center.
- SimpleJack

The bottom line is it really doesn’t matter what any of us think, the Blackhawks approach for the pick will be the best player available. They won’t draft based on need unless they’ve rated both players as equal.

No I haven’t watched him play a game but I’ve read a lot about him and what kind of player he projects to be. Also watched the YouTube videos. He looks amazing.
- SimpleJack

Gotcha. Thanks.

Byram is hands down better than any of our D prospects

He would instantly become our best overall prospect
- SimpleJack

According to Craig Button? CSS ?

If Byram is determined the best prospect by Hawks scouting staff, sure.

As far as center position goes Toews and Strome are our top 2 Cs moving forward. Strome isn’t at his age with his talent and chemistry w/ DCat going to regress, he’s only going to get better.

Kampf is a legit 4C

AA could be replaced and upgraded, but that’s something we can do via trade or FA...find a legit 3C/bottom 6 piece.

That’s not something you look to acquire with a top 3 pick

With a pick like that you want to add a game changer and right now we need a defenseman of that caliber rather than a center.
- SimpleJack

Odds are good that this pick won't be a game changer next year, so the analysis of the roster needs to take into consideration whatever plans the GM has 1,2,3 years out. It could be that whenever this draft pick is ready the Hawks needs are different than they are today.

According to Craig Button? CSS ?

If Byram is determined the best prospect by Hawks scouting staff, sure.
- wiz1901

He’s easily better in his own end than Boqvist and just as good if not better offensively.

Much better offensively than Joker

I think he can be the next Heiskanen/Makar

Instant impact top end talent which we desperately need on defense

Have to think Delia is looking behind his shoulder a bit lately. Lankinen could really challenge for the backup role on the Hawks.
- AEL_Fox

Lankinen article coming up first thing tomorrow AM.

Caufield is still the obvious choice, but after that I’d go with Byram.
- DarthKane

You find yourself draft tickets yet DK?

You find yourself draft tickets yet DK?
- Tyler Cameron

Not yet, but I have a couple leads.

I know you like Byram more than I do but I LIKE YOU, because this is so on point and honest!
- wiz1901

Wiz, I love your contribution to the board, it’s great to read your perspective.

I remember last year that you were hoping the hawks would take whichever high end forward remained at the spot where they drafted boqvist. Do you think it’s possible that in your scouting, you prefer forwards over d because it is easier to project their strengths and weakness to the nhl?

I just bring it up because this year you seem anti byram whereas from other sources he looks like the pick, and last year you were also looking much more heavily at the forwards?